Switalskis Solicitors has opened its first office outside of Yorkshire with the appointment of two clinical negligence lawyers and director David Thomas, who will spearhead the firm’s new London location.
Thomas, who was previously a partner at Simpson Millar, will lead a team in Switalskis’s new office near Liverpool Street in central London.
Clare Gooch, who was formerly a partner at Stone Rowe Brewer, will work alongside Thomas. The pair are joined by clinical negligence solicitor Chantelle Cooper, also from Simpson Millar, where she worked with Thomas for four years, progressing from paralegal to solicitor in this complex area of law.
Commenting on the move to Switalskis, 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.”
Durkan commented: “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’s clinical negligence team operating out of offices in Yorkshire. The team represents clients with extremely complex claims arising from unacceptable standards of maternity care leading to obstetric/gynaecological injuries; cerebral palsy and brain injury; stillbirths and neonatal deaths. The overall team has expertise across the full range of clinical negligence claims.
Suzanne Munroe, who leads the department, said: “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.”
David Thomas and Suzanne Munroe (seated) with John Durkan, Chantelle Cooper and Clare Gooch (standing, L-R) / Image: Switalskis Solicitors
