Dolmans continues to dominate the legal landscape, providing an ‘exceptional level of service’ to public sector entities and their insurers, in particular, across a myriad claims brought against them. Many of these cases are brought against local authorities, which are appreciative of the team’s ability to ‘take into account the political as well as the legal’ elements associated with such matters. The ‘skilled and knowledgeable’ Simon Evans has a ‘steady eye on the tactics’ in any given case, including as it relates to catastrophic injuries and large-scale litigation. Clare Hoskins also has a ‘great understanding of local authority claims’, as well as handling complex matters brought against social services for alleged failure to protect children from abuse and neglect. The ‘exceptional’ Peter Bennett excels in employers’ liability defence work for public and private sector clients, including in the context of industrial diseases/accidents, work which he combines with niche sports-related litigation, including his high-profile representation of the Welsh Rugby Union defending early onset dementia group litigation brought by former professional (and amateur) rugby players. Under the guidance of the ‘urbane but steely’ Justin Harris and often aided by ‘up-and-coming star’ Tom Harris, the firm also continues to grow its offering in the private sector, picking up a raft of catastrophic motor injury work. Team head Adrian Oliver excels in defending claims brought against police forces, as does Melanie Standley, while Amanda Evans has a focus on representing local authorities in the defence of their social services claims.

The ‘knowledgeable, professional and friendly’ team at Geldards LLP provides a ‘first-class service’ to public sector clients, and companies which operate insurance captives or self-insure, in the defence of employers’ and public liability personal injury claims. ‘Exceptional’ team head Donna Makin is well-versed in handling the defence of a range of often very serious claims, including those relating to industrial diseases such as asbestos poisoning.

At Hugh James, Leon Lloyd handles much of the day-to-day personal injury defence work for insurers, corporates and public authorities and is appreciated for his ‘impressive grasp of strategy’, including on high-value claims arising in an employers’ liability context. Stephanie Eedy and Alun Tobias oversee the insurance and recoveries team, with Tobias noted for his work for insurers on subrogated claims.