By: 28 July 2025
Switalskis expands personal injury team into London

Switalskis has taken a step forward in its national growth strategy with the expansion of its personal injury team into London and the promotion of department director Mark Hollinghurst to managing director of personal injury.

Mark Hollinghurst, who has played a key role in developing Switalskis’ personal injury services, now leads more than 40 people, including dedicated brain and spinal injury specialists. His new role will see him drive growth, maintain excellent client service and continue to make Switalskis a standout employer in the legal sector.

The firm, which has an established office in London, sees four senior lawyers join from Taylor Rose Solicitors, where they worked together as its personal injury team. Caroline Kempster, with a career spanning three decades, focuses on complex injury claims and began her career in clinical negligence. Ian Latimer brings over 40 years’ experience in catastrophic injury litigation, including cases involving brain, spinal and amputation injuries.

Allen Myers adds over 30 years’ experience, from minor injury claims to traumatic amputations claims, as well as involvement in high-profile incidents such as Zeebrugge and Kings Cross Rail. Simon Rooney strengthens the team further with over 10 years’ experience in serious injury matters, particularly chronic pain conditions, orthopaedic and psychiatric injuries.

Mark Hollinghurst says: “This is an exciting moment for us as we build on our Yorkshire roots and expand our reach into London. Recruiting four outstanding personal injury solicitors is an important step in our team’s development. Caroline, Ian, Simon and Allen are talented and share our values of expert legal advice combined with genuine care for clients. Their expertise and energy will help us support more clients in London and the South East while we continue to build a workplace where talented lawyers thrive.” 

John Durkan, managing director of Switalskis says: “I’m delighted this very experienced team is now on board with us and that it will further support the growth of our London office. It also shows our continued commitment to personal injury work as a practice area we are keen to invest in.”

Switalskis’ national personal injury team includes APIL-accredited specialists and past APIL president John McQuater, underlining its position as one of the UK’s leading claimant practices.

Image: Switalskis

Robert Welbourn
Robert Welbourn is a contributing reporter for Claims Media. His background is in banking and finance; he has worked for a number of high street banks and trading platforms. He's also a published author and freelance writer and editor.