Top recruits cement Coodes’ position as leading firm for clinical negligence and personal injury claims

South West law firm Coodes Solicitors is expanding its Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence teams. The strategic appointment of two specialist lawyers, Partner Tom Fletcher and Associate Rachel Pearce, cements Coodes’ position as one of the region’s leading firms for clinical negligence and personal injury claims.

The team provides a wide range of specialist advice to people who have been injured by substandard medical care or through an accident that was not their fault. The department was established when Coodes Solicitors merged with Falmouth firm Preston Goldburn in 2015.

Partner Tom Fletcher 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. Tom also has a track record for securing high value settlements for people who have suffered serious clinical negligence, including brain injuries and fatalities.

Tom has relocated to Truro with his partner. Speaking of his decision to join Coodes Solicitors, he said: “Coodes is an established law firm and I have been impressed by their vision and ambition. I am extremely excited about the move to Cornwall and having the opportunity to really make an impact in the region. This is also a great opportunity for me to help Coodes continue to progress and move forward.”

Rachel Pearce 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.

Rachel said: “I am delighted to be joining such a dedicated team at Coodes. It is absolutely clear that the team all work hard together for the benefit of their clients. We are more than happy to travel and make home visits so we can advise people across the region. I think there is great potential for Coodes to continue to grow its services to people who have experienced clinical negligence or suffered a personal injury across the South West and beyond.”

Rachel and Tom are both based in Coodes Solicitors’ Falmouth office but will work through the firm’s network of offices in Cornwall and Devon, supporting clients across the South West and beyond. They will work alongside head of department Tim Goldburn, Litigation Executive Sharon Parsons and Personal Injury colleagues Bob Beard and Catherine Hyde, who advise people who have been injured in a road traffic accident or at work.

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.