Rachel Pearce wins Clinical Negligence Lawyer of the Year Award

Rachel Pearce, one of the South West’s leading clinical negligence lawyers, has been named Clinical Negligence Lawyer of the Year at the 2025 Personal Injury Awards.

The win marks a standout year for Rachel, who leads Coodes Solicitors’ Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury team. It recognises her exceptional legal expertise, leadership and dedication to supporting individuals and families affected by medical negligence across Cornwall and beyond.

Held in Manchester last night (November 27), the Personal Injury Awards celebrate excellence across the UK personal injury and clinical negligence sector, recognising and honouring those who deliver exceptional outcomes for clients and demonstrate innovation and integrity in their work.

With nearly 20 years’ experience, Rachel acts on complex and high-value clinical negligence claims, including birth injuries, surgical errors, delayed diagnoses and fatal cases. She is widely recognised for combining technical legal excellence with a compassionate, client-first approach – qualities that have become hallmarks of her leadership at Coodes.

This year’s win follows a string of recent accolades for Rachel and the wider team. In 2024, Coodes was named Clinical Negligence Team of the Year, with Rachel also shortlisted individually. The latest edition of The Legal 500 (2026) saw Rachel commended for her “compassion and first-rate legal knowledge” and she was ranked for a sixth consecutive year in the 2026 Chambers and Partners guide, described as being ‘renowned for her exceptional client care’.

Commenting on her award, Rachel said: “It is a huge honour to be named Clinical Negligence Lawyer of the Year. Every case we take on represents someone whose life has been profoundly affected and we never take that responsibility lightly. I am incredibly proud of our team, whose skill and compassion are at the heart of everything we do. This award is a reflection of their hard work and the trust our clients place in us.”

Elise Alma, Chair of Coodes Solicitors, said: “We are incredibly proud of Rachel and this well-earned recognition of her work. She leads by example, combining legal excellence with genuine compassion for her clients and her team. This award highlights the real impact she makes in people’s lives and reflects the values that drive us as a firm.”