Event Information

Dr Neil Brooks trained as a clinical psychologist, then began clinical and academic practice in neuropsychology, eventually running the graduate program in clinical psychology in the University of Glasgow, where he was Professor in the Department of Psychological Medicine until 1993. He has written a text book dealing with head injury, many chapters of text books, and numerous papers for professional journals.

Dr Brooks now provides expert neuropsychological reports for the court, for both claimants and defendants in civil litigation. In 1995 Dr Brooks and his wife, Cathy Johnson, set up Rehab Without Walls – a nationwide case management company, specialising in providing a bespoke, community-based service for adults and children with brain injury, spinal injury and other catastrophic injury – which they both continue to manage.

Simon practices in Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury claims involving complex expert medical issues at trial. He was described by the Legal 500 as " undoubtedly one of the country's leading clinical negligence juniors", and by Chambers & Partners as "commands a nationwide reputation for the depth of his specialisation" and "absolutely fantastic ... extremely talented ... really easy to work with and clients like him". He is listed by Chambers and Partners 2015 as one of only five 'Star Individual' QCs or juniors in clinical negligence in the whole of the country. He is generally instructed in claims over £500,000 in value.

Simon speaks at seminars across the country. Audiences have described him as “such a good presenter that I would not miss any seminar conducted by him ... possibly the best speaker we have had, and we have had some very good ones"

Simon qualified as a doctor at Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School and worked in the UK, New Zealand and Central Africa from 1989 to 1994. His experience included casualty, terminal care, neurosurgery and treating casualties from the Mozambique civil war.

He commenced practice at the Bar at Exchange Chambers, Liverpool, Manchester & Leeds where he remains a door tenant. He initially gained significant advocacy experience in the Crown Courts of the Northern Circuit. Due to his medical background he had always intended to specialise in clinical negligence. He joined No5 Chambers in 2004.

Simon represents both claimants and defendants in clinical negligence.  His experience covers most areas including paediatric brain injury, anaesthetics, orthopaedics, ophthalmology and oncology. He has recently developed particular interest and experience in neurosurgical and neuroendocrine negligence.

Simon was appointed Assistant Coroner for Avon in 2010.

Outside work Simon is a keen hill runner, competing in events up to 100 km.

Specialising in: Court of Protection; Mental Health and Public Law. Francesca’s practice includes instructions in all areas within the Court of Protection including: Welfare disputes; Deprivation of Liberty cases; financial disputes and Judicial Review proceedings arising out of COP proceedings. Instructions regularly received from: the Official Solicitor; public authorities including health trusts and Clinical Commissioning Groups and family members.

Francesca's practice is unique, in that she has an established dual practice in both health and welfare (including medical treatment) and property and affairs work within the Court of Protection. Francesca also has a keen interest and experience in international cases within the Court of Protection including cross border disputes

Gary manages a team of front-line advice workers. He is an adviser to the Local Government Association on welfare reform, and engages  with the DWP at national level on both policy and operational matters. He is a regular speaker at conferences on welfare reform and provides training to a number of housing associations, law firms, voluntary organisations and local councils. He has written benefit guides for a range of organisations such as CPAG, Family Rights Group, Fostering Network, the Law Society, Solicitors for the Elderly, Alzheimer’s Association, Cerebra and the Community Care magazine website.

Rhiannon is a highly experienced Case Manager and Expert Witness and is a qualified occupational therapist with 20 years experience within the health and social care sector.

Through her career as an occupational therapist within the statutory, private and independent sectors, Rhiannon has worked within the clinical fields of complex trauma and orthopaedics, forensic mental health, learning disabilities, brain injuries and older adults. Rhiannon continues to hold a clinical caseload of Case Management clients with complex disabilities including spinal and brain injuries.

The accelerated growth and national success of Stokes Case Management earned Rhiannon the ‘Best Newcomer’ title at both the Claims Innovation Awards and at the Personal Injury Awards in 2016.

Rhiannon holds a number of professional titles, sits on numerous organisations (including the BABICM Council) and is regularly asked to provide training to litigators and those affiliated to the litigation process on the role of case management.

stokescasemanagement.co.uk/rhiannon-stokes/