Sarah Coles

I qualified as a solicitor in 1998 and am now Regional Head and Lead Partner for our award-winning medical negligence teams across our Newcastle and Leeds offices. Throughout my career, I’ve remained dedicated to medical law, developing deep expertise across a broad range of complex cases, including but not limited to:

Cerebral palsy

Amputation

Spinal injuries

Cauda equina syndrome

Erb’s palsy

Sepsis.

Over the years, I’ve secured more than £300 million in compensation for my clients and their families. However, I recognise that achieving a financial settlement is only one part of the journey.

For many people, understanding what went wrong and why is just as important, if not more so, than getting compensation. I’m committed to helping my clients find those answers while ensuring they have access to the support, care, and rehabilitation they need to move on with their lives.

I also lead the firm’s relationship with the National Health Service’s Insurer, NHS Resolution, to support improvements within the NHS, assist with learnings and ensure the claimant’s voice and experience is not only heard but learned from, with action taken for improvement.

I’ve been consistently ranked for my expertise in clinical negligence claims by the leading independent legal directory Chambers and Partners since 2018. They call me “a highly experienced partner with a highly complex case load.” I’m also listed as a Leading Partner in the field of clinical negligence by the equally respected guide, Legal 500. I’ve been nominated for Insurance Lawyer of the Year for two consecutive years at the Legal 500 Northern Powerhouse Awards.

We’re always striving to see how we can work more collaboratively to benefit our clients. This involves looking at how the Early Notification Scheme works in practice and providing suggestions and solutions that mean trauma through litigation is reduced for parents and all claimants.

I'm also on the panel of the Spinal Injuries Association, which strives to help people rebuild their lives after sustaining this type of injury.

I approach every case with sensitivity and respect for the unique circumstances that each of my clients face. I understand that pursuing a claim can feel daunting, particularly at an already difficult time, and I strive to give clear guidance and fearless representation throughout the process.

My clients, and what they hope to achieve, remain at the heart of everything I do. I take the time to listen, to understand their priorities, and to tailor my approach accordingly. I make sure my clients’ voices are heard and that their needs are fully supported every step of the way.