London law firm Osbornes Law has appointed Hugh Johnson as its new head of medical negligence. Johnson joins from Stewarts, where he spent 17 years, including six as a partner. With two decades of experience in medical negligence litigation, he has a particular focus on cases involving brain and spinal injuries, having secured over £65 million in damages for clients.
Johnson said he was ‘extremely proud to join Osbornes’ and described the medical negligence team as ‘in its ascendancy’. He added: ‘I’ll be looking to harness that significant talent to achieve further growth and to contribute to the firm’s wider success.’ He also praised the firm’s leadership, saying: ‘There’s such a positivity about Osbornes under the leadership of Joanne Wescott.’
His appointment coincides with the promotion of Jodi Newton to head of birth and paediatric negligence. Newton, who has been with the firm for five years and became a partner last year, specialises in complex birth injury claims, including cerebral and Erb’s palsy. She is known for securing lifelong care packages for clients.
Managing partner Joanne Wescott welcomed Johnson’s arrival, saying: ‘We could think of no one better to lead our medical negligence team.’ She also congratulated Newton, noting her promotion as a reflection of her ‘strong record’ and contribution to the team. Johnson’s appointment follows the passing of former head Stephanie Prior, who died in February 2025 after a two-year battle with cancer.
