First4lawyers has formed a partnership with Exchange Chambers in order to help it increase its capabilities in clinical negligence work.
In the first tie-up of its kind between a claims management company and a set of chambers, Exchange Chambers will give law firms on the First4lawyers panel access to the expert advice of counsel when screening difficult cases, while it will usually be the first port of call for panel firms seeking advocates.
The marketing collective is in the process of growing its panel of specialist clinical negligence law firms and also has plans to create the first TV advertisement dedicated to this serious area of law.
Led by Bill Braithwaite QC, the clinical negligence team at Exchange Chambers boasts a wealth of expertise in handling the most severe catastrophic claims. It has four other silks, supported by over 20 juniors.
First4Lawyers head of business development Chris Rodgers said that the number of clinical negligence claims was rising fast, which meant an increasing number of CMCs were looking to muscle into an area they know little about.
“This is a dangerous trend. There is an urgent need for ethical companies like First4Lawyers to show they have the confidence of the legal profession and ensure that potential claimants get the best possible advice from the start.
“In our view, augmenting our panel of expert solicitors with some of the best clinical negligence barristers in the country should achieve both of those goals.”
Tom Handley, director of Chambers at Exchange Chambers said that working with First4Lawyers was a good fit for the set.
“They are experts in helping the victims of medical negligence find the right expert solicitor for their case, while our team has extensive experience acting for claimants in complex, high-value clinical negligence matters. We are well placed to work with the law firms on the panel,” he said.