Key appointments bolster Switalskis' presence in London
By John Durkan
Switalskis has expanded its highly acclaimed clinical negligence team with the appointment of two talented clinical negligence lawyers and director, David Thomas, who will spearhead a new office in London.
David Thomas, who was previously a partner at Simpson Millar LLP, will be the director leading the team from Switalskis’ new office near Liverpool Street in central London. Clare Gooch, who was formerly a partner at Stone Rowe Brewer LLP, will work alongside David. The pair are joined by clinical negligence solicitor Chantelle Cooper, also from Simpson Millar where she worked with David for four years, progressing from paralegal to solicitor in this complex area of law.
Having qualified as a solicitor in 2010, Clare has gained a wide knowledge and experience in many areas of clinical negligence, including dental negligence, delay in diagnosis and mismanagement of treatment resulting in injury. Clare is passionate about client care and ensuring that clients are fully supported throughout the clinical negligence process.
David specialises in acting exclusively for claimants – mother and child – in maternity cases and has a proven track record in this high value and challenging area of the law. He has worked in the profession for 30 years and proudly holds dual membership of Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA) and the Law Society specialist panels. His area of expertise involves complex and high value clinical negligence claims, with a particular interest in birth injury cases.
Says David Thomas: “I am excited to have this amazing opportunity to head Switalskis’ new London office, and to be part of the group led by MD, John Durkan. I feel humbled by the quality and reputations of the lawyers in the clinical negligence department, headed by Suzanne Munroe.
“Switalskis has an excellent reputation in maternal cases and, after my discussions with John and the senior management team, it soon became apparent that we shared the same values and vision. With the support of the board of directors, I am fully committed to broadening Switalskis’ footprint beyond Yorkshire and developing a dedicated team of like-minded lawyers.”
John Durkan says, “Our expansion into London reflects the increasing demand for our services in this area of law. Our ability to attract such talent in London is testament to the reputation of our existing team of excellent specialist lawyers. The new office opens up our reach outside Yorkshire and also gives our existing team a base when they are working on cases in the capital.”
The new office extends Switalskis’ highly acclaimed clinical negligence team, operating out of offices in Yorkshire, with a national reputation which attracts the most technically challenging and high-profile claims. The team represents clients with extremely complex claims arising from unacceptable standards of maternity care leading to obstetric/gynaecological injuries; and brain injury; stillbirths and deaths. The overall team has expertise across the full range of clinical negligence claims.
Suzanne Munroe, who heads the growing department, adds: “Clare, David and Chantelle have a wealth and breadth of experience which fits really well with us. Most importantly, their approach to the work we do is very much aligned with our client-first values. It’s fantastic to welcome them to the team, and to the firm.”
John has been Switalskis’ Managing Director for over 15 years. He was among the first non-lawyers in the UK to be named as a director of a law firm. John became Managing Director in 2007, following changes to SRA regulations.
