Tom Fletcher & Rachel Pearce—Coodes Solicitors

South West law firm Coodes Solicitors is expanding its personal injury and clinical negligence team with the appointment of two specialist lawyers, partner Tom Fletcher and associate Rachel Pearce.

Tom joins from one of the UK’s largest and most highly acclaimed law firms, Irwin Mitchell, where he specialised in medical negligence and child abuse cases. Based in Irwin Mitchell’s Birmingham office since 2010, Tom handled several high profile cases, including representing the victims of abuse in football clubs, schools and churches. He also has a track record for securing high value settlements for people who have suffered serious clinical negligence, including brain injuries and fatalities.

Rachel joined Coodes after setting up a south west base for London firm Hodge Jones & Allen LLP. Rachel is a clinical negligence specialist, and her expertise is recognised by her accreditations with both the Law Society and APIL (Association of Personal Injury Lawyers). Rachel is also a member of INQUEST Lawyers Group, a national pool of lawyers providing legal representation for bereaved families. She has settled a number of significant clinical negligence cases during her 10-year career working for Hodge Jones and Allen and South East firms HRJ Law and Attwaters Jameson Hill. Rachel has particular expertise in acting for people who have suffered brain and birth injuries as well as representing clients at inquests.

Head of Coodes Solicitors’ personal injury and clinical negligence team partner, Tim Goldburn, said: ‘Since the merger with Preston Goldburn the team has gone from strength to strength. The fact we are now able to recruit two such high quality candidates is testament to our reputation. Tom Fletcher brings unique expertise to Cornwall and is highly motivated to do justice for his clients. Rachel Pearce comes with a high level of clinical negligence expertise and a highly approachable manner, which is crucial for this complex work.

‘Anyone who has suffered serious, life-changing injuries as a result of mistakes deserves the best representation without having to leave Cornwall. We are absolutely delighted that Tom and Rachel are joining us and helping us to continue our growth across the region.’