Testimonials
Bill was inspirational, I now know my son has a secure future, and I have the strength to carry on.
Instructing Bill on this case was pivotal to the successful outcome that was finally achieved. He is approachable, helpful and, as you might expect from a man with his reputation, immensely knowledgeable.
His guidance in choice of experts, case management and tactics ensured that some extremely challenging social factors could be overcome, facilitating fresh thinking and improved communication. Without his help and the guidance of the team he recommended this was a case that I might have given up on and one which could have gone disastrously awry.
It is a great pleasure to provide a testimonial for Bill Braithwaite QC. I have known Bill for many years and we have worked together when I have been a Claimant's expert and when I have been a Defendant's expert and Bill has been on the opposite side. The former experience was a pleasure and the latter experience is not to be recommended! Bill has an acute mind and has the gift of making complex situations appear straightforward.He has a disconcerting knack of always asking the right question at the right time.
The first time I met Bill was when we had a case conference in the Claimant's kitchen. Bill must be one of the very few QCs in this country to actually visit many of the Claimants in their own home. This is such an important part of a proper clinical assessment and from the point of view of the conduct of a case it is an invaluable asset for the barrister to have seen the Claimant in their own environment.
Bill's knowledge of personal injury is now so extensive that his medical knowledge must now exceed many of the experts that work with him! There can be no greater testimonial than to say that if I had a personal injury I would want Bill on my side.
Bill brings to each case, knowledge, experience and expertise that defendants find difficult to match. He has superb negotiation skills which result in excellent settlements, even in the most difficult of cases .
He believes in the team approach and likes to get involved in selection of experts.
A very shrewd tactician always looking for innovative ways to approach cases.
It is real pleasure to work with him, as it makes my role far easier, knowing you can tap into that knowledge and experience at any time.
Bill puts clients at ease from their first meeting with him. The clients know that they have someone on their side who is totally focussed on getting the right result for them. Bill is also pragmatic with clients and can give them confidence and encouragement to make life-changing decisions. As one of my clients has said: “easy to get on with”.
I look forward to working with Bill on the next case .
Dear Bill.
I do not know how to start to say thank you for what you have done for me .When some around me had some doubt and I was ready to take the easier and safer option you above all stood firm and gave me the courage to see it through. You got everybody believing in me and my case and got the whole team pulling together and delivering the 100% decision that you always believed possible. The thought of going in to a court was terrifying but you kept me from falling apart. It was a bad day when I had my accident but a good day when I met you so again thank you very much.
Yours sincerely
David Tolley
I have worked with Bill Braithwaite QC for 12 years now on many large and complex cases involving clients whose lives have been devastated by accident. Bill always gives the impression that every case that he handles is the most important case. The clients find him sympathetic, honest and approachable.
Bill Braithwaite's team approach in co-ordinating the experts of all disciplines and te legal team, together with his ability to identify clearly the key issues has achieved some outstanding success in the cases that I have done with him. Anyone who has seen him in court will know that he is a brilliant advocate.
From a personal point of view, I have found working with Bill extremely rewarding. He is always approachable and he always gives one the impression that nothing is too much of a problem. The ease with which he approaches the most complicated of claims and his sheer depth of knowledge on every subject is a great source of comfort to those instructing him. More than anything, I have been impressed by Bill's passion to pursue justice for the claimant.
Bill always works tirelessly and passionately to achieve the best quality of life for his clients. When you work on a case with Bill, you know you have the best claimant barrister in the country by your side. He is ahead of his time.
Dear Bill,
Where do I Start
Bill Braithwaite Q.C. Without Bill's support holding our hands, dispensing advice and pointing us in the right direction at every juncture over six years of complex litigation we would have failed in our search for justice for our severely brain injured daughter. Jess would have only collected nuisance money "as its termed in the trade". The insurers hold nearly all the cards. They benefit from the poor collection of evidence by some police officers at the accidence scene, solicitors who are not expert in personal injury litigation who steer the client to an unsuitable Barrister or junior, and the wrong selection of expert witnesses. For each family who receives that fateful phone call or knock on the door which we all dread a new world is cast before them. The insurance industry, regrettably for the injured, have visited this world many times before and knows its way around.
Kindest Regards,
Graham Florence & Jess
Dearest Bill,
There is no words that I or the family can write which can fully express our gratitude or the affection we hold for yourself Cath Howells and Yasmin Ameer. You have all done outstanding work burning the midnight oil on many occasions, including during the trial, to secure Jessica's future.
Kindest Regards,
Graham Florence & Jess
I’ve been working with Bill since 1995. He is the complete claimant personal injury barrister, a fact that he has demonstrated time and time again. Technically and tactically Bill is a leader in his field. He empathises with clients and makes sure that the family comes first throughout the case.
As Bill represents claimants only, he understands the particular needs and requirements of someone who has suffered catastrophic injury. From a solicitor’s perspective, it is a huge advantage to work with Bill, who is supremely committed and knowledgeable about catastrophic injury litigation.
I have worked with Bill on personal injury cases across Britain. He will always travel to the home of injured person. He forms a relationship with clients, and their families, a connection that lasts way beyond the conclusion of the case.
Bill is never afraid to take a case all the way. He fights for the injured person and will only rest when a just outcome has been achieved. If the case goes to court, he is a formidable advocate.
Bill has a well deserved reputation for innovation. He promotes rehabilitation and is always willing to work with defendants to achieve this. As an accredited mediator he brings a sense of balance and fairness to negotiations with the other side.
I aim to secure the very best advocate for my clients, and I am always impressed with Bill’s ability to see the real issues, tackle them head on, and arrive at an excellent outcome. His technical expertise, passion and commitment mark him out as a truly outstanding barrister who works tirelessly for injured people and their families.
Dear Bill,
Nearly 8 years since we first met you, within minutes you made us feel at ease, and you were so good with Johnpaul. Whatever you have promised you have delivered and you have listened to us and to Johnpaul. Thank you so much. You always cared about us as a family, and not just a number.
We cannot thank you enough and we shall never forget you, nor will Johnpaul.
Thank you once again.
Jenny and Paul and Johnpaul
I have instructed Bill on a number of serious head injury cases.
From the very first time I met him, it is impossible to fail to be impressed by the quality of his approach and analysis of facts and history of the cases in which I have been involved.
His ability to assimilate large amounts of detail and dilute these to the salient issues is exceptional.
However, and more than all of this, my clients have been completely at ease with Bill during consultations and invariably remark upon how affable and pleasant their meeting with him has been.
As anyone dealing with this type of work will know, this confidence which is instilled in the client is almost as important as the advice which is given.
I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending him for any serious personal injury case.
"Bill has been brilliant. He is a lovely fella and as my Granddad used to say: 'a bloody gem!'
"Bill could talk to anyone, from the queen to Bob the postman."
"He knows his stuff inside out and explained the law to me in a really clear way."
"The final settlement was more than I expected and I can not thank or praise Bill enough for this."
Gary Smith
“Bill is a courteous, charming and persuasive advocate who acts fearlessly in the best interests of his clients: even in the face of a hostile court. His courage and enthusiasm in his client's fight for justice demonstrates to them he is on their
side. My clients from 1995 have trusted him, believing he can make the difference between winning and losing. He can and does. His preparation and attention to detail is meticulous. His outstanding quality is that he cares passionately for the injured client.
"We feel you are a credit to your profession and always treated us with feeling."
"I cannot express my thanks for taking the time and trouble to take on my case - and for all your help, advice and wisdom."
Nyree Dawn Porter - Nyree Dawn Porter played the part of Irene in the Forsyte Saga in the late 1960s
I have had the pleasure of instructing Bill Braithwaite in a significant number of large, complicated cases, some worth several million pounds.
He likes to become involved at an early stage, even at instruction of experts. His procedure, which is to meet with the experts in consultation, sometimes even before the report is written, cuts out a lot of waste (of time and money), and assists everybody involved in making an early assessment of the case that they have to advance.
As a specialist clinical negligence practitioner, dealing with serious injuries, Bill's calm and authoritative approach to the case puts the clients at their ease. He gives an early impression of being in command and completely at ease with the case, which is of great benefit.
Bill's preparation of his cases is extremely thorough, and he is probably among the very best cross-examiners in practice today. His sheer determination and forensic cross-examination of expert witnesses was instrumental in winning a very difficult, and substantial, clinical negligence case against a GP before Mr Justice Grigson in December 2004 (Bowe v Townend [2005] EWHC 198 QB - Lawtel).
It would be fair to say that his preparation and cross-examination changed the course of that particular case. He is leading counsel of choice in this firm in clinical negligence and personal injury.
I have now found a house for myself which is brilliant, like a dream really I have to pinch myself to make sure all the time im awake and its not a dream! I am finalising the plans to alter it so its suitable for the wheelchair. I told off the architect for putting ramps all over the house that take away its value and make it look disabled so I have got him to raise the floor level all over the house. It has a pool that's very handy for exercise and I'll fit a Jacuzzi in so I can sit in it with a cigar in one hand and pint of Guinness in the other and pinch myself again ha ha! And I'm putting in a gym so I can exercise to get stronger and keep in shape for when a cure for this spinal injury is out and to help live longer! And will stop smoking shortly.. have cut down a lot now! And am cutting down on all the medication that's given to me am down to a third of what I was on this time last year but don't do this without telling your doctor though! And will buy a quad bike off Cyclone to go around my land, on which I plan to have a lake with coarse fish in so I can fish and tree's over the rest of the land .
I have last week been to Glan Clwyd hospital for a driving lesson with hand controls and could drive not to badly! Need more lessons before I go onto the road as I dont want to do what was done to me to someone else but its good to drive again and when I can do it myself then I'll have proper freedom I feel! Will get a good second hand car to start I think in next couple of weeks and change it in an year for an M3 I think.
I went today to Oswestry spinal unit to learn wheelchair skill's! Practised controlled wheelies and balance and going down slopes and up steps. Did well I think but have a few bruises from falling!
I should soon be starting my wheelchair self defence course. My friend Richard wants to take me to meet his Sense first so he can tell us what to do. As i am 6 feet tall and 14 stone I have always felt confident to be able to handle myself in any situation but all that changes when you brake your back and you lose this confidence. I'll have it back with Richard and his teaching I think.
Women! Well ha ha! Since my split with former girlfriend who cheated on me when my case was at its hardest I have now another girlfriend and look forward to making a family with her in the future. Hope the kids have her brains and my stubbornness ha ha! Hope two or three kids to be noisy and trouble ha ha!
I have made good friends in the past few years. ******* is one and we regularly go out for a drink and its handy that he runs the bouncers in the clubs around here so I get in free!
When I was hurt my world as I knew it ended as did my life I thought for a long time! I did not want to be here! But life is so good! And I am so glad I had the power to stick it out!
Life does not end when your spinally injured it changes a great deal but its up to the individual if for the good or worse ! What do they say eh? "It's always darkest just before dawn" and they are right !
Life! The past is gone and can't be changed! The future is up to you to write and the present, well like it says its a gift !
I want to go all over the world and see everything and dive at the great barrier reef! See the pyramids, go on safari! I want to see it all and go everywhere and enjoy a happy family life !
Anything is possible I feel !
The way I now think ... Lord gave me the power to change the things I cannot accept and can change and the power to accept the things I cannot change and the wisdom to know the difference!
I'll live life to the fullest I can, and if your not on the edge, your taking up to much space ha ha!
Thank you Mr Braithwaite QC... Bill, as you helped me through the dark into the light again !
"Everything from the start was explained to me clearly and as the trial went along I started to enjoy it and enjoy watching Mr Braithwaite QC. And each day I came away happy, knowing we had won the day. I would not mind doing it all again in court as I thoroughly enjoyed it ! There is praise for my second barrister, Rhiannon Jones, my solicitors from Harris Cartwright - Mr Kent Pattinson and Miss Vanessa Hills also for building the case so well for court !"
"Mr Braithwaite is a QC but when you meet him he is a normal person you can talk and joke with also, and it has been a great pleasure for me to have met and talked with a man that I would never have met except for my injury, and the defendant's trying to keep me from justice. But we got it ! Thank you Mr Braithwaite. I searched the internet for a solicitor and QC for my case .. but I found, and got the best ones I believe. You understood me and the type of person I am from the beginning , and remember in a break from court when the defendants made an offer on loss of earning's that was good, and Vanessa said she would explain it to me to get me to agree ? And you said no to her .. hit him with those big books till he says yes ha ha! I did so enjoy court and watching you work was so interesting and attention grabbing."
"Thank you Mr Braithwaite QC for championing my cause in court for me !"
Bill's approachability makes him stand out from other silks.
Bill has always been contactable, throughout the duration of a case, whenever advice is needed. From a personal point of view I have found his level of service outstanding, in particular Bill's willingness to share his knowledge.
Instructing Bill has unquestionably added value to cases. In negotiation situations I am positive other QC's would have accepted settlement figures substantially less than that which Bill assisted in helping secure. His experience has led to the ability of the claimant's legal team as a whole to hold its collective nerve.
My clients, irrespective of background, all seem to warm to Bill.
I believe this stems from either his immediately apparent dedication to fighting the claimant's corner or it might just be, as one client put it, because he is "a lovely fella".
Clients are at ease with Bill and instructing solicitors can instruct him comfortable in the knowledge their client will receive representation of the very highest order. As a result I do not hesitate in recommending Bills instruction to clients and solicitors alike.
“...the most important aspect was trust. In order to earn my trust, my barrister had to entirely understand the case and, more importantly, to understand me. I needed to know that he was on my side, and doing everything in his power to achieve justice. Of course, it would help if he showed compassion and had a sense of humour. Bill Braithwaite QC is all of these things, but what struck me most was his honesty. No false promises, or wildly optimistic claims. Instead, a concise and candid assessment of my chances. It is so important to make decisions affecting your entire future without false hopes.”
Nick Bagge
"We first met Bill at a time in our lives when we were at our lowest – we were struggling to come to terms with my son’s injuries and had been badly let down by our previous solicitor. Bill gave clear, pragmatic advice and guidance, but he never forgot there was a boy in the middle of it all. We’re so lucky we had such an amazing legal team who made his rehabilitation possible; achieving a successful settlement so that his care and security is guaranteed for life.”
Julie Eeles
"I must take this opportunity to thank you for representing us. I felt from the first time we met that you had genuine sympathy for the cause."
Lorna Stevens
Dear Bill,
I would like you to know how grateful my family and I are to have had you on our side. We thank you for your experience, knowledge and understanding at such a horrific time in our lives.
Stay happy!
Observers love working with claimant specialist Bill Braithwaite QC – he has a forward-thinking style and ability to see things others don’t.
Big name Bill Braithwaite QC is considered to be ‘simply outstanding in cross-examination.
...a great personal injury litigator.
