Director hired to spearhead law firm’s advance into London

Switalskis Solicitors has opened its first office outside of Yorkshire with the appointment of two clinical negligence lawyers and director, David Thomas, who will spearhead the firm’s new London office.

Thomas, who was previously partner at Simpson Millar LLP, will lead a team from Switalskis’ new office near Liverpool Street in central London.

Clare Gooch, who was formerly a partner at Stone Rowe Brewer LLP, will work alongside him. The pair are joined by clinical negligence solicitor Chantelle Cooper, also from Simpson Millar, where she worked with Thomas for four years, progressing from paralegal to solicitor in this complex area of law.

Having qualified as a solicitor in 2010, Gooch has gained a wide knowledge and experience in many areas of clinical negligence, including dental negligence, delay in diagnosis and mismanagement of treatment resulting in injury.

Thomas specialises in acting exclusively for claimants – mother and child – in maternity cases and has a proven track record in this high value and challenging area of the law.

“He has worked in the profession for 30 years and holds dual membership of Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA) and the Law Society specialist panels.”

He said: “I am excited to have this amazing opportunity to head Switalskis’ new London office, and to be part of the group led by MD, John Durkan.

“I feel humbled by the quality and reputations of the lawyers in the clinical negligence department, headed by Suzanne Munroe.

“Switalskis has an excellent reputation in maternal cases and, after my discussions with John and the senior management team, it soon became apparent that we shared the same values and vision.”

Durkan said: “Our expansion into London reflects the increasing demand for our services in this area of law. Our ability to attract such talent in London is testament to the reputation of our existing team of excellent specialist lawyers.

“The new office opens up our reach outside Yorkshire and also gives our existing team a base when they are working on cases in the capital.”

The office extends Switalskis’ clinical negligence team, which until now has operated out of its network of offices across Yorkshire.

Suzanne Munroe, who heads the growing department, added: “Clare, David and Chantelle have a wealth and breadth of experience which fits really well with us.

“Most importantly, their approach to the work we do is very much aligned with our client-first values. It’s fantastic to welcome them to the team and to the firm.”