Occupiers’ Liability and Public Liability
Department

Daniel Slade is the Chief Executive Officer (Legal) of Express Solicitors Limited and has been with the company since 2003. Daniel is head of the firm’s public liability team dealing with particularly complex cases. These include: pharmaceutical and product liability claims, group actions, sporting accidents, all types of foreign accidents, including those on aircraft’s and cruise ships, as well as cases involving complex European aspects of law.

Daniel deals with serious and catastrophic injury claims in high courts with a value in excess of £1m, having a particular expertise in brain injury, spinal injuries, cases involving amputation, pain syndromes and fatal accidents.

Daniel led the litigation in the United Kingdom against GlaxoSmithKline for type 2 diabetes sufferers, contending they suffered heart attacks, strokes and heart failures, including many deaths as a result of the medications, Avandia, Avandamet and Avandaryl, being prescribed to the majority of type 2 diabetes sufferers from 1999 for more than 10 years.

Additionally, Daniel dealt with many high-profile cases, suing Argos and other large furniture suppliers for skin conditions suffered by many individuals from their ‘toxic sofas’, suing Harvey’s for breathing conditions suffered as a result of a sofa protecting spray they sold, suing DuPuy for metal-on-metal hip replacements made, and more recently suing many cosmetic surgeries for ladies having suffered with ruptured PIP breast implants.

Daniel was classed as a Recommended Lawyer in the 2017 Legal 500 who said of him.

Express Solicitors Ltd has a ‘very professional and caring team’ that includes the ‘knowledgeable’ Daniel Slade, who ‘asks the right questions’

Daniel has represented sports personalities competing on a National level, TV personalities and even Judges.

His favourite quote comes from Chinese author on military strategy, Sun Tzu “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of 100 battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle”.

In 2013, Daniel was nominated under the ‘Young Lawyer’ category for the North West Insider Young Professionals Award. The Young Professionals Award provides a superb showcase for excellence in the Manchester professional community; all nominees have to be under the age of 35 coming from a range of different professional backgrounds. Daniel is also recognised as a Law Society Personal Injury Accreditation Scheme member.

Daniel is currently representing individuals, including a gentleman in his 40’s from Manchester who lost his entire right leg (from just below the hip) as a result of a broken leg at work resulting in an infection; a gentleman in his 20’s from London who tripped on a paving slab, suffering ruptured tendons in both knees and went on to suffer negligent treatment at hospital leaving him permanently disabled and many individuals having been struck at speed by vehicles when crossing the road, causing them disabling brain injuries. He also represents individuals who’ve suffered brain injuries as a consequence of being placed on ventilators following admission to intensive care.

Sarah Mawdsley is a Principal Partner at Express Solicitors and heads up the Prison Injury Law team. Initially joining the firm in June 2007 as a Litigation Assistant in the New Client Team, Sarah became a Litigation Executive with her own case load in 2008 and subsequently gained her training contract in 2009. In 2010, Sarah qualified as a solicitor and she became an Associate Solicitor a year later. In 2012, Sarah was appointed a Partner of the firm.

Sarah specialises in dealing with significant injury claims, usually with lifelong symptoms in very complex cases where insurance companies do not wish to pay the injured client compensation. Sarah is tenacious in fighting for her clients and supporting them throughout the claims process. She particularly enjoys fighting to overcome any obstacles that such insurers throw her way. Sarah has regular success in cases taken over from other firms when they feel cases have poor prospects of winning.

Renowned for dealing with claims swiftly and effectively, Sarah is also an exceptional communicator and is adept at speaking in non-jargon when discussing the details of a case with a client, navigating them through each stage carefully to ensure they understand what can sometimes be a complicated system and also a personally very difficult time for them and their families.

Sarah regularly deals with a wide range of cases including claims against shops/supermarkets/hotels/bars, tenants who have been injured in a rented property, actions against the police or prison service, cosmetic cases and those that happen outside the UK. Sarah has experience of dealing with sensitive claims involving infants whether in a public place or school or nursery setting.

Her role includes managing, developing and coaching several other lawyers in the firm.

She currently lives in the Monton area and enjoys regular lunch time walks either down Monton high street or along the River Mersey across Simon’s Bridge in Didsbury. She enjoys keeping a fit and healthy lifestyle and regularly attends spinning and circuit classes

Jonathan Flattery is a Principal Partner at Express Solicitors within the Occupiers’ and Public Liability team. Within the team, Jonathan specialises in sports accidents and product liability cases. Jonathan mainly deals with multi-track cases with complex liability and/or quantum disputes. Jonathan also supervises a sub-team of lawyers.

Jonathan has dealt with high-profile cases, suing Harvey’s for breathing conditions suffered as a result of a sofa protecting spray they sold, suing many trampoline parks for serious injuries occuring on their apparatus, and suing several cosmetic surgeries for ladies having suffered with ruptured PIP breast implants

Leanne is a Partner in the Occupiers’ and Public Liability department and is Client Care Partner. Leanne specialises in all trip and slip claims and more unusual cases involving injuries caused by animals.

Leanne prides herself in being able to explain complicated legal jargon to clients in a straight forward, easy to understand manner. Citing time management and communication skills as her strong points as a solicitor, Leanne considers regular communication with her clients and the satisfaction of seeing a case through from start to finish as the most enjoyable aspects of the job.

Leanne has recently taken up Golf so if she is not at work you will generally find her at the driving range or the course trying to get her handicap down. Her other passion is travel, particularly to America where she aims to visit all 50 states. Leanne always like to have a project on the go from DIY to a recent campervan conversion with the motto being ‘I’ll just give it a go, whats the worst that can happen’

Craig is proud to work at Express Solicitors. Express Solicitors is a national firm of fully accredited solicitors, which can pursue for you no win no fee personal injury and accident claims; medical and clinical negligence claims and serious injury claims.

Craig specialises in resolving claims which occur whilst individuals are abroad such as whilst travelling or when on holiday.

Please get in touch with Craig should you have a personal injury claim.

When not hard at work he can be found rambling around the Lake District.

Catherine Lansley is a Partner in the Occupiers’ and Public Liability department at Express Solicitors, having joined the firm in June 2015.

Catherine qualified as a solicitor over 18 years ago, and has dedicated her career to claimant personal injury work. Catherine has experience with occupiers & public liability, employer’s liability, and road traffic accident claims. She has settled numerous cases where damages have exceeded £250,000.

When asked what she enjoys most about her role at Express Solicitors, Catherine answered: “I enjoy speaking to clients and securing the right settlement for them, working with my team to ensure that the claimants’ journey is streamlined and as stress-free as possible.”
Catherine believes that it is important to try to understand how an accident has affected her clients, this way she can endeavour to make the situation better for them and their families.

Before joining Express solicitors, Catherine worked at Beeley and Co and Beardsells Solicitors. She secured her training contact with Beardsells and progressed to the position of Junior Partner. At Beeley and Co she combined a Fee Earning and Management role helping Beeley’s to secure the Law Society’s Excellence Award with Lexcel for Excellence in Practice Management.

Catherine gained a combined degree in Law and Marketing at De Montfort University in Leicester and completed her LPC at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Jennifer Lutton qualified in 2007 and has gained extensive experience within the personal injury sector. She joined Express Solicitors in the Occupiers’ Liability department in 2014 being promoted to a Partner in September 2020.

Jennifer enjoys speaking with clients and builds a fantastic rapport with them to ensure damages are maximised on low value Fast Track cases.

Jennifer deals with cases efficiently as often the bringing of the claim can be stressful when the client has already had the trauma of the accident and Jennifer is able to empathise with her clients and helps them to achieve closure by securing compensation for them.

Jennifer is relentless with commencing legal proceedings to put pressure on the Defendants and never gives up with helps her to ensure success with contentious and difficult cases either through settlement or success at Trial.

Jennifer supervises and guides 3 junior lawyers within the firm, passing on her technical and tactical knowledge.

Jennifer is also involved with local initiatives with residents around Northenden and is actively involved supporting Forever Manchester.

Catherine is a Partner in the OL/PL department at Express Solicitors, having joined the firm in October 2011.

She attended Salford University to complete a Business Studies Degree with Marketing Management before changing career paths and deciding to study to become a lawyer.

After successfully completing the Graduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practice Course she joined Express Solicitors in the New Client Team.

Since then Catherine has gained a wealth of experience through initially working in the Employers Liability department and then moving across to qualify in the Occupiers’ Liability department.

Catherine now specializes in Occupiers’ and Public Liability claims but also handles cosmetics cases, product liability cases and claims involving minors.

She is renowned for her client care skills and is an exceptional communicator priding herself on building good relationships with her clients so that she can get the best results and has an excellent star rating received from numerous happy clients.

Born and bred in Manchester, when she is not working Catherine enjoys visiting various National Trust parks with her two young children who like to keep her on her toes. When she does get some time to herself, she enjoys keeping fit on the cross trainer at home and going to a variety restaurants in Manchester with her husband when they get a rare night off together.

Siobhan Campbell is a Partner in the Occupiers’ and Public Liability department at Express Solicitors, having joined the firm in June 2018.

When asked what she likes best about her role, Siobhan commented “As I deal with a broad range of claims my day is never the same. It’s very satisfying securing a good settlement for someone who has been significantly injured. I like having a difficult or complicated case which I am able to untangle and eventually settle. It is very satisfying settling a case which other firms have rejected!”

“I have dealt with all types of personal injury claims however I currently specialise in Occupiers’ and Public Liability claims which covers all types of claims, pretty much everything except Road Traffic Accidents and Employers Liability claims. I deal with claims on the highway, product liability, school incidents, cosmetic claims. Pretty much a bit of everything!”

Siobhan also went on to say, “I feel my experience in having dealt with all types of claims gives me a different perspective when dealing with my currently cases. “

Siobhan has over 16 years of experience of working in a law firm. She began her law career as the office junior at a high street firm and quickly worked her way up undertaking a number of roles during her 8 years with that firm. She attended college whilst working and is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives. Siobhan has over 10 years of experience in running personal injury claims.

Angela Dobbs is a Partner at Express Solicitors who joined April 2021.

When asked what she likes best about her job, Angela said ‘’ I like being able to help and support people when they are facing life changing injuries and assisting in their recovery. I always fully investigate the exact circumstances of an accident as the smallest things can have such a big impact on the outcome of a case.”

Angela specialises in Occupiers’ and Public Liability in particular, serious and catastrophic injury claims, with experience and interest in brain injury, spinal injuries, amputation claims, fatal accidents, sexual abuse and claims to the Criminal Injury Compensation Authority.

In making a difference, Angela said ‘’I love travelling to meet new clients personally and I always strive to be personable and approachable, as client care is the key to supporting your client and obtaining a successful outcome.”

Angela is a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers. She studied Law LLB in Hull, and thereafter completed her LPC at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Anna Thompson is a Partner at Express Solicitors. She joined the firm in May 2018 and forms part of Daniel Slade’s team, handling Road Traffic Accident, Occupiers’ and Public Liability cases.

As well as having a long standing interest in personal injury law, Anna is passionate about the more complex injury or complex liability claims and has a keen interest in cases involving accidents in public places. She cites being able to bring a complex claim to a conclusion as being the single most rewarding aspect of handling personal injury cases.

“The more complex cases interest me the most and being able to succeed in a case in which liability is hotly contested by the Defendant is most rewarding as a lawyer”.

Recent successes include securing £235,000 for a client who was injured in a road traffic accident and £185,000 for a client who suffered a significant injury whilst horse riding.

Anna was born in Stockport and has lived in Germany and in Hertfordshire but returned to Cheshire in 2003. She started her employment in the Defendant personal injury sector before deciding to move to acting for Claimant’s.

Anna enjoys running and reading in her spare time, not that she has much of it. She is a girl guiding leader of a local unit and loves raising money for charity and often collects for Macmillan at weekends with her daughter.

She loves diving and travelling and has dived with the great white sharks in South Africa, Orcas in Norway, Sharks in the Bahamas and turtles in Mexico.

Monina specialises in catastrophic injury cases, with a primary focus on brain injuries. Her mission is to provide unwavering support to individuals and their families who have experienced life-changing injuries. In her previous role, she represented some of the injured and families of bereaved in the Public Inquiry into the Paddington and Southall Rail Disasters.

Monina is a passionate advocate for brain injury survivors and their families and this goes beyond just offering legal practice. Until recently, she served as an active trustee for Headway, a prominent charity dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by brain injuries.

In 2019, Monina was honoured to be appointed as a Deputy District Judge on the Northern Circuit. It has been her privilege to contribute to the administration of justice in this capacity.

With years of experience in this field, she is committed to achieving justice and maximising compensation for her clients. Nina and her team were shortlisted for the Catastrophic Injury Team of the Year at the Personal Injury Awards 2022 and she was personally shortlisted for the Catastrophic Injury Lawyer of the Year in the same awards in 2021.

As a partner at Express Solicitors, Nina continues to lead a team of highly skilled legal professionals who are equally dedicated to the clients. Under her direction, her team have successfully litigated numerous cases involving catastrophic injuries, securing substantial settlements and verdicts, securing many millions of pounds for the injured parties and securing their and their families futures. Her catastrophic injury team’s track record speaks for itself and demonstrates an unwavering dedication and expertise in this complex legal field.

Her deep knowledge of brain injury cases enables Nina to build strong legal strategies and she has a proven track record of securing substantial compensation for her clients .. Her involvement with a brain injury charity allowed her to gain a profound understanding of the challenges faced by survivors and their loved ones, further fuelling her commitment to this cause. For many years, Nina took part in many fundraising events in support of Headway including running the London Marathon.

Nina has also appeared on the Nicky Campbell radio show as part of a panel discussion on the topic of Public Inquiries.

Notable cases

Most recently Nina and her team secured a capitalised settlement of 14 million pounds for a young father who sustained a severe traumatic injury in road traffic incident leaving him unable to work and requiring constant support and supervision.

Testimonials

“Our case was complex and last over five years from start to settlement. However, we were informed about all aspects, if we had a question, it was answered ASAP if we didn’t understand it was explained. Nothing was too much trouble. Nina and her whole team were spot on.” Tracey

“I would go as far as saying that after a few months it didn’t feel like we were speaking to our solicitors but more like the shoulder of a trustworthy friend who was willing to put our minds at rest and guide us. Not only were we impressed with the professional service but also the empathy and support that was provided.” Tony

Accreditations:

• Law Society Personal Injury Panel
• APIL Litigator
• Headway Panel Contact Solicitor

Michael Hardacre is a Partner in the Occupier and Public Liability team at Express Solicitors.

Michael qualified as a solicitor in 1997 with Pannone, then Slater and Gordon and joined Express in September 2023.

Since qualifying, Michael has specialised in dealing with claims for seriously injured clients, securing significant awards of compensation.

He has acted exclusively for Claimants for over 25 years, during which time he has secured numerous multi-million pound awards of compensation, particularly in cases involving fatal and catastrophic injury.

Michael places the needs of clients at the forefront of their claim for compensation and has a clear and unwavering commitment to their cause. He is hugely experienced and his practice has been across the full range of complex personal injury claims, more recently specialising in occupier and public liability claims.

In that role, Michael has successfully brought claims for clients who have suffered serious injury while involved in organised sports, adventure activity related accidents, claims arising from dangerous and defective roads and pavements and fatal food allergies

Examples include;
Claimant injured during semi professional rugby union match in 2017, where the Defendant opposing player ran into collision with the stationary Claimant from kick off, causing spinal fracture and life changing injuries.

Claimant taking part in coasteering activity, jumping into the sea from a height of 40 feet, suffering spinal fracture as a result of the Defendant having provided inadequate training for the activity. Settled for £120,000.

Claimant who was taking part in an indoor climbing activity in 2017, when his climbing partner failed to belay him after he lost his hold on the climbing wall. The Claimant fell 30 feet, suffering spinal fracture, leaving him wheelchair bound. Recently settled for £12.35 million.

Claimants who were seriously injured jumping from height at a trampoline and adventure activity centre, suffering spinal fractures due to inadequate cushioning on landing.

Claimant injured whilst using a squat rack in a ‘Free Weights’ gym when he stumbled and fell, resulting in a crush injury (complete T12 fracture) to his spine from the barbell that he had been lifting. There were no safety bars on the squat rack and the Claimant had not been told of the need, or how, to use them. Settled for £1.5 million.

Claimant who suffered catastrophic brain injury when he lost control of his bicycle in a dangerous area of disrepair on a main road in Sheffield.

Claimant who suffered fracture dislocation and serious vascular compromise of her lower leg, settled on a provisional damages basis given long term risk of amputation for £950,000.

Acting at inquest and in a claim for ongoing dependency for the parents of a 19 year old student who suffered a fatal reaction during a meal at a burger restaurant. The menu failed to signpost that the burger contained dairy products, to which the Claimant was severely allergic. Settled for £100,000.

Michael also specialises in assisting Claimants suffering with complex pain conditions, including Chronic Primary Pain, Fibromyalgia, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and Functional Neurological Disorder (FND).

He has been ranked as a Notable Practitioner by the legal directory Chambers and Partners for a number of years and is recommended as a Key Lawyer by the Legal 500.

Client testimonial
“Michael Hardacre has provided faultless and unwavering support throughout an extremely long case – he is a credit to both his firm and his profession as a whole.”

In 2016, Michael served as President of Manchester Law Society and chaired the Society’s Personal Injury Committee for a number of years.

Peter Bancroft is a Partner in the Occupier’s and Public Liability Department at Express Solicitors.

He qualified as a Solicitor in 1992 and joined Express in September 2023.

Peter has acted almost exclusively for seriously injured Claimants. During this time, he has secured significant awards of compensation on their behalf. Peter has gained vast experience in all fields of personal injury law and he has particular expertise in serious injuries arising from sporting accidents, parachuting activities, product liability as well as burns cases and claims involving animals.

Peter prides himself on going the extra mile for his seriously injured clients and thus has been able to secure significant settlements in complex and risky cases, many of which had been previously declined by other legal firms.

Notable cases:

• Acting for a Claimant in a claim against a multi-national organisation in respect of significant burn injuries sustained as a consequence of the use of a personal device.
• Acting for a child in a claim against a Housing Association in respect of serious and life changing burn injuries that were sustained as a consequence of him coming into contact with a scalding hot radiator on the premises of the rented accommodation that he and his family were residing in.
• Securing a significant six figure award of damages for a young woman who sustained serious orthopaedic injuries when a bale of hay fell upon her during the course of a veterinary training placement that she was undertaking. This included a detailed analysis of the impact of such injuries upon her chosen career path as a veterinary surgeon.
• Acting for a Claimant in respect of serious orthopadic injuries sustained to his lower limbs as a consequence of him falling from a ladder during the course of his employment. The Claimant required multiple operations including ankle fusion surgery.

Testimonials:

“I was involved in an accident involving a friend’s horse. I was kicked in the head and spent a week in hospital and needed several months off work afterwards. Before I consulted Amelans I was told by two other firms of solicitors that my claim had no chance of success. My case was handled to my complete satisfaction. Everything was handled by post or over the telephone. I was always spoken to by the solicitor handling my case when I telephoned or called back promptly if he was out of the office. Everything was explained to me in English that I could understand, not in legal jargon. When an offer to settle out of court was made, no pressure was put on me and my options were carefully explained. I would without doubt use Amelans again or recommend them to a friend.”

“I would just like to say a huge thank you from me and my family for all your help and hard work throughout the last four years”

“I would like to take this time to thank you again for all of your help. You have been fantastic to deal with and I would recommend you in a heart beat.”

Nicola has over 30 years’ experience working for those who have suffered accidents at work, in a public place, in schools, or on our roads and highways.

She specialises in working for victims of catastrophic injury who have lower and upper limb amputations, and traumatic brain injury cases.

Nicki fights to ensure that all her clients gain the maximum compensation to which they are entitled leaving no stone unturned. Nicki is empathic and builds strong connections with her clients with the highest standards of client care.

As one of her clients has said “Nicki is not just a solicitor to us, she is very much more. She has changed our lives more that she will ever realise… she is an invaluable asset to anybody lucky to have her in their corner” LG,2022.

Nicki is a strong combination of tenacity and determination together with a big heart.

Nicki was recognised in Business Today in the Top 10 Influential North West Personal Injury Lawyers 2023.

She has been consistently recognised in the Chambers directory .

Chambers Directory 2022 “Nicola Simmons is hugely impressive. She makes a huge difference in a difficult claim.”

Chambers Directory 2021 “Nicola has all the attributes of a fantastic claimant solicitor. She is highly intelligent and definitely goes the extra mile for her clients”.

She recently fought for a client who was riding his bicycle when a car driving in the opposite direction lost control colliding with her client and as a result, he suffered a below the knee amputation.1 year post accident he was offered £1 million settlement. Nicola rejected this offer. She instructed a case manager with a specialism in amputee cases and together they worked tirelessly on their client’s rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation is always a priority for Nicki, and it is her ethos that no catastrophic injury case is successfully concluded without successful rehabilitation that drives her success.

She obtained significant interim payments through contested applications to fund this. She secured adapted living accommodation and 6 different prostheses to include the battery powered Empower from USA.

She took the matter to a Joint Settlement Meeting where she rejected £3.7 million.

She proceeded to a mediation where she secured £4,75 million where the mediator personally commented on the excellent preparation of the case and the quality of the witness statements and evidence produced to secure this result.

Following the passing of her beloved daughter Hannah, Nicki has founded a charity ‘The Hannah Whitley Foundation’, to support those in our community who are bereaved or suffering from mental illness through yoga and meditation.

Katryn Mercer is a Senior Associate Solicitor Advocate in the Occupiers’ and Public Liability department at Express Solicitors. Katryn initially joined the firm in November 2017 before being promoted to Litigation Assistant in February 2018. She started her training contract with the firm in March 2018.

Katryn is a recommended lawyer for personal injury in the North West in the 2024 Legal 500 Rankings, which ranks law firms and lawyers based on their noted cases as well as client and industry feedback and commentary.

Katryn works on a variety of cases alongside Daniel Slade, one of the Partners of the firm, who handles some of the most complex cases including dog bite claims, holiday cases, road traffic accidents, accidents involving horses and claims for cyclists. With Katryn being a keen cyclist herself, she says this makes her more aware of her own safety and visibility on the road.

When asked what she likes best about her role, Katryn commented “Working with people who are really in need of help. Many of our clients have severe life-changing injuries and they are often in desperate situations, through no fault of their own. I like the fact that we are able to help them to find a way through what can be a very distressing and stressful time”

“I enjoy talking with clients and with the other people involved in the case, the experts and the barristers. We have some really unusual cases where I get to learn about all sorts of different occupations from being a farrier, to moving vegetables in a warehouse, through to working as an exotic dancer.”

“The litigation process can be confusing and intimidating and it is important to remember that most people have never done this before, and hopefully never will again. I always try to bear this in mind every time I make or answer a telephone call or draft a letter. It is important to be able to set out in clear language, not legalese, what is happening.”

Before joining Express Solicitors Katryn worked as a project manager. She then decided to retrain in Law. Katryn completed her GDL and LPC in 18 months, graduating in 2017. Katryn undertook her Civil higher rights qualification in December 2019 which means that she has the right to represent our clients in any court.

Katryn recently appeared on BBC’s North West Tonight programme representing a client who is campaigning to change the laws surrounding dangerous dogs. After losing his brother following a dog attack, David Roach wants owners of banned breeds, whose dogs attack people, to face the same punishment as criminals who use other lethal weapons.

You can catch up on the story on BBC iPlayer (about 6 minutes in) – BBC iPlayer – North West Tonight – Evening News: 23/11/2023

Olivia is a Senior Associate Solicitor in the Occupiers’ and Public Liability department, having joined the firm in March 2017.

Before joining Express Solicitors, Olivia completed her LLB Degree at Lancaster University before going on to complete her LPC at The University of Law, Manchester. She became a Chartered Legal Executive (FCILEx) and cross qualified to become a Solicitor.

Outside of work, Olivia enjoys keeping active and regularly plays netball most nights during the week, as well as getting to the gym when she can fit it in. She also regularly runs and competes in 10km, ½ marathon and marathon races.

Olivia’s true love in live is travelling and she has been fortunate enough to visit a vast number of places already, including; Peru, China, Japan, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Swaziland, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, Australia, Bahrain, UAE.

Her favourite quote is by St Augustine, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel only read one page.”
When it comes to Olivia’s job, she enjoys bringing a claim to a conclusion and recovering compensations for clients who have suffered injuries through no fault of their own.

Olivia works hard to ensure her clients get the maximum compensation they deserve

Paul is a Senior Associate Solicitor in our Occupiers and Public Liability Department. He joined Express in November 2022.

Paul graduated in Liverpool before completing the LPC at the College of Law in Chester. After completing his training contract at a firm in the Lake District, Paul moved back to Liverpool to join a niche personal injury practice. He has remained in the North West post qualification and held a number of senior roles at different law firms during the 20 years or so since he has been qualified.

Paul has experience across a wide spectrum of personal injury work including occupiers and public liability, product liability, claims involving animals, landlord and tenant, workplace claims and road traffic accidents. He has a particular interest in high value, more complex matters.

Throughout his career Paul has acted exclusively for Claimants and is very much client focused. With a pragmatic and holistic approach, he is acutely aware of client needs and prides himself on being approachable and building a rapport to ensure clients know he will fight their corner.

Paul derives a great deal from supporting clients in need of help and securing the result that will assist in their recovery and to put things right financially. He understands the importance of client’s access to justice and receiving the compensation they deserve.

Outside of work Paul enjoys a busy family life. He is married with 4 children. During his spare time, he also enjoys football, running and going to the gym.

Lara is a Senior Associate Solicitor in our Occupiers’ and Public Liability Department. She joined Express Solicitors in February 2023 and has been a qualified solicitor for 13 years.

Lara is a history graduate from the University of York and went on to complete the Graduate Diploma in Law and the Legal Practice Course at Chester Law College. Post studies, Lara gained a paralegal role in a claimant personal injury firm, where she then went on to be offered and complete her training contract with seats in road traffic accidents, accidents at work and conveyancing. She was admitted as a solicitor in 2010.

Since qualification, Lara has worked throughout the North-West in a number of large claimant law firms in a variety of senior positions.

Initially Lara gained expertise on the MOJ portal and was Senior Solicitor and manager for a number of years. Subsequently she moved onto roles in both Liverpool and Manchester in a managerial and operational capacity, before most recently being Head of Employers’, Occupiers’ and Public Liability claims.

Throughout her career, Lara has taken a particular interest in supervising and teaching more junior members of the teams she has worked in. She takes pride in assisting them at the start of their career ladder and many have gone on to become fully qualified solicitors themselves.

Lara has a wide range of experience in personal injury matters, including CICA claims, road traffic accidents, accidents at work and public liability matters. Her real passion is however for litigation, and she is driven by navigating difficult cases on behalf of her clients to achieve a successful outcome. She is happy to take on claims that other law firms will not and work with her clients to focus on the strengths of the matter in order to achieve the best outcome.

Lara is aware that the claims process can be daunting and strives to make the process as stress free as possible for her clients from start to finish. She adopts a good working rapport with her clients and explains the case strategy and claims process in a way that can be easily followed and understood.

Outside of work Lara is mum to 11-year-old Esme and lives in Formby with their two dogs. She is also a keen runner and can be found competing in races across the North-West most weekends. Her next challenge in is the Loch Ness marathon which will also be a means to raise funds for her local neo-natal unit.

Lara is also a governor of Formby High School and is largely involved in advising on risk management and budget considerations. This is a position that she finds really rewarding in terms of being actively involved in the local high school and making important contacts across the wider community.

Diane Hamilton is a Senior Associate in the Occupiers’ and Public Liability department at Express Solicitors, having joined the firm in August 2019.

When asked what she likes best about her role, Diane commented, “Getting to know client’s; helping and guiding them through what can be a very traumatic time and understanding their needs and requirements.”

Currently working in the Occupiers’ and Public Liability team, Diane has wealth of experience in all aspects of personal injury from accidents in the workplace and serious motorcycle accidents to injuries while playing football and claims involving children and the elderly.

Diane has been helping client’s in personal injury claims for over 28 years; she prides herself on her relationship with her clients by being personable, approachable and plain speaking. She embraces the challenges of each individual claim and the opportunity to connect with people and build a relationship with her client’s and sometimes their families whom serious injury can affect too, and always fighting to achieve the best possible outcome for each individual client.

Nicola is a Senior Associate Solicitor in the OL/PL department at Express Solicitors. She has 20 years of experience acting exclusively for Claimant’s in personal injury cases.

Throughout her career Nicola has dealt with a wide range of accidents occurring both at home and overseas. She has acted for Claimants in high-profile cases and also for celebrities.

Nicola is passionate about client care and understands that clients can find the litigation process unfamiliar and daunting. She is adept at being able to explain the process to clients without legal jargon and has been praised by her clients for her ability to put them at ease and for keeping them up-to-date with their claims.

Nicola assesses each case on its merit and is aware that even small details can have a big impact on a case. One of her strengths is her willingness to undertake thorough investigations on liability in the early stages of a case. In fact Nicola has often taken on cases that have been rejected by other law firms and successfully concluded these for her clients.

Nicola decided to become a solicitor in order to help people and believes that she is fulfilling this by getting injured people the compensation they deserve and rehabilitation treatment they require to continue with their lives following and accident.

Ghazaala is an Associate Solicitor in the Occupiers’ and Public Liability Department, having joined the New Clients Team at Express Solicitors in 2014 and having worked her way up through the ranks (next stop Senior Associate).

Ghazaala is a hard-working and disciplined individual for which she is able to quickly adapt to new situations and think on her feet. She maintains a high level of organisation which enables effective time management – but as a perfectionist Ghazaala is not one to exit the office without ticking off her ‘to do’ list!

She always like to ensure that when clients get in touch they have her undivided attention and a first-class Express service. She believes that building rapport is imperative and always strives to achieve this with the concept of ‘service with a smile’ always in the back of her mind. Helping her clients make informed decision which they truly understand is important and Ghazaala is always happy to invest the time to ensure this.

Ghazaala is always aiming to achieve the best outcomes for her clients and will do everything in her will to accomplish this and ensure satisfaction.

Gabriela Rybicka is a Associate Chartered Legal Executive dealing with Occupiers’ and Public Liability cases having joined the firm in November 2019.

Gabriela has over 8 years’ experience in dealing with personal injury claims having obtained her Law and Criminology degree at Nottingham Trent University and went on to Qualify as a Chartered Legal Executive.

Gabriela has experience in all types of personal injury claims including Employers liability, Road Traffic Accidents, and Criminal Compensation Injuries. Gabriela emphasis, “I believe that my experience in having dealt with all types of claims gives me a wider perspective when dealing with my current cases.”

When asked what she likes most about her role, Gabriela explains, “I am passionate about helping people and securing a good settlement for them, especially when they were seriously injured. It is very rewarding winning a very complex personal injury claim especially when there are multiple Defendants and liability is firmly disputed by all parties.”

“I like the varied nature of the work and learning something new every day. I enjoy the adversarial aspect of litigation and the process of helping clients build their case which will eventually help them right wrongs.”

“It is very important to me to have a good relationship with my clients and empathise with them as I understand that having injuries sustained from an accident can be a traumatic experience for them.”

Gabriela believes in attention to detail as the key to winning a case and ensure her clients are fully updated and understand the issues with their case. She also highlights how negotiation skills are essential part of the role, to ensure her clients get the best settlements. Gabriela emphasis, “I always try to go the extra mile for my clients and make sure there are happy with my work.”

Claire Reddicen is an Associate Chartered Legal Executive in the Occupier’s and Public Liability department. She joined the firm in January 2023. Prior to working at Express Solicitors, Claire worked as a fee earner at Linder Myers whilst undertaking her CILEX training which she completed in 2015 and qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive in 2019.

Claire has a long-standing interest in personal injury law and has practised claims arising from accidents at work and medical conditions caused by work, and all manner of liability claims. Claire is also passionate about acting for victims of crime including historic sexual abuse and bringing applications for compensation to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority and claims against local authorities.

Recent successes include securing £140,000 for a client who was injured at work through the nature of her repetitive work, and £20,000 for a young child who was injured whilst attending a gymnastics centre. Claire has also recently successfully concluded an appeal in the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal, following an initial award being made by the CICA to a victim of a childhood sexual abuse in the sum of £22,000 which Claire successfully increased to £215,000 at an appeal.

Claire has spent her career acting for Claimants which she is very passionate about. Claire prides herself on her relationship with her clients by being supportive, personable and approachable. Claire embraces the challenges of complex claims and fighting to achieve the best possible outcome for each individual client.

Chris Owen is a Chartered Legal Executive in the Occupier’s and Public Liability Department. Chris became a Fellow member of CILEx in May 2022 and joined Express Solicitors in January 2024.

In his previous roles Chris has assisted client’s with a range of different matters from Police Officers in training exercises to criminal injuries and even a Hot Air Balloon incident. Throughout this he has achieved some great results including six figure Damages payments.

Chris works hard to establish a strong relationship with his client’s and keep them well informed.

In his spare time Chris is a keen sportsman, particularly enjoying playing Rugby Union semi-professionally.

Laura Védrines is an Associate in the Occupier’s and Public Liability department. Laura is a French lawyer who graduated from Montpellier Law School in 2013 with a BA in Public Law.

She moved to England in 2014 and started as a Paralegal working on the Mau-Mau class action against the British Government before focussing on Civil matters from 2015, representing clients injured in accidents in the UK but also abroad, with an extensive experience on Cross Border matters and higher value cases.

When asked about her career path, Laura answered : “ As a child, I was never shy of sharing views and opinions, whilst I wanted to be a lawyer and help people, I also wanted to take on the extra challenge of building my career abroad. I left France for the UK to try my luck overseas in 2014 and to this date, I still feel the same enthusiasm dealing with a case just like my first ever one 8 years ago.”

“Client care is the core of my work, I love building good relationships with my clients without complicated legal jargon. I pride myself in my approachability, honesty and determination to make their legal journey as stress free as possible, with the best possible outcome. My reward is to be able to honour the trust they place in me.”

News articles of my previous successes:
Horrific burns of girl, 7, after boiling cup of tea spilt on her by Jet2 flight crew.

Brit girl, 4, suffers horrific ‘chemical’ burns swimming in Lanzarote villa pool.

Woman left with blood clot as decking collapsed during hot tub dip on holiday.

Omayma Rwifa is a Associate Solicitor in the Occupiers’ and Public Liability department at Express Solicitors, having initially joined the firm in April 2018.

When asked what she likes best about her role, Omayma commented, “Representing my clients who have been through traumatic experiences and securing the right settlement for them.”

“First and foremost, the priority is my relationship with my clients. Through studying the case carefully and weighing the factors, I set out to keep my clients well informed and confident of their position in their case. To work alongside my client, I feel a responsibility to build an honest understanding of what they have endured. My strength is connecting with people from all walks of life and I am working within a role that that is most appropriate for me.””

Omayma graduated with her LLB at Manchester Metropolitan University and obtained a distinction in her LPC at BPP University.”

Katrina Esposito -Maffei joined Express Solicitors in January 2024 as an Associate Solicitor, joining our Occupiers and Public Liability Department.

Katrina brings with her a wealth of experience, having spent more than 20 years specialising exclusively in personal injury law. During this time she has dealt all types of personal injury claims, including road traffic accidents, work accidents, cosmetic and dental negligence claims, and public liability accidents. These have often been of high value in nature, or have had features of complexity such as multiple defendants.

Katrina prides herself on providing excellent client service, with a straight-forward, down-to-earth manner. Obtaining the best possible outcome for her clients is something that Katrina strives for in every case, together with keeping her clients fully informed and advised throughout the claims process.
Katrina has achieved a high level of client praise and feedback throughout her career which not only demonstrates her approachability and empathetic nature, but also demonstrates the high level of satisfaction in relation to the outcomes achieved.

Outside of work, Katrina has previously ran the London Marathon for charity and various half marathons including the Great North Run. Katrina has also recently completed the 50k Action Challenge Walk through the Peak District completing the challenge in just over 11 hours. Katrina loves to cook, particularly embracing her Italian heritage with her own pasta making machine.

Michelle is a seasoned legal professional with a robust background in Clinical Negligence and Catastrophic Personal Injury law. At the start of her career she honed her skills at a prominent Clinical Negligence firm in Manchester, where she supported a team of Solicitors in handling complex, high-value claims.

Michelle started at her previous firm as a Paralegal in the Catastrophic Personal Injury division, Michelle played a pivotal role in assisting the Director and Senior Solicitor with cases involving clients enduring acquired brain injuries and other life-altering injuries. Her dedication and expertise earned her recognition, leading to her transition into a training contract in February 2020.

Michelle’s commitment to her craft and relentless pursuit of justice culminated in her qualification as a Solicitor in August 2021. Her exemplary work hasn’t gone unnoticed, as evidenced by her status as a finalist at the prestigious Manchester Legal Awards in 2021. Michelle continues to advocate for her clients with unwavering passion and professionalism, making her a valued asset to the legal community.

David Toyn is an Associate Solicitor in the Occupiers and Public Liability Department at Express Solicitors. He joined the firm in February 2024.

David completed his LPC at the College of Law in York in 1995 before going on to qualify as a Solicitor at a firm in Derbyshire. He subsequently worked in a number of well-known specialist Personal Injury practices in Sheffield and Nottingham, always working exclusively on behalf of Claimants.

David has wide-ranging experience in occupiers and public liability cases, product liability cases and accidents involving animals. In addition, he also has many years’ experience dealing with road traffic accidents, accidents at work and industrial disease cases.  He has particular expertise dealing with higher value cases. He puts the client at the centre of the case, communicating clearly on progress and what the client’s priorities are. He is focussed particularly on ensuring effective rehabilitation is provided to ensure the client not only secures justice and the compensation they deserve but also achieves the fastest and fullest possible recovery from their injuries.

Away from the office, David is married with two teenage children who ensure that life is always busy. He enjoys football and walking in the Peak District.

Eleanor Groves is a Solicitor in the Occupiers’ Liability Department, having joined Express Solicitors in the New Client Team in June 2018.

Eleanor has also worked in the RTA department, Eleanor has held a number of roles within the firm. She began as a Litigation Assistant in which she assisted on a Partner’s files, in April 2020 she took over a case load consisting mostly of beauty/cosmetic type claims and in September 2020 began her period of recognised training.

Eleanor has a First Class Law degree and has recently completed her Masters in legal practice.

Outside of work Eleanor sits on a academic advisory panel at her previous university and is a member of Alumni Association.

Jamie is currently a Solicitor in the OL/PL department. Having obtained his law degree from Newcastle University in 2018, he joined Express Solicitors in the same year. Jamie initially worked in the New Client Team and thereafter worked as Jonathan Flattery’s litigation assistant.

In this role Jamie worked on serious and complex injuries across a vast array of cases including: defective products, sports injuries, trips and slips, school injuries, accidents at work, accidents abroad and CICA. Throughout this period, he developed his technical legal skills and nurtured an attentive approach to injured clients and their needs, alongside completing his LPC and master’s in law at BPP university.

In 2020, Jamie commenced his training contract and began handling his own files. Since then, he has sought to home in on his client care skills by ensuring clients have sufficient time to think about and make important decisions on their cases. Jamie also wishes to develop a good relationship with all of his clients by ensuring they understand the reasons for, and implications of, any decisions through being approachable and an avoidance of legal jargon.

Victoria was initially a Zoology graduate from the University of Manchester. She joined Express Solicitors in 2015 as an Enquiries Assistant in our New Client Team.

While working with the New Client Team, she became a Team Leader and handled a caseload of Criminal Injuries work. She has also completed her GDL and LPC while working with the firm, leading to her starting her training contract in September 2020.

Victoria currently works in our Occupiers’ and Public Lability Team, focusing on Portal work. She works hard to establish a solid relationship with her Clients right from the outset of a claim, ensuring she understands the accident fully and lays out the next stages of the claim so Clients are always well informed.

Magdalena joined Express Solicitors in February 2023 as a Solicitor within the Occupiers’ and Public Liability Department.

Having graduated from Bolton University, and completing the LPC at the Manchester Metropolitan University, her Personal Injury experience started while she was still a student at the Manchester Metropolitan University. Magdalena has worked her way through various positions gaining experience necessary to become a Solicitor.

Since qualifying in 2019 she has been handling various personal injury claims including occupiers and public liability, employer’s liability, landlord and tenant, product liability and claims involving animals.

Magdalena has always been very passionate about Personal Injury, as it helps injured people to get the compensation they deserve. She is a highly motivated individual who is determined to get the best possible results to all her clients.

In her spare time, she enjoys family travels and martial arts to keep her fit and focused.

Megan is a Solicitor in the Occupiers Liability and Public Liability department having initially joined the firm in October 2022 as a trainee solicitor, following the firms acquisition of Michael W Halsall Solicitors.

Working in the personal injury sector since 2019, she has assisted solicitors on a variety of cases, including Occupiers Liability and Public Liability, Accidents at Work and Road Traffic Accidents claims.

Megan completed her Law LLB degree at Edge Hill University in 2017 and completed her LPC (LLM) at BPP University in 2019.

She is currently assisting partner Siobhan Campbell in a variety of Multi Track and Fast Track cases. She has a keen interest in Personal Injury always strives to build a strong rapport with clients.

Leah Blair-Williams joined the firm in the New Client Team in October 2017 and began her role within the Occupiers’ and Public Liability department in January 2018 working underneath Jennifer Lutton as her Litigation Assistant. Leah took over her own case load in January 2020.

Leah completed her training contract at Express Solicitors, qualifying on 2 September 2022. As well as a Master’s degree in Legal Practice, Leah has a First Class Science degree from the University of Hull, which she completed in 2014.

After some months working in a defendant firm, Leah realised that it was Claimant work that drove her. She enjoys the personal relationships created with clients and works hard to maintain that relationship throughout the lifetime of a claim. She takes the time to listen carefully and understand her clients to ensure they receive the best possible service.

Alex has graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with a First Class Degree, and he has completing a Masters in Law and Legal Practice Course (LLM) with a Distinction. He joined Express Solicitors in 2019 as a Litigation Assistant.

Alex works in the Occupiers’ and Public Liability Team, dealing with cases of all categories including slips in shops, trips on pavements, foreign jurisdiction claims and animal claims.

Whilst at Express Solicitors, Alex has undertaken the role of Secretary of the Diversity and Inclusion Group, holding events throughout the year to celebrate and promote diversity. This includes events covering LGBTQ+ History Month, International Women’s Day, South Asian Heritage Month, Mental Health Awareness week amongst other. Alex believes that it is imperative to have an understanding of diversity whilst working in a law firm, to ensure both colleague and client’s feel welcome and comfortable.

In his spare time, Alex enjoys going to Theatre shows, socialising with friends including travelling to different countries around the world.

Elliot Cox is a Solicitor in the Occupiers’ and Public Liability department at Express Solicitors having initially joined the firm in January 2020. He currently assists Jennifer Lutton, Partner with all aspects of a variety of Portal, Fast-track, Multi-track and Criminal Injury Claims.

Before joining Express Solicitors, Elliot gained a Law degree at the De Montfort University, Leicester before going on to complete his Masters in Law and LPC at the University of Law, Leeds. During his studies, Elliot shadowed various criminal and civil legal practitioners and Judges to gain a better insight into practice before taking on a role at Express Solicitors.

It was during his Masters and LPC that he found a deep interest in Civil Litigation and he immediately knew that it was the area he would like to gain further knowledge and go on to practice in.

His time spent at Express has only developed his interest in Personal Injury further and he finds nothing more enjoyable than seeing a case come to a successful conclusion, especially when a claim has been heavily contested. Elliot strives to ensure that client’s are happy throughout the process of dealing with their claim and not just on conclusion.

Elliot enjoys socialising and booking spontaneous trips to warmer climates with friends. He also enjoys reading and playing games in his down time.

Amber-Raj Das is a Solicitor in the Occupiers’ and Public Liability Department at Express Solicitors, having joined the firm in January 2020. Amber’s role involves assisting her supervisor, Catherine Lansley by working on a wide range of cases and assisting with all aspects of a claim.

Amber has experience helping clients at Express and has works on a variety of different types of claim; such as Occupiers’ Liability, Public Liability, RTA, CICA, Product Liability and Employment Liability. She has also gained experience in catastrophic injury and property law in other firms.

When asked what she enjoys most about her role, Amber commented: “I enjoy helping to put clients back in the position they were, had the accident not happened. Clients have also been through so much before contacting us, so I try my best to make processes quicker, easier and simpler.”

Amber prides herself on building strong rapport with the clients by ensuring she is approachable. She enjoys going the extra mile by researching and investigating matters for her supervisor and other colleagues.

Amber studied at The University of the West of England in Bristol where she passed her LLB Commercial Law Degree. She is now studying her LPC and Master’s Degree in Law, Business and Management at The University of Law Manchester.

Kirsty Best is a solicitor in the Occupier’s and Public Liability department. Kirsty graduated from Huddersfield University and completed her LPC at Manchester Metropolitan University. Kirsty began her legal career working for Defendant firm Keoghs solicitors before taking a break from law to raise her family and teach at a Preparatory School before becoming the Headteacher.

Kirsty returned to law back in 2017 and enjoyed learning all the new changes that had happened whilst she was away. Kirsty worked at a small private practice in Stockport, covering Personal Injury and Wills & Probate prior to joining Express in January 2024.

When asked about her new role at Express, Kirsty advised “ Everyone has been so welcoming here, they really are such a friendly team. I have learnt so much already in the short time that I have been here. We get a really wide variety of cases which keeps things interesting and there is always lots of work to be done.”  “I really like taking a case from inception to conclusion and overseeing it every step of the way and ensuring that a client gets the compensation they deserve. The claims process can be quite daunting at times, so I like to reassure clients as we go through the process and hopefully make the process a little easier for them”.

Charlotte Calnun is a Trainee Solicitor in the Occupier’s and Public Liability department. Charlotte graduated from the University of Salford and joined Express Solicitors in June 2018, starting in the New Client Team.

In March 2019, Charlotte was promoted to the Occupiers and Public Liability Department as a Litigation Assistant working alongside Leanne Rowley, Partner at Express Solicitors. Working closely with Leanne, Charlotte has expanded her knowledge, including complex cases such as those involving injuries caused my animals.

Charlotte is currently completing the SQE Degree Apprenticeship and is on the route to becoming a qualified Solicitor. Charlotte hopes to continue working on claims involving animals, especially with clients who have sustained dog bite injuries.

Shauna joined Express in February of 2021 in the OL/PL department. Originally from Colne, she lived in Leeds for 6 years where she completed her Law Degree in 2019. She moved to Manchester in February 2021 and then started studying for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam in September of 2021.

Shauna always knew that she wanted to work within the Personal Injury Sector and prices herself on working hard to get the best results for her clients.

In her spare time, Shauna enjoys socialising with her friends and family, going out walking her dog and regularly visiting different beaches or nature parks.

Hannah joined Express Solicitors in September 2017, not long after graduating from University where she completed her LLB Law Degree. She started in the New Client Team and after establishing a keen interest in Occupiers Liability, was promoted to work for Partner Sarah Mawdsley.

Throughout her time assisting a Partner, Hannah was able to learn a great amount about multi-track claims. She gained knowledge in different areas such as drafting documents. Hannah drafted witness statements, applications, and various Court documents. She gained experience in advocacy by attending Pre-Action Disclosure hearings and was also able to attend a variety of other hearings such as final trials and CCMC hearings. Most importantly, she learnt how to effectively deal and manage clients. She was able to build strong, professional relationships with clients when they needed help the most. She learnt how to advise and assist, ensuring clients are given the service they deserve.

After almost 4-years assisting, Hannah now has her own case load and has been promoted to Trainee Solicitor. She hopes to build her career here at Express Solicitors whilst continuing to help clients who truly deserve it. She is passionate about building relationships with her clients and ensuring they have trust in her to obtain the just outcome in their case

Eleanor is currently a Trainee Solicitor in the Occupiers’ Liability and Public Liability Department. She started at the firm in 2015 on a basic apprenticeship, with the idea to progress through the firm through the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives.

Eleanor started in the post-room with no client contact, then progressed through working on reception and then with the New Client Team before joining her current department in 2018. As she was working in the New Client Team, a new route to qualifying as a Solicitor was created and she enrolled shortly afterwards. Eleanor is now in her 4th year of the 6-year apprenticeship, and this is the year she will complete the Solicitors Qualifying Exam and be qualified as a Solicitor in Summer 2023.

For the last 2 years, Eleanor has been Siobhan Campbell’s Litigation Assistant. She deals with a variety of cases, from slips and trips, food poisoning, road traffic accidents, defective products and many more. She have been fortunate enough to assist Siobhan with a variety of different tasks throughout the stages of a claim. In this time, Siobhan has broadened Eleanor’s knowledge and skills in the field of personal injury law and developed a good understanding of how to run a case, including but not limited to dealing with third party insurers, instructing barristers where necessary, and obtaining medical evidence. It is very hard to briefly summarise what Eleanor does on a day to day basis as every day is so different but she absolutely loves the endless opportunities to learn and expand her skills.

She appreciates that many clients have never brought a personal injury claim before and she takes pride in her ability to make a client feel at ease with the process. Eleanor will always explain a client’s position in a way that they can understand as she believes this is key to establishing a good relationship.

Victoria is a Trainee Solicitor. Victoria graduated from Oxford Brookes University in 2019 with a BSc in Anthropology. She then completed her post-graduate Law Degree from Bournemouth University in 2020 with a Distinction Grade and went on to achieve the LPC in July 2021. After graduating Victoria moved up from Dorset to pursue a career in the law and enjoy the exciting city that is Manchester.

As a new member, Victoria is excited about working within Personal Injury Sector and keen to go above and beyond to achieve her goals. She enjoys being part of the Express Solicitors team and is enthusiastic about the opportunity of helping her clients during some of their most destressing periods. Victoria has always wanted to work within law and is driven to fighting for the best outcome for each of client.

Victoria is a keen rower and can be found on Salford Quays at the weekends, battling with the swans. She also enjoys frequenting the numerous brunch spots found in the City.

Sam is a Trainee Solicitor in the Occupiers and Public Liability team, having graduated from Liverpool John Moores University, initially in 2018, studying Criminal Justice and completing both the GDL LLM and the LPC LLM before joining Express Solicitors in 2021.

Since joining Express, Sam has assisted on cases involving Occupier’s and Public Liability, Product Liability, Road Traffic Accidents and claims involving animals.

Sam believes one of the most valuable aspects of the job is client care, as it is extremely important that any individual making a claim feels supported throughout the process and is of the understanding that he can be contacted any time to discuss their claim.

In his spare time, Sam enjoys playing golf, football and spending time with his family and friends. As an outgoing person this also reflects within Sam’s work to build a rapport with each and every client to ensure not only the best possible chances of success but also to maximise the value of the compensation.

When Isabel first joined Express, she was working under the supervision of partner- Catherine Lansley and assisting her on a variety of complex and multi-track cases. During this time, Isabel drafted Court documents, prepared for trials, liaised with clients on difficult matters and advocated at Application Hearings.

Isabel joined Express back in September 2021, after studying for the LPC/Masters at BBP University in Manchester. Before that, she was studying Law with Spanish Law at the University of Sheffield. During her undergraduate studies, Isabel studied Spanish Law in Madrid for 1 year, heavily integrating herself into the culture and practicing Spanish in a professional setting.

Now, Isabel is handling her own case load across different areas and stages of Litigation: from ongoing medical investigations to upcoming Hearings. Isabel has learnt that gaining a good relationship with clients puts their minds at ease as the Litigation process can be confusing. Isabel is committed to achieving the best possible outcome for her clients and whilst there is a high level of responsibility for this to happen, it is all worth it when the clients can continue on with their lives, with the necessary adjustments made, after going through a traumatic experience.

Emma Mazurkiewicz is a Trainee Solicitor in the Occupiers’ and Public Liability Department at Express Solicitors.

She initially joined the firm in September 2021 as a Litigation Assistant for Jennifer Lutton, Partner at Express Solicitors. Working for Jennifer on a large variety of cases allowed Emma to expand her passion and knowledge on an area she has always been interested in since studying Law at the University of Chester.

In September 2022, Emma began studying for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam and is on route to becoming a qualified solicitor.

In her spare time, Emma enjoys swimming as well as socialising with friends.

Aimen Malik is a trainee Solicitor in the Occupier’s and public liability department, she commenced her training contract in October 2022 under the supervision of senior associate Anna Thompson, she is currently assisting Anna on a variety of complex and/or multi-track claims.

Aimen has been with the company since April 2022.She obtained her law degree in 2019 and went on to complete the legal practice course in 2021.

When asked what she enjoys most about her role at Express Solicitors, Aimen answered “ I enjoy working in a dynamic firm, where my colleagues are always willing to lend a helping hand, I also enjoy being challenged in various ways, every day brings new opportunity for growth’.

Aimen believes client care is at the heart of all litigation as to ensure our clients are happy with the progress and results of the claim further solidifies she is working in the right field.

Rebecca Fishwick, a trainee solicitor in the Occupiers and Public Liability Department having initially joined the firm in January 2022 as a Litigation Assistant. Rebecca completed her LLB undergrad at Liverpool John Moores in 2020 then graduated from Birmingham City University with a distinction in her LPC & LLM in 2021.

Originally from Cheltenham, she then moved to Manchester at the start of 2022. Rebecca worked alongside Catherine Citron. She gained a wealth of experience throughout her time assisting a Partner. Rebecca prides herself on having excellent client care skills and building a strong and professional relationship with her clients to deliver the best results.

Tehzeeb Patel is a Trainee Solicitor in the Occupier’s and Public Liability department. Tehzeeb graduated from Lancaster University with an LLB Law Degree, and is currently completing her Legal Practice Course and Masters in Law.

Since joining Express, Tehzeeb has had experience in dealing with cases involving; public liability, defective premises and foreign jurisdiction claims.

Tehzeeb ensures a good rapport is built with clients and delivers results in their best interest.

Charlee is a Trainee Solicitor in the Occupier’s Liability team, Charlee graduated from University of Leeds in 2020 with a BSC in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Since then, Charlee has obtained a distinction in MA Law from the University of Law and is undertaking the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at BPP.

Having been with Express Solicitors since January 2022, Charlee has progressed quickly from a Litigation Assistant to a Trainee Solicitor. Charlee works under Craig Phillips, a partner at the firm, and is keen to adopt his tenacious approach to case management.

Charlee has also seen herself in a career in law and has a genuine passion for personal injury work. As far as she is concerned, Claimant personal injury work is the most moral way to practice law, and she supports anyone’s right to be compensated for an accident that was not their fault.

In her spare time, Charlee likes good food and cheap breaks, and can be found visiting back home in London.

Jack Logan is a trainee solicitor at Express Solicitors and has been part of the team since February 2022. After studying History at undergraduate level at Manchester Metropolitan University, Jack focused his career ambitions on law and achieved a grade distinction in his MA Law qualification at the University of Law.

Jack is particularly passionate about representing Claimants who have been injured through no fault of their own on a no-win-no-fee basis who may otherwise not have a legal remedy available to them.

Jack has worked in the Occupiers’ Liability department since starting work at Express Solicitors working on a variety of cases ranging from defective premises to dog bites. In January 2023 Jack commenced his SQE Apprenticeship qualification with the goal of qualifying as a solicitor after completion of the course.

Daniel Coetzer is a Litigation Executive in the Occupiers’ and Liability Department. He initially started working at Express Solicitors as a Litigation Assistant in June 2020.

When asked what he enjoys most about his role at Express Solicitors Daniel answered: “I relish the opportunity to learn something new every day and to be constantly challenged in the work that I do. I am grateful that I am surrounded by a team of bright people who are constantly helping to develop my skills as a litigator”. Daniel believes that the legal system is a great tool to create a fairer and more just society.

Daniel grew up in South Africa, and in 2019 completed his LLB at Rhodes University in Grahamstown.

He moved to the UK in the beginning of 2020. In his spare time, he enjoys sailing and the outdoors.

Cameron Scoots is a Litigation Assistant within our Occupiers’ and Public Liability Portal Team. Cameron graduated from University of Salford in 2021 with a First-Class Honours Degree in Law and is currently studying his LPC at the University of Law.

When asked what he likes best about the role at Express Solicitors, Cameron answered: “It is imperative for me to constantly grow and develop my legal knowledge and skillset; I am always being guided to do just that within the role. From being provided regular training and supervision within the firm, to working within a team that is always friendly, supportive, and informative, it is not difficult to achieve the growth that I seek. I also get the pleasure of engaging with a variety of clients, all of whom have suffered different injuries under often distinct circumstances, which in turn allows me to strengthen my skills both in a legal sense and from a customer service perspective.”

Adriana is a Trainee Solicitor in the Occupier’s and Public Liability department. She studied Law at the University of Sheffield where she graduated in 2021. She previously worked as a paralegal in clinical negligence at another firm before joining Express in January 2023.

Since joining Express, Adriana has been managing her own cases and is currently completing the SQE with the goal to qualify as a Solicitor. Adriana deals with a variety of cases including defective products, trips, slips, accidents in schools, dog bite accidents, and defective premises.

Adriana strives for great client care by keeping client’s up to date on the progress of their case and getting the best outcome on client’s cases.

Elizabeth is a Trainee Solicitor in the Occupiers and Public Liability team, having graduated from Liverpool John Moores University in 2020 completing her LLB and then gained her post-graduate degree in Legal Practice in 2022.

Elizabeth is very client focused and aims to provide the highest level of service to her clients. She works hard to understand each and every client’s circumstances, in order to assist each client to gain the best outcome and make them feel at ease throughout the process.
Outside of work Elizabeth enjoys spending time at the stables with horses and walking at the Lake District.

Imogen Lamkin is a Trainee Solicitor in the Occupier’s and Public Liability department, Imogen graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2022 with her LLB before joining the team at Express.

Imogen works alongside Catherine Lansley, Partner at Express, which has enabled her to gain a wide range of experience in the industry. Alongside the team, Imogen prides herself and works hard on providing excellent client care and building a strong and professional relationship with Catherine’s clients to deliver the best results, and always strives for the best outcome and settlement for the client.

When asked what she enjoys most about her role at Express Solicitors, Imogen answered: “I work in a wonderful team, and there is always a variety of experiences and tasks that you will carry out, which makes coming to work engaging and enjoyable. Working in such a fast paced environment like Express and an ever-progressing firm is a pleasure”.

Imogen is currently completing the SQE and is on route to becoming a qualified Solicitor. Imogen hopes to continue working with clients to provide the best legal services and working hard to ensure the best possible chances of success and also to maximise compensation for clients.

Monika is a Trainee Solicitor in the Occupier’s and Public Liability department. She graduated from the University of Manchester in 2022 with a LLB (Hons) Law degree and joined Express in September that same year as a litigation assistant.

During her day-to-day work, Monika would be supporting her two supervisors with their case load. This allowed her to gain valuable experience in cases involving a variety of accidents and circumstances.

Monika progressed quickly within the firm and a year later, in September 2023, she began to further her studies in law by enrolling onto the Solicitors Qualifying Examination apprenticeship and was promoted to a Trainee Solicitor. Her goal is to pass her exams and qualify as a Solicitor.

When asked what she enjoys the most about working for Express Solicitors, Monika said; “I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to expand my legal education whilst maintaining a career at a reputable law firm. Furthermore, I greatly enjoy being able to assist our clients and making the claim process as simple for them as possible, by setting their expectations and keeping them regularly informed of what is happening with their file.”

Lois graduated from Liverpool John Moores University with a first-class law degree in 2020 before continuing her studies and completing the Legal Practice Course with a Masters in Law in 2021.

Lois has always worked in personal injury and has gained experience in Abuse, Criminal Injuries Compensation Claims, Employers Liability and Public Liability. Lois joined Express Solicitors in June 2023 as a Litigation Assistant to a Partner in the Employers Liability team before quickly being promoted to Trainee Solicitor in the Occupiers Liability & Public Liability department; where she now works under the Supervision of the CEO, James Maxey, and the CEO(L), Daniel Slade.

Outside of work, Lois likes to spend her time with her family and friends, walking, and socialising

Alys is a dedicated legal professional whose journey commenced with a Bachelor’s degree in English Language Teaching from Turkey in 2020. Building upon this foundation, she pursued and completed her Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) in 2021, signalling her entry into the legal realm.

In 2022, Alys embarked on the LPC LLM program, demonstrating her commitment to advancing her legal expertise. Despite the challenges posed, she persevered and successfully completed all modules, currently focusing on her remaining examinations with diligence.

Her professional trajectory took shape in September 2022 when she assumed the role of Litigation Assistant, working closely with Eleanor Groves, a renowned figure known for managing a substantial caseload in the OLPL department. Together, they specialize in handling complex cosmetic cases, distinguishing themselves as a formidable team.

A significant milestone occurred in November 2023 when Alys secured a training contract, propelling her closer to her ultimate goal of qualification in November 2025. This achievement underscores her dedication to professional growth and excellence.

Looking ahead, Alys harbours aspirations of pursuing a PhD, with a particular interest in exploring the intersection of cosmetics and law. She envisions contributing to scholarly discourse in this field, driven by her passion and intellectual curiosity.

Additionally, Alys entertains the long-term ambition of transitioning into a unique role as a Coroner, inspired by her initial foray into a personal injury-oriented company. This aspiration reflects her multifaceted approach to career development and her desire to make a meaningful impact within the legal profession.

Isabella is a Trainee Solicitor at Express Solicitors specialising in Occupiers’ and Public liability claims. She has previously assisted Jonathan Flattery, Principal Partner on serious and complex claims involving defective products, sports accidents, school injuries, accidents at work and road traffic accidents.

Isabella is further gaining experience in Criminal Injuries Compensation Claims including acting for victims of historic abuse.

Isabella strives to establish great client relationships and satisfaction by keeping them informed and progressing cases forward as much as possible.

Graduating with a First-Class Law degree in 2020, Isabella continued her studies and obtained a Distinction on the Legal Practice Course with a master’s in law in 2022.

Jack successfully completed his LLM in Legal Practice in conjunction with his LPC at Northumbria University, demonstrating a strong foundation in legal education. In March 2023, he joined Express Solicitors, where he has since thrived.

Working closely with Senior Associates Paul Stanley and Lara O’Donnell, Jack has honed his skills across a diverse spectrum of cases, benefiting from their mentorship and guidance. His tenure at Express has seen him grow significantly, adeptly navigating the complexities inherent in his role and consistently progressing in his career.

Aysha graduated from The University of Salford in 2021 with LLB (Hons) Law. Upon the completion of her degree, she worked in a law firm across Greater Manchester as a conveyancer dealing with various property transactions from 2021 to 2022.

Aysha Joined Express Solicitors as a Litigation Executive in 2023. Working in a well-established and successful law firm such as Express Solicitors is exciting as the firm deals with almost any type of personal injury claims, thus no two days are the same and every day there is something different to learn. She believe that the most vital aspect of the job is to ensure that clients receive the best communication and service.

It is important to communicate with clients from all different backgrounds effectively as not everyone is familiar with the litigation process. As someone with previous experience working in law firms in Greater Manchester, Aysha has picked up this vital skill and ensure that clients are updated through every step of their case and understand the legal process.

Grace Rainey is a Trainee Solicitor in the Occupiers’ and Public Liability department at Express Solicitors. Grace works alongside Daniel Slade, Chief Executive Officer (Legal) and Katryn Mercer, Senior Associate Solicitor Advocate at Express.

Working closely with Daniel and Katryn, Grace has gained a wealth of experience dealing with particularly complex, serious and catastrophic injury claims. Grace is currently studying for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam and is on route to becoming a qualified Solicitor.

Emma joined Express Solicitors in April 2012 as part of the New Client team and became team leader in 2013. She then joined our sister company Ontime Reports as a supervisor in 2016 and was promoted to Litigation Executive in January 2017 for Express Solicitors.

Emma enjoys speaking to different people all the time and helping and offering advice where she can. She specialises in Occupiers’ and Public Liability department, working in the portal team running her own cases.

When asked how she makes a difference, Emma said ‘’I take pride in my work, I try to the best of my ability to assist all my clients. I build good rapport and sympathise with each client as most of them haven’t been in this situation before and do not know what to expect. I ensure all my clients are made to feel comfortable when bringing their claim and aim to gain their trust’’.

Emma’s achievements up to date include coming from a non-legal background with no formal legal qualifications to running her own caseload.

Stephanie pursued her legal studies at Newcastle University, graduating with honors and earning a 2:1 degree. She embarked on her professional journey in a personal injury firm in Liverpool, specializing in employers’ liability and public liability cases. While also handling road traffic accident and Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority cases, Stephanie’s forte lies in employers’ and public liability matters.

In January 2023, Stephanie transitioned to Express Solicitors, where she found immense satisfaction in her work. Renowned for her efficiency and organizational prowess, Stephanie approaches her files with a direct and concise manner. She prioritizes building strong relationships with her clients, ensuring clarity and transparency throughout the legal process.

Stephanie thrives on tackling complex and litigated cases, striving for optimal resolutions. She finds profound fulfilment in guiding cases from inception to successful settlements, particularly relishing the challenge of addressing intricate legal issues. Stephanie’s dedication to her clients’ well-being and her ability to navigate legal complexities underscore her commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes.

Kuda is a Senior Litigation Executive in Occupiers’ and Public Liability department at Express Solicitors, having initially joined the firm in October 2023.

Kuda enjoys providing unlimited legal support to clients and is focused on getting the maximum possible compensation to help clients recover any losses suffered. Kuda understands the importance of great communication with every client and always being there to assist and advise.

Kuda has gained legal experience working with Road Traffic Accident, Employers’ and Public Liability claims.
Kuda graduated with his LLB at Manchester Metropolitan University and qualified as a Legal Executive in August 2022.

Robert graduated from university in 2014 having studied law at Sheffield Hallam University. He went straight into working in the personal injury field and has 8 years of experience helping injured people recover the damages they deserved.

Robert has experience in all types of personal injury claims but specialises particularly in road traffic accidents. He has a no compromise approach to litigation in order to achieve his clients the maximum level of compensation. He enjoys explaining difficult legal arguments to his clients in a language they understand in order to make the whole claim process as stress free as possible.

Fiona began her legal career back in 1985 dealing predominantly with Childcare matters and claims against the Highways Authorities.

As time progressed, she began dealing specifically in Personal Injury claims whether it be those as a result of a road traffic accident, workplace or public space. She also dealt with claims for the victims of crime.

She strives to achieve the best possible outcome for all of her clients by way of constructive negotiation or through the Courts. She is not afraid of any challenge and will fight your corner. In her limited free time, she likes to swim, read and enjoy quality time with her family.

Sobia Hussain is a Litigation Executive in the Occupiers and Public Liability Department at Express Solicitors having joined the firm in January 2023 and is Supervised by Emma Welby. Sobia has worked in the Occupiers Liability department since she started working at Express Solicitors. She has conduct over her own files and has dealt with various of cases ranging from defective premises to dog bite claims.

Before joining Express Solicitors, Sobia earned her degree in Law which she completed in Leeds. Sobia will be starting her LPC Part time in September as well as working at Express Solicitors. Sobia has a goal of qualifying as a solicitor after the completion of the course. Sobia has always wanted to be a lawyer and feels that everybody should have the right to achieve justice when they are owed it.

When asked what she enjoys most about her role, Sobia commented: “I enjoy listening and sympathising with clients to get a feel on how their accident has affected them and try my best I can to help the client in any way possible”.

Asma is a Litigation Executive within the Occupiers and Public liability team. She completed her Bachelor of Laws LLB at the University of Manchester and graduated in July 2022 with a 2:1.

Asma initially joined Express Solicitors as a Litigation Assistant in March 2023. When asked what she enjoys most about her role at Express Solicitors, Asma answered, “I enjoy being part of a great team of experienced individuals and having the opportunity to work on a range of Personal Injury claims. I am passionate about what I do and committed towards developing strong relationships with each and every client and always strive to achieve the best outcome for them”.

Lewis Robinson is a Litigation Executive in the Occupiers’ and Liability Department having qualified with a Cilex Diploma in Providing Legal Services from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2018. He initially started working at Express Solicitors as a Litigation Assistant in October 2022.

Lewis has gained a lot of experiencing over the years dealing with all types of personal injury claims and all types of injuries. He is proud to be a part of the Express Solicitors team as a well-established law firm with an excellent reputation, which provides him a safe and supportive environment to grow whilst enabling him to assist clients with their claims.

In his spare time, Lewis enjoys playing snooker and football as well as spending time with friends and family. As an outgoing person this also reflects within Lewis’ work to build a rapport with each and every client to ensure not only the best possible chances of success but also to maximise the value of the compensation.

Danial Mahmood is a Litigation Executive within the Occupiers and Public Liability team having joined the firm in September 2023.

Danial moved to Liverpool from Birmingham and has completed his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and is due to start his LPC and LLM part time in January 2024 at University of Law Manchester as he has the goal of qualifying as a solicitor. Danial wants to become a solicitor as he would love to represent a client’s best interests while ensuring they get the best result against the defendant.

Danial is proud to be a part of the Express Solicitors team as a well-established law firm it has given him the opportunity to work on his own caseloads whilst also providing him a safe and supportive environment to grow.

When Danial was asked what he most enjoyed about his role, he answered, “I enjoy speaking to clients and building a good rapport. I always ensure I am available for clients if they have any queries or concerns.”

Hamza Hussain is a Litigation Executive in the Occupiers and Public Liability Department. Hamza graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2016 with a Law degree before completing his Legal Practice Course at the University of Law in Manchester.

After completing his LPC, Hamza has gained experience working in other legal firms across Manchester as well as serving with Greater Manchester Police for one year before joining Express Solicitors in 2024. Working in a well-established law firm such as Express Solicitors is exciting as the firm deals with almost every type of personal injury claim, thus no two days are the same and every day there is something different to learn.

When asked what he enjoys about working for Express Solicitors Hamza said that “It is amazing working for a firm that development and invests a lot of time into providing great training for its employees, providing us with a platform to succeed.”

Idriis Nawaz is a Litigation Executive in the Occupiers and Public Liability Department at Express Solicitors having joined the firm in January 2024.

Idriis Graduated with his law degree in Manchester and has the goal of becoming a Solicitor. He is currently studying his SQE part time whilst working at the firm. He firmly believes that client’s deserves a fair chance and representation in their claims. He believes that understand and communicating with clients is the most crucial aspect of the work.

Idriis is proud to be a member of the Express solicitors team as it has allowed him to focus on his own caseload and has offered him a secure and encouraging atmosphere in which to develop.

Tayla James is a Litigation Assistant in the Occupier’s and Public Liability department. Tayla has spent 5 years dealing with Road Traffic Accident claims at Express Solicitors before moving to the Occupier’s and Public Liability department in 2023. She is currently completing the Solicitor’s Apprenticeship programme and is due to qualify with Express Solicitors in 2026.

When asked what she enjoys most about her role at Express Solicitors, Tayla answered: “I enjoy the different challenges that I face everyday with new clients and claims. It is a fast-paced working environment, which I believe I thrive in. The teams are amazing in both my previous and new department, I love the friendly atmosphere at Express”

“I take pride in my client care. I always understand that clients do no experience bringing claims forward everyday and the process can be extremely daunting. I take time in understanding my client’s needs and help them with clear and concise advice regarding the legal process. I want them to feel at ease and I believe I manage that with my approach to client care.”