‘Although it does handle work within the private sector, the team is best-known for its defence of local authorities in Wales and England, which are appreciative of the firm's deep knowledge of the law but also the nuances associated with work in the public sector.’

 

‘Customers who are often facing catastrophic claims in tragic circumstances feel protected and reassured with Dolmans advising and representing them through the process.'

 

Senior Partner, Adrian Oliver, has retained his recognition in the ‘Hall of Fame’ for the area of Personal Injury: Defendant and remains a very popular choice for defending local authorities, in particular, against a wide array of personal injury claims.

 

Managing Partner, Justin Harris, is once again a ‘Leading Partner’ in the Personal Injury: Defendant category. Outside of the public sector the team is also recognised for handling catastrophic road traffic accident (RTA) defence work, under the guidance of Justin Harris, who has 'an excellent grasp of the tactical and practical issues involved in any litigation'.

 

Peter Bennett, Partner, is again ranked as a ‘Leading Partner’ in the area of Personal Injury: Defendant and is described as 'very knowledgeable' and skilled at guiding local authorities and insurers through complex and often catastrophic personal injury claims, including in the context of asbestos-related disease. He is also at the forefront of the firm's efforts for a defendant in relation to the high-profile concussion early onset dementia group litigation claims brought by a number of professional and amateur rugby players.

 

Simon Evans is once again ranked as a ‘Leading Partner’ in the area of Personal Injury: Defendant and recognised as a 'tough and experienced litigator' who has expertise in handling employers' and public liability claims, regularly achieving 'high-quality results' for local authorities in England and Wales.

 

Amanda Evans, Nicola Edwards, Melanie Standley, and Clare Hoskins are all again recognised as ‘Next Generation Partners’ in the Personal Injury: Defendant category, and particularly skilled in handling very sensitive sexual and physical abuse social services claims. Amanda Evans is described as 'very tactically astute' with Nicola Edwards being recognised as a ‘detailed and knowledgeable lawyer that leaves no stone unturned'.

 

Tom Harris has been recognised as a ‘Leading Associate’ in the area of Personal Injury: Defendant for the first time and is described as an 'up and coming star of the team', regularly working alongside Justin Harris on motor insurance defence work.’

 

Dolmans has also retained Tier 2 status in Health & Safety, with Peter Bennett also being recognised as a ‘Leading Partner’ within this category. 'Very knowledgeable, dedicated and caring' team head Peter Bennett is key to the firm's success in the area, regularly taking the lead in catastrophic cases, helping clients 'feel protected and reassured' in often tragic circumstances. Claire Jacobsen is also 'superb', regularly providing assistance to Peter Bennett on a number of the cases. The team is described as being able to handle complex health and safety and regulatory cases with expertise and professionalism.

 

Tier 2 status is also achieved in Sport. Co-headed by Adrian Oliver and Justin Harris, Dolmans' multi-disciplinary team remains best known for advising national governing bodies/organisations on their regulatory, governance and commercial arrangements. Adrian Oliver continues to advise Disability Sport Wales, including on organisational issues, governance matters and sponsorship agreements. Other key practitioners include Peter Bennett, who remains at the forefront of the high-profile rugby concussion litigation; former Welsh international triathlete Clare Hoskins; and associate Tom Harris, who regularly assists individuals and sporting bodies in the drafting and review of contracts.

​

The Property Litigation team, headed by Partner, Philip Bradley, similarly retains its Tier 2 status and is described as 'approachable, professional and very efficient' and provides 'clear, accurate and practical' advice to clients across a myriad of property litigation, including on boundary disputes and adverse possession.

 

Dolmans is recommended in the areas of Commercial Litigation, Corporate & Commercial and Personal Injury: Claimant, with Philip Bradley recognised as a ‘Leading Partner’ and described as having ‘a wealth of knowledge and experience in pursuing claims for compensation in personal injury’.

 

The Legal 500 rankings also recognise other key lawyers across the practice areas in which Dolmans are recommended and this includes Claire Jacobsen.

 

Adrian Oliver, Senior Partner, said: “It is pleasing to see the firm again receive recognition of its strength as the most respected practice in Wales in the field of Personal Injury: Defendant. This is a tribute to the talented individuals working in these areas of the law to provide the best possible service with the co-operation and assistance of our professional clients. We continue to adopt a pragmatic and constructive response in dealing with our obligations and we work well with other lawyers and the courts to achieve the most beneficial outcomes for our clients. The fact that our abilities are recognised by our peers as well as our clients is testament to the hard work and professionalism of our staff.”