Legal 500 – 2020
The ‘highly specialist’ team at Claire Collinson Legal garners praise from its clients for its expertise in financial mis-selling litigation; its experience in pension fraud and fraudulent banking transactions is particularly noteworthy. The practice also counts professional negligence and insurance litigation among its key strengths. Founding partner Claire Collinson leads the group and is praised for having ‘the steely self-confidence necessary to take on even the toughest of institutional opponents’.
Legal 500 Interview testimonials:
‘This is a highly specialist practice which deals essentially with claims about financial services products and practices. It has an outstanding litigation pedigree. Claire has developed exceptional skills in handling civil litigation’.
The firm was acting on our behalf over a push payment fraud. The team demonstrated extensive knowledge of the area and of the world of financial fraud generally. The lawyers acted with alacrity and were tremendously professional in everything they did’.
‘the practice has a small team with strong capabilities in consumer financial and investment mis-selling litigation and has an excellent coverage of the key sector issues’.
Chambers UK 2019
We are proud to announce that Claire Collinson Legal has again been recognised as a leading firm for Dispute Resolution by both Chambers & Partners and Legal 500.
Claire Collinson was shortlisted, along with only 7 other individual solicitors nationwide, as the UK Dispute Resolution solicitor of the year 2019 in the Legal 500 awards. We are thrilled to announce that Claire was declared the winner in January 2019. The shortlists and award winners are based solely on the in-depth research carried out by Legal 500.
Claire Collinson is also listed as a Leading Individual in the Legal 500 ranking tables for dispute resolution in the Newcastle area along with only 7 other individuals with client feed back including: “The team is headed by “realistic and steely negotiator” Claire Collinson, who attracts praise for her “astonishing level of attention to detail” and “extremely well-informed, pragmatic and sensible advice”. The firm is recognised alongside much larger Newcastle firms for our specialisms in financial services, insurance and professional negligence.
Again, in Chambers & Partners both our firm and Claire Collinson individually are ranked with market observers describing the firm as offering considerable expertise in disputes arising from mis-sold financial and insurance products and Claire Collinson as “a leading specialist in financial services litigation”.
These rankings are based on independent research of clients and other professionals and pay testament to our team’s dedication and expertise in our specialist areas.
Legal 500 2018
“Specialising in financial services litigation and insurance disputes, Claire Collinson Legal is a “small but perfectly formed firm” that “punches above its weight” and provides “first Class specialist expertise in claims relating to financial derivatives”. It is also noted for its “exceptional interest rate hedging litigation knowledge”. Bright, committed and hardworking” name partner Claire Collinson an ‘absolutely top-class team player’; clients praise her “excellent grasp of the law”, exceptionally thorough and careful approach and commercial pragmatism”. The “highly knowledgeable” Helena Motherway rounds out the practice with Ian Collinson joining the firm as a consultant in May 2018, having previously served as head of commercial litigation at Ward Hadaway.
In addition to litigation the group is also well versed in mediation and specialist redress schemes.
Chambers UK 2018
“Claire Collinson is perceived as a top-class expert in the niche of financial services litigation… a client notes ‘I have always felt prioritised and as though they will do whatever they can to achieve my desired results”
Client Testimonials
We have been working with Claire Collinson Legal Services for a number of years following a recommendation from a very good friend. Best thing we have ever done. A very friendly firm, extremely knowledgeable and absolute quality. The very kind of a solicitor you would want to have on your side!! Thoroughly recommend this firm to anyone.
Mr K – Insurance broker 2020
We are absolutely delighted to win our case, this is great news. Thank you so much, you are a star!!
Mr C – Banking dispute 2019
“A very big thank you for this win as it’s so very important. Once again dear Claire many thanks for all your hard work, diligence and expertise”
Mr D – Pension Complaint -FSCS claim 2020
We are all aware that if we had gone down the Ombudsman’s route originally, with their backlog of claimants, we would still be fighting for reimbursement now, and the whole situation could have gone on for more than 2 years. We know that without your intervention we would still be waiting. Thank you.
Mr & Mrs T – Banking Fraud 2020
I just want to say thank you very much for your hard work over the years. When I first sent out those pleading emails I had little hope that anyone would help. That was compounded by the Ombudsman turning us away but I knew deep down that my mum’s treatment was unfair.
From the start you gave us hope despite the settlement, which she is really pleased about, we really wanted some justice which you have given us. I hope the case hasn’t caused too much anguish as we really appreciate the work that you have done. I’m sure it hasn’t been you most profitable case but can I say you represent your profession with the utmost dignity and truly are a credit. By taking this case it speaks volumes about the person you are and again I can’t thank you enough.
Mrs P – Professional Negligence 2020
“The firm is extremely efficient, professional and fantastic value for money. They always think ahead and take the initiative to prepare for all outcomes in any given scenario. I am yet to find a weakness, having only known their insightful, intelligent and compassionate approach that has guided me and my business through very difficult times providing comfort that we were in safe hands throughout.
The firm is the best I have dealt with in 30 years of business. Having instructed a number of high profile central London firms, I have never found a firm that gets to grips with the case and understands my intentions so clearly. I have always felt prioritised.
The firm is incredibly good value for money, with the care and devotion I have experienced on each case put to them, it is as if I am their only customer. I have never dealt with another law firm whereby I believe money spent has been entirely worthwhile. They go above and beyond what is asked of them”.
Mr M, high value banking dispute
“I was very impressed with everything. They all worked as a team and all knew about my case if I needed to speak with them. Claire and her team are extremely talented in this type of litigation and I would completely recommend them if anyone else had such problems. The billing of this practice was more than fair. I would recommend them very highly. I’m extremely happy that I found Claire and her team.”
Ms D, in relation to disputed Critical Illness Insurance dispute
“The “extremely impressive” head of practice Claire Collinson receives widespread acclaim, with sources saying: “Her advice is reliably sensible and commercial in pursuing the best outcome for the client overall”. She is noted for her extensive expertise in financial services disputes and highlighted as “second to none” in cases before the Financial Services Ombudsman”. Associate Helena Motherway supports the team in a range of disputes, with market commentators describing her as “extremely competent” as well as “wonderful and faultless”
Chambers & Partners 2017
“They are a fantastic team – very fast and accurate, insightful and possessing excellent knowledge of the law….I think they are very personal, they listen to what you say, they are very thorough, they are prepared to protect your interests and do whatever to fight your corner but are very pragmatic too – they don’t go to litigation thoughtlessly and spend clients’ money unnecessarily”
Client quotes – Chambers & Partners 2017
“Thank you for all your efforts on my case. I have been extremely impressed by your professionalism and support during what have been the most difficult times in my thirty years of business.”
Mr M, Childrens’ Nursery Group Owner, Nottinghamshire
“The level of service is outstanding. Immediate response times, but more importantly the business acumen is exceptional. Attention to detail of every aspect of the case amazes me. I most certainly would not receive this very high level of knowledge from a Central London law firm for the amount I am paying CCL, if at all. I have more than 100% faith in this law practice.”
Ms W, Residential Landlord, London
“Your advice throughout has been well presented and easy to understand but most importantly through your good offices we have followed the correct route…..I hope you and your team enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done…”
Mr B, Property Developer, Lancashire
“We received an excellent service throughout, in clear understandable language. This helped greatly with our decision making.”
Mrs. P, Motor Industry Retailers, Nottinghamshire
“I have known Claire Collinson’s work for a decade or more….She is an outstanding role model for litigation solicitors. Firstly, it has been very obvious from the quality of her work that she is an exceptional litigator. Her attention to detail is infinite, and backs up her intelligent thought about every case. I realised very early on in dealing with cases where she was on the team that I overlook any thought of hers at my peril: if I am surprised by a thought of hers it will always be because she has had a worthwhile thought which had escaped me, and in turn her worthwhile thought will be a product of her mastery of detail. I say “very obvious from the quality of her work” because she is in no way pushy: she lets her work speak for itself, and it does – loudly.”
Professional negligence QC, London.
“The service provided was fantastic throughout and I would happily recommend your services to anyone in the future.”
Mr T, Property Developer, Lancashire
“Claire was great. She was approachable, knowledgeable, and could not do enough to help. She took a personal interest in my client’s claim and grasped in just one meeting complicated issues that many solicitors would fail to understand. Insurance after all is a specialised field and there is no doubt that you need a specialist solicitor to advise and represent you. Insurers have no hesitation in appointing very expensive specialist solicitors, however it is far more difficult for policyholders to gain access to such specialist legal advice, especially on an affordable basis, at a time when they are usually in a financially vulnerable and fragile position – i.e. after a loss – especially a serious one, and one where their insurer is failing to provide financial support to them!
My client and I had been “doing battle” with a firm of prestigious London solicitors who had been appointed by the insurance company and in my opinion, Claire soon had the measure of them. My client and I firmly believe that it is thanks to Claire’s final involvement, that my client’s claim was brought to a speedy and favourable conclusion, after what had been for me and my client, a long fight with insurers, adjusters and the insurance company’s solicitors.
Should I find myself in a position again where any of my clients need specific insurance related legal advice, especially in relation to claims issues, I will have absolutely no hesitation in recommending that they immediately appoint Claire to “clear the way” for them. Claire Collinson Legal – 10 out of 10 in every respect.”
Mr J, Insurance Broker
“We are very grateful to Claire for having acted for us in a claim against a large investment bank and asset management company. Claire recovered a seven-figure sum in compensation without the need for litigation. Like many other people, we were very reluctant to take on the large and powerful interests represented by a large financial institution. We had been virtually wiped out, and although we were aware that it was not all our fault, we initially preferred to avoid any more stress and simply try to rebuild our lives. But the genuine interest and care for our circumstances that Claire offered to us, and her ability to take upon herself the vast weight of such a reconstruction of the investing activities that had occurred, meant that we were able to cope with what initially had seemed an impossible task. In fact, she made it much, much easier and less stressful than we had ever believed possible.
We are extremely grateful to Claire for achieving all of this, and are sure that she will offer a clear view of what is possible and fair for anyone who asks her to act for them. She is genuinely committed to her clients and their wellbeing, but very persistent and hard-working, and we would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone considering the sort of action we undertook. She will give a clear, fair and realistic view of your chances of success, and the possible downside if success is not forthcoming. She will also work and work to ensure a happy outcome to any action. I don’t think we could have asked for anything more.”
Mr and Mrs C, Teesside
“After being diagnosed with breast cancer my critical illness insurance was turned down for non disclosure. This was a very distressing time for me. I then found Claire Collinson, who I found easy to talk to about very, very personal issues. She handled my case with care and a professional attitude at all times. Her advice was always easy to understand having no experience with the law. Had I not found Claire who fought my case successfully I would have given up like many women have. I would highly recommend Claire Collinson to anyone in a similar position and have the highest regard for her” Mrs. M, on a critical illness policy claim.
“I cannot thank you enough. You have made a huge difference to my life and at a time when I am extremely vulnerable. Without you both my life may have been very different and for the worse – so thank you from my heart…”
Mrs L, on an income protection policy.
“Thank you for all your hard work in helping to bring this to a great ending. You have no idea the difference that this makes to us and allowing us to move on.”
Mr C, interest rate hedging complaint.
“Thank you so much Claire for all your help and support. We are most appreciative of your dedication and professionalism in achieving the best outcome.”
Miss C, on a negligent investment advice claim.
“Niche practice Claire Collinson Legal is “very capable, sensible and affordable”. Principal Claire Collinson is “outstanding” on financial services claims and is leading in a claim against HSBC for allegedly negligent advice provided in relating to two interest rate hedging products.”
Legal 500 2014
“Boutique litigation firm Claire Collinson Legal is recommended for its “very strong banking and finance sector expertise”, relying on practice head Claire Collinson’s “exceptional industry knowledge.”
Legal 500 2015
“Compact team with an impressive reputation in claimant-side banking and finance work. Offers tailored advice to clients such as individuals and SMEs. The firm’s services are excellent. They understand the complexities of finance law and have experience of other cases that they can bring to bear”. “They are a phenomenal team. I feel like I’m the only customer they have because of the special attention they give.” “Claire Collinson is a highly distinguished practitioner in claimant-side banking and insurance litigation”. “Described as a “marvellous” practitioner, Helena Motherway impresses clients, who remark upon her excellent client service and depth of knowledge. Motherway’s areas of expertise include insurance disputes and professional negligence claims.”
Chambers 2016
“Many thanks Claire, we are very grateful and think you’ve done a great job!”
Mr L, Waste Management Company, relating to an insurance dispute.
“Thank you for everything Claire. It was a great result. I have been delighted with the outcome you have achieved for me.”
Mr C, London. Interest rate hedging dispute.
“I would like to thank you for everything you did during the long, long haul. I was very impressed how you took on our case when the general issues of mis-selling had not been aired in the press.”
Mr L, Company director, leisure industry, West Midlands. Interest rate hedging dispute.
“I would like to thank you and your team for all your efforts. I am sure we would not have had the positive outcome without your skill and advice. I can say that our business is now in a different place because of the award.”
Mr C, Property management company, North Yorkshire. Interest rate hedging dispute.
“Taking a case to the Ombudsman would seem to be a very simple process on the face of it, but it is fraught with potential pitfalls. It’s a bit like walking a tightrope: you could fall off at any time and it takes a strong nerve to get to the other side. Claire was my tightrope walker. She was wearing my colours, and representing me, but it was Claire out there on the tightrope. Claire’s strengths fall into two areas. The first is her impressively deep and broad knowledge of how insurance (policies, companies, regulators and the industry) works. Claire’s other major strength is in the way she works with the client. Claire is very good at assessing the level of involvement a client wants and needs and collaborating appropriately. Claire was also scrupulous about communication: my emails and calls were answered promptly, and almost always on the same day.”
Ms G, Blackpool, permanent health insurance complaint, successful at the FOS.
“Thank you to you and your team for your help throughout the complaint and claim process. We have found your advice to be very knowledgeable and always taking into account what would be the most sensible way forward for us.”
Mr N, Engineering business, Northumberland, re interest rate hedging dispute.
“Thank you so much for bringing the case to a very satisfactory end! We are very grateful for all your help and hard work.”
Mrs C, Northumberland, re professional negligence claim v solicitors.
“I am obviously delighted with the outcome and just wanted to express my thanks and gratitude for the thorough and professional manner you have dealt with my case. I felt we were well advised to be recommended to yourselves. It was very comforting, as I rapidly became aware of your general expertise in this field and your complete grasp of my particular case.”
Mr M, construction industry business, Hampshire, re interest rate hedging dispute.
“Thanks for your hard work and support over what’s been a most difficult time. Without your advice we would have been dead and buried by now. You achieved where a lot of so called larger firms and professionals with huge egos failed. Always dealing with us in the best manner possible.”
Mr G, commercial property owner, Lancashire, re interest rate hedging dispute.
