Simpson Millar enhances Clinical Negligence team

Simpson Millar has announced two key appointments within its Clinical Negligence department, a move that reflects the firm’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its legal talent and operational support in response to the growing demand for complex clinical negligence cases. Kate McCue has been appointed as the Head of Technical, while Kelly Cross, who recently joined the firm, will take on the role of Head of Clinical Negligence Operations. These changes come after a year marked by significant recruitment, acquisitions, and internal promotions, indicating the firm’s strategic focus on strengthening its leadership structure.

The new appointments are designed to clarify responsibilities within the department, ensuring that technical and operational aspects are handled effectively as the firm continues to expand. This renewed leadership approach aims to enhance the development of its lawyers through improved training and operational support, enabling the team to handle increasingly intricate cases. Kate McCue, who became part of Simpson Millar in 2023 and was promoted to partner earlier this year, brings over a decade of experience in managing high-value clinical negligence claims. As an accredited member of the Law Society's Clinical Negligence Accreditation Scheme, Kate will be pivotal in setting technical standards and overseeing professional development within the department.

Kelly Cross complements this leadership with her extensive 15 years of experience in personal injury litigation and legal operations. Her previous roles have equipped her with the skills necessary for operational management, technical risk assessment, and improving departmental performance. She aims to enhance processes and ensure that teams have adequate support to provide excellent service to clients.

In addition to these leadership roles, Simpson Millar has welcomed Alison Hills, an esteemed team leader with a proven track record in handling legally and medically complex claims valuing up to £15 million. Alison’s expertise includes dealing with severe cases such as cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, and multiple limb amputations. She holds accreditation from the Avma Specialist Clinical Negligence Panel, which is regarded as the benchmark for clinical negligence lawyers in the UK.

Helen Melling, Injury Practice Area Director at Simpson Millar, expressed confidence in the newly appointed leaders, stating "We've seen significant growth across our Clinical Negligence department, through recruitment, acquisitions and the development of our existing team. As we grow, it's important that we have the right people focusing on the right things." She further noted that "Kate and Kelly bring very different strengths to the table. Kelly is an exceptional operator who knows how to drive performance and make improvements that benefit both our colleagues and clients. Kate is an outstanding clinical negligence lawyer whose technical expertise and passion for developing others will help us maintain the highest standards of legal advice." The intention behind these appointments is not only to enhance the department’s performance but also to ensure clients receive the attention and expertise their cases deserve.

The restructuring and appointments follow several promotions within the Clinical Negligence team over the past year, including Emma Hickey to Senior Associate and Georgina Reid and Jessica Lea to Associate, highlighting the firm’s efforts to nurture talent from within. The department has also been bolstered by recent acquisitions, such as Forster Dean's Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence portfolio, which added 12 colleagues to its Liverpool and Manchester offices.