Hudgell Solicitors expands into North East with opening of new office in Newcastle-upon-Tyne city centre

Hudgell Solicitors has announced the opening of a new office in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in a move the firm says is a ‘natural expansion’ given it already represents a large number of clients across the North East.

Established in Hull in 1997, the firm, known for its commitment to client care, expanded into Manchester seven years ago from where it has represented families who lost loved ones in the Manchester Arena bombing and continues to support more than 280 injured survivors.

The firm, which has been employee owned since 2023, was named one of the fastest growing in Manchester last year, and just last week was named ‘Medium Law Firm of the Year’ at the Manchester Legal Awards.

Now, chief executive Rachel Di Clemente, who spent several years working in Newcastle earlier in her career, is targeting similar success in the North East.

“We’re thrilled to be opening a new office in Newcastle; it feels like a natural expansion for us given we already have a significant client base from the city and across the North East region,” she said. “This move means we will be closer to our clients, something which will obviously help us ensure we maintain the highest standards of client care, which is always our number one priority. We already have a number of colleagues working for the business based in the area, and others who grew up in the region, so we have a good understanding of the people we will be representing, and what they expect.”

Hudgells will begin its presence in the region with an experienced team of clinical negligence lawyers, including Helen Thompson, Lee Watkins, Carolyn Woodgate, Josh Armstrong and Ashleigh Finlinson bringing decades of combined experience.

Mrs Di Clemente says plans are already in place to expand that team with more news to follow shortly. “Our aim is to repeat the success we have seen across the North West from Manchester and quickly expand the number of colleagues we employ within the North East,” she said.

“Over the past few years we have built a reputation as the firm that will fight for its clients, stand up for the vulnerable, give a voice to those seeking justice and ultimately right wrongs. We bring an unwavering commitment to do just that for the people of the North East. Personally, I have a great affinity with the city having had a very enjoyable seven year spell of my career in Newcastle and more recently seeing my daughter graduate here, so I am delighted to be back in the region more permanently.”

Clients hail ‘kind, compassionate and personable’ approach. Current clients of Hudgells in the North East have welcomed the company moving into Newcastle and the opening of a new city centre office.

The firm has represented June Tron, of Gateshead, for seven years, following the tragic loss of her son Philip, 32, who died in the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017. Hudgells represented her at the Public Inquiry into the attack.

“The Hudgells team have been wonderful for me and my family. They’ve listened to us, they’ve understood us and they’ve been there for us. They worked exceptionally hard for us, and they have protected and comforted us in difficult times,” she said.

“Every solicitor we have dealt with has been exceptionally kind, and considerate. The Inquiry was very difficult at times, and they noticed when I was struggling listening to evidence and always looked after me and ensured I was ok. I think it’s fantastic for the North East to have a firm like Hudgells coming into the area, as I have felt fortunate to have them representing me. We consider them part of the family.”

Former Gateshead sub-postmaster Bob Stevenson, a victim of the Post Office scandal, was represented by the firm in his compensation claim. He lost his business and his house and was made bankrupt after being suspended from his position at East Fellgate Park Post Office in 2002 – all due to the Post Office’s faulty accounting system.

The Post Office made him an initial offer of £51,200 compensation in May 2023, a figure increased to £502,000 after he had instructed Hudgells’ legal team to help him.

“Hudgells are quite simply the best business I have ever come into contact with, and I worked at and with some major businesses during my career,” said Mr Stevenson, 81.

“What sets them apart is their personable touch. Everybody I have been in contact with at the firm has been fantastic. They are compassionate and determined to do the best by you.

“I feel it all feeds down from the top, and I’ve been lucky enough to have Neil Hudgell represent me. He is a very impressive man, hugely talented and knowledgeable about what he does, but he is also so approachable and friendly. When we had a tribunal hearing he met us at our hotel in London the night before, and then he was back at our hotel at 8.30am the next morning to walk us to our hearing.

“Everybody at the firm is the same. Nothing is ever too much trouble for them.”

Hudgell Solicitors has been named in the Times Best 250 Law Firms for the past five years in succession, and was this year named in the Sunday Times ‘Best Places to Work’ list.

Image provided by Hudgell Solicitors

Francesca Kaye