Legal 500 recommendations for 11 experts at Bridge McFarland

Picture shows (from left) Mike Wilson, Rob Ripley, Joanne Wright, Lee Whiting and Nicola Barrass.

REGIONAL law firm Bridge McFarland has made its mark in the 2017 edition of the Legal 500 with recognition for its work and for 11 of its specialist lawyers in commercial law, and in medical and personal injury litigation.

The survey, which is the largest and most in-depth of the UK legal market, recommends Bridge McFarland in Hull and East Yorkshire for dispute resolution in the area of commercial litigation and for human resources in the employment field.

Specifically, there are recommendations for Rob Ripley in dispute resolution and for Lee Whiting and Nicola Barrass in human resources.

The guide says Rob is “highly regarded” as head of a dispute resolution practice which “has a strong team that inspires confidence in clients.” It adds that the employment law practice “covers the full spectrum of employment law matters, including handling team moves, restrictive covenants and trade union and industrial action issues.”

TUPE transfer issues are described as a “particular strength” of the team, with Lee, as department head, recommended for sector expertise in transport and logistics, healthcare and construction, and Nicola described as a “key figure” with a strong track record handling multi-party litigation around TUPE.

Rob Ripley said: “I’m incredibly proud of what our commercial team have managed to achieve since we came to Hull just five years ago. Our Partners, many of whom have been personally named in the Legal 500 for their work at Bridge McFarland, and previously for work done at other local and regional law firms, made the decision to migrate from those firms and to offer clients the same quality of service in a more cost-effective and user-friendly way. The fact that we are already being ranked alongside firms who have been around for well over 100 years and that we have been recognised by our clients and the local business and professional communities in this way is a remarkable achievement.” 

Bridge McFarland is recommended for its clinical negligence work on behalf of claimants in the Yorkshire and Humber region, with specific references to the work of Lorraine Taylor and Lynsey Furley.

The guide reports: “Bridge McFarland’s clinical negligence clients recommend the practice without hesitation. It provides an excellent level of service and support, and timely and appropriate advice throughout the case’s lifecycle.”

Lorraine is praised for her “combination of professionalism and ability to make the client feel valued.”

Lorraine said: “The accolade means a lot particularly as the recommendation comes from past and present clients. The work we do is difficult and clients have very often been badly affected by what has happened to them. To know that you have done a good job for them and have, in the process, made them feel valued makes it all worthwhile”. 

The firm’s work on behalf of personal injury claimants in the region also earns a recommendation. There is individual recognition for Leanne Keating for claims involving industrial accidents and diseases, and for Kathryn Hudson, singled out for her expertise in claims involving injured seafarers and in handling serious and fatal injuries arising from motorcycle accidents. James Burrell is recommended for work on cases involving brain and spinal cord injury and amputation.

The firm is also recommended for its work on behalf of clinical negligence and personal injury claimants in the East Midlands region. There are individual references to department head Ian Sprakes, Danielle Barney and Stephen Lambert, with the guide highlighting their efficiency in assisting people with “maximum severity” claims.

Senior Partner, Stephen Lambert, said: “Bridge McFarland has a strong reputation in Clinical Negligence, Personal Injury, Employment law and litigation. Our team have specialist accreditations in their particular field and this prestigious accolade properly reflects their dedication to achieving the very best for our clients who are always put at the centre of the process.”