DEPARTMENT PROFILE

Leigh Day

Product Liability: Mainly Claimant

5 ranked lawyers

Band 1

UK-wide

UK 2022 View ranking table

chambers review

department information

Ranked Lawyers

Chambers Review

Chambers Research is conducted by 200 Research Analysts, across 200 jurisdictions and provides nearly 6,000 rankings tables. Annually we collect hundreds of thousands of responses from clients, the majority via in-depth interview. Learn more about our methodology.

What the team is known for

Deep bench of claimant lawyers handling significant product liability work, including major multiparty and cross-jurisdictional litigation. Equipped to handle a wide range of product-related matters, from litigation arising from faulty medical devices and consumer goods to claims regarding injuries suffered as a result of clinical trials for pharmaceutical products. Equally adept at representing large groups of claimants, including families in defective product inquests, as well as individuals pursuing high-value claims. Increasingly sought out for representation in proceedings and inquests involving food products.

Strengths

"The firm is diligent, responsive and practical," remarks one interviewee, noting: "They work hard to distil difficult concepts down into straightforward advice to empower their clients and help them to engage productively in all aspects of the litigation process."

Work highlights

Acted as joint lead solicitors in a group claim on behalf of approximately 91,000 vehicle owners after Volkswagen admitted that 1.2 million VW, Audi, Skoda and SEAT vehicles sold in the UK were fitted with emissions test cheating software.

Notable practitioners

Bozena Michalowska Howells is highly sought after for her extensive expertise relating to defective medical devices. She deftly handles group actions and individual claims involving a broad array of products, including high-profile automotive matters.
"She is very much a leading figure in the field and is knowledgeable." "She is very thorough, very easy to get on with and client-focused."

Gene Matthews concentrates his practice on the pursuit of claims arising out medical devices and pharmaceuticals, with considerable experience handling claims involving clinical trials.

Jill Paterson has a multifaceted product liability practice which incorporates the representation of claimants in proceedings involving an impressive scope of products. She brings skill and expertise to claims and inquests involving food and drink, consumer goods and medical products.

Michelle Victor is adept at handling substantial group claims involving defective medical devices and consumer products. She offers considerable expertise in matters relating to food safety, including advising on inquests and legislative change.

Thomas Jervis offers clients wide-ranging expertise in product liability matters involving medical devices and white and consumer goods. He has further notable experience advising on significant food and drink matters.
"He is a tenacious and effective litigator with a very pleasant manner."

Department Information

This content is provided by Leigh Day.

Overview

The product safety and consumer law team has been involved in historic cases including Thalidomide and Contaminated Blood Transfusion litigation; and also cutting edge legal battles that have made new law.

They have particular expertise in large scale group litigation and high profile inquests. They represent individuals injured, killed or affected by products including electrical appliances, vehicles, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food products, toys, financial services, and in clinical trials.

In 2019 the team acted for the family of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse who died following an allergic reaction. This high-profile case led to a change in the law on ingredient labelling which is now known as “Natasha’s Law”.

They have a specialist practice in fire and explosion cases including acting for the consumer group Which? in a public law action linked to the government’s approach to Whirlpool tumble dryers and a group action brought by the residents affected by the Shepherd’s Bush Tower Block Fire

The team are currently acting as the joint-lead lawyers, in the emissions defeat device group litigation against Volkswagen in the UK believed to be the largest group action in this jurisdiction and are also taking action against Mercedes.

The team is also currently working with families affected by Foetal Valproate Syndrome in relation to the ongoing Independent Medicines and Medical Device Safety Review, chaired by Baroness Cumberlege.