LAWYER PROFILE

Melissa Gardner

UK 2026

JMW Solicitors LLP

Ranked in 1 practice area

Clinical Negligence: Mainly Claimant

North West

4 years ranked

About

Provided by JMW Solicitors LLP

UK

Practice Areas

Melissa specialises in cases involving children who have sustained brain injuries around the time of birth, with particular focus on neonatal jaundice (kernicterus), birth asphyxia and hypoglycaemia. She also acts for children and young adults with orthopaedic injuries such as hip dysplasia, SUFE (slipped upper femoral epiphysis). Melissa has extensive experience of acting for clients in cauda equina syndrome cases, many of which are of high value.

Recent successes include the cerebral palsy cases of A v E Hospital Trust and OM v W Hospital Trust, which both settled in 2018 for £22.3 million and £22 million respectively.

Melissa has a high level of expertise in cases specifically relating to cauda equina syndrome failures and obtained £2.1 million for a client in 2020.

The same year Melissa secured £1.35 million for a teenager who suffered a misdiagnosis of a slipped upper femoral epiphysis and will have lifelong disabilities.

Career

Qualified 2005. Joined JMW’s Clinical Negligence Dept. 2006. Partner from 2015.

Professional Memberships

Law Society Clinical Negligence Panel since 2010. APIL and AvMA member.

Personal

BA (Hons) University of Sheffield.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession

Clinical Negligence: Mainly Claimant - North West

Band 3

Individual Editorial

Melissa Gardner is able to handle matters arising from birth injuries resulting in catastrophic brain damage, as well as cases related to neonatal negligence. She has additional experience relating to spinal cord injuries due to delays in diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

She has a good web of contacts, is reliable and you can count on her.
Clinical Negligence: Mainly ClaimantChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
Melissa is an expert in her work with the additional element of prioritising engagement and communication with her client, ensuring that she understands their context.
Clinical Negligence: Mainly ClaimantChambers Guide to the Legal Profession