Fran Mayes

As Regional Head of the Serious Injury team and Regional Lead Partner for Newcastle and Middlesbrough, I lead our work across the North East and Cumbria from our Newcastle and Middlesbrough offices. I am proud to lead a talented and dedicated team focused on delivering outstanding client outcomes, combining legal expertise with a genuinely compassionate and collaborative approach.

We’re an award‑winning team, recognised for the quality of our work and our commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients. Most recently, we were named Team of the Year for Personal Injury at the Northern Law Awards 2025, and Insurance Firm of the Year at the Legal 500 Northern Powerhouse Awards 2026.

I support individuals and families whose lives have been changed by complex brain or spinal cord injuries and amputations, helping them find a way forward during what can often be an overwhelming and uncertain time.

I specialise in serious injury claims and have secured many multi‑million‑pound settlements for my clients. These settlements aren’t just about financial security; they’re about restoring dignity, independence, and hope.

My experience and specialism are recognised by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL). I am a Fellow of APIL, the highest level of accreditation, and an APIL Accredited Brain Injury Specialist. I’m currently the only APIL Fellow in the North East and Cumbria.

I have been recognised by the Legal 500, one of the UK’s leading independent legal guides, as a “Hall of Fame” lawyer in personal injury. This distinction is awarded to those consistently ranked at the highest level over many years. Another leading guide, Chambers and Partners, has consistently placed me in their highest rankings for personal injury lawyers for many years.

I value the close, trusting relationships I build with my clients. My focus is always on achieving the very best outcome, one that supports both immediate needs and long‑term recovery. I believe that expert legal representation should go hand in hand with empathy, and my goal is to make sure my clients feel heard and confident that their case is in expert hands.

One of the most rewarding parts of my role is helping clients access high‑quality care and rehabilitation. Seeing people regain confidence and move forward after serious injury is incredibly powerful. It’s particularly special to reconnect with former clients and hear how they’ve continued to rebuild their lives after their claims have settled.

I’m proud to work alongside a dedicated and compassionate team who share my commitment to putting people first. I’m pleased to be part of Irwin Mitchell’s wider national network, giving my clients access to expert support across areas such as family law, conveyancing, Court of Protection, wills and probate, employment, and public law.

Trained Irwin Mitchell; qualified 1997; partner 2007 to date.