Fletchers Solicitors has announced the appointment of Alison Flaherty and Phil Barnes as Directors within its Clinical Negligence practice, further strengthening the firm’s senior leadership team following a period of significant growth.
Alison Flaherty is a long-standing senior leader at Fletchers and leads specialist teams handling complex spinal, brain injury and amputation claims. She has played a central role in shaping the firm’s approach to supporting seriously injured clients and their families, consistently delivering high-quality outcomes across some of the most challenging clinical negligence cases.
In addition to her casework leadership, Alison leads Fletchers’ collaborative work with NHS Resolution and its Solicitor Panel, developing constructive, solutions-focused relationships aimed at achieving fair and timely outcomes for claimants. Her appointment formally recognises her contribution to the development, reputation and strategic direction of the Clinical Negligence practice.
Phil Barnes brings more than 25 years’ experience representing patients and families affected by serious injury. He is widely respected within the sector for his work on complex, high-value birth injury, brain injury and spinal injury claims, and is known for his calm, strategic approach and unwavering focus on client care.
Following Fletchers’ acquisition of the Shoosmiths Serious Injury team earlier this year, Phil has played a key role in integrating colleagues across Birmingham, Northampton and Reading, supporting the creation of a cohesive, nationally connected practice.
His appointment reflects his contribution to strengthening the firm’s specialist capabilities and enhancing support for both clients and colleagues across the UK.
Peter Rigby, Managing Director of Clinical Negligence at Fletchers, said:
“Alison and Phil are exceptional leaders and highly respected lawyers whose experience, judgement and values reflect the very best of our Clinical Negligence practice.
“Alison’s strategic leadership and collaborative approach, alongside Phil’s deep expertise and ability to bring teams together, make them ideally placed to help guide the practice through its next phase of development.
These appointments recognise the significant contribution both have made and will continue to make for our clients, colleagues and the wider firm.”
The promotions underline Fletchers’ ongoing investment in senior leadership and specialist expertise within its Clinical Negligence practice and follow the promotion of Michelle Heyes and Gillian Lakes at the end of 2025 to Directors within Fletchers’ serious injury division.
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown or email: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com
