Legal 500 Recognises Experts at Bridge McFarland LLP
Nicola Barrass and Lee Whiting among those praised in the guide.
THE team at Bridge McFarland LLP has underpinned its status as one of the leading law firms in the Hull and Humber region by securing recommendations for 14 solicitors in the latest edition of the Legal 500.
The Legal 500 draws on feedback from clients and reviews of closed and ongoing cases to rank law firms and to recommend individual solicitors. It is recognised as a leading authority for the legal profession because of its impartiality.
The Dispute Resolution team at Bridge McFarland has maintained its position as one of the top teams in the area for Commercial Litigation. The guide states: “Rob Ripley, who focuses on contract, shareholder and director disputes and professional negligence claims, heads up the team, which also includes Mike Wilson, whose experience encompasses the construction, engineering, logistics, professional services and sport sectors; and property litigator Lydia Hamnett.”
The feedback from clients was particularly well received with one client saying: “Bridge McFarland has a highly capable litigation team with substantial experience of employee competition matters.”
Mike Wilson was also specifically mentioned, being described as “an extremely good litigator” by a client who added: “He is calm and clear-headed and experienced in dealing with injunction proceedings against ex-employees.”
The Employment department at Bridge McFarland LLP was ranked as one of three leading teams in the area. Department head Lee Whiting is described as offering advice which is “always considered and pitched appropriately”. Nicola Barrass, a partner in the department, is described as “charming, pragmatic, balanced, sensible and experienced.” The Employment team was also praised for providing legal advice which is “tailored around the business need and appetite for risk.”
Bridge McFarland LLP also earned recommendations for its personal injury and clinical negligence claimant work – being ranked as one of the top firms in Yorkshire and The Humber, and the highest ranked firm in Lincolnshire for this area of law by the Legal 500. The team has also been recognised for the dedication shown in supporting local charities and community groups.
The guide says the Clinical Negligence team, headed by Lorraine Taylor, “deals with a wide portfolio of cases relating to birth and brain injuries, orthopaedics and Cauda Equina, gynaecology, general surgery, oncology and gastroenterology. The team is accredited by The Foundation for Infant Loss, enabling it to deal with infant loss claims. The firm's commitment to this area of law is underlined by its engagement with local charities and other similar organisations.”
In commending the Personal Injury team at Bridge McFarland LLP, the guide says: “Bridge McFarland’s personal injury work is handled by a three-partner team, which, as well as industrial disease and road traffic accident cases, has experience of claims relating to asbestos and mesothelioma. Leanne Keating, who heads up the department, has been a partner for almost 15 years and handles a broad range of claims relating to brain injury and chemical exposures, among others.”
