
Meet our team
Minster Law has a team of around 500 employees whose focus is on improving the lives of our customers. In addition to this, we work alongside hundreds of industry specialists in order to provide the best possible care and support for those experiencing personal injury.

Andrew Sloan
Specialisms
- Complex orthopaedic injuries
- Brain injuries
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
- Chronic pain
- Somatisation
My background
I joined Minster Law as in 2012 after qualifying as a Solicitor in 2001. The areas in which I specialise in are catastrophic and life changing injuries with specialist expertise in brain injury, severe limb injury, chronic pain and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) claims. I predominately work on high value cases involving motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians.
I am a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers as a Senior Litigator.
What I do
I am an Associate and Principal Solicitor in Chronic Pain within Minster Law’s serious injury department. I currently manage a team of 5 and provide technical support to them and the wider business. I have an excellent understanding of complex medical issues and a meticulous eye for detail whilst employing a sensitive and sympathetic approach to my clients. I have the ability to challenge opponents where necessary but employ a collaborative approach which allows my clients to secure much needed rehabilitation.
A great achievement for me has been achieving a settlement of £1.2 million for a client who suffered multiple injuries including a brain injury.
The best part of my job is
I relish the opportunity to represent claimants and trying to put them back in the position they were in prior to the accident.

Anthony Doodson
Specialisms
- Serious injury
- Motorcycle accidents
- Road traffic accidents
- Serious orthopaedic injuries
- Brachial plexus
- Peripheral nerve injuries
My background
I joined Minster Law in 2012 after qualifying as a solicitor in 2003. I have worked in personal injury since 2000 and am very experienced in supporting clients who have been involved in accidents which have resulted in serious orthopaedic injuries, amputations, peripheral nerve injuries such as brachial plexus injuries, brain injuries and complex fatal claims. I also have expertise in dealing with cases where the client has suffered chronic pain conditions, including Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and neurological functional disorders caused by trauma.
What I do
I am an Associate Solicitor in Minster Law’s serious injury department and therefore responsible for supervising junior solicitors, legal executives and paralegals in their handling of serious injury claims.
I primarily deal with serious injury and fatality claims arising out of road traffic accidents, acting for motorcyclists, cyclists, drivers and passengers. I also have a significant amount of experience dealing with accidents at work and public liability claims.
A great achievement for me has been achieving a settlement of £1.7 million, after a deduction for contributory negligence, for a motorcyclist involved in an accident where the injuries sustained included an above knee amputation.
The best part of my job is
Being able to see the difference I am making to people who have had a negative life-changing experience.

David Sears
Specialisms
- Serious injury
- Motorcycle accidents
- Road traffic accidents
- Brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Severe orthopedic injury
My background
I joined Minster Law as an Associate Solicitor in 2013 and have been working in personal injury for over 18 years. The areas in which I specialise in includes polytrauma cases which involves one or a combination of traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries in addition to other injuries. Over my career I have worked on many high value cases often with values exceeding £1 milllion.
What I do
I predominantly assist clients and their families where the party has suffered neuro behavioural problems as a result of their injuries and for clients who lack capacity. This therefore requires exceptional client care.
I also work alongside some of the best barristers in the country to achieve the very best outcomes for my clients.
A great achievement for me has been securing damages of £1.6 million for a motorcycle client who suffered from multiple serious and life changing injuries including a significant brain injury.
The best part of my job is
The satisfaction of using my experience and skills to help customers and their families throughout their claim. Knowing that I have made a significant positive difference to my clients lives and provided a secure and positive future for their family.

Edel Selby
Specialisms
- Serious injury
- Motorcycle accidents
- Road traffic accidents
- Accidents at work
- Industrial disease
My background
I joined Minster Law in their serious injury team in 2012 and have since been promoted to Associate Solicitor. I qualified as a Solicitor in 2008 but have been working in serious injury for over 16 years. I now specialise in handling complex and high value cases, including traumatic brain injuries, serious orthopaedic injuries and fatalities. As part of this I have also dealt with all aspects of industrial disease work, from noise induced hearing loss to mesothelioma claims.
What I do
Although I deal with all aspect of serious injury, I am experienced and have a particular interest in supporting clients who have been involved in accidents that have resulted in serious orthopaedic injuries including amputations. I am a powerful advocate of rehabilitation as a fundamental component of serious injury litigation, and that the individual needs of an injured person must be at the centre of any legal representation. One of the most important things we do is to guide clients and their families through what is, for most people, one of the toughest and most challenging times of their lives.
A great achievement for me has been securing damages of over £3 million for a client who sustained significant and life changing injuries including a fracture of the right wrist, fracture of the right scapula, open fracture of the right femur leading to amputation, injury to the left knee, and a fracture of the left tibia and fibula leading to amputation.
The best part of my job is
Making a real difference to the quality of life of our seriously injured clients. The difference that the right support can make to the client and their families is immense and it is a real privilege to be able to implement that.

Joanne Somers-Wells
Specialisms
- Serious Injury
My background
I was sponsored by former employers to undertake CILEX and qualified as a Legal Executive. Subsequently I went on to complete the Graduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practice Course at Nottingham Law School to qualify as a Solicitor. I undertook my training by distance learning, whilst working and having a young family.
I have been working in personal injury since 2001.
What I do
As part of the MAPP team I assess new cases into the business to determine whether they are multi track value and allocate them to a fee earner in Multi track.
Additionally, I review cases already within the business to assess their value, draft case plans and allocate to multi track if they are of sufficient value.
I undertake regular training to colleagues within CSC and fast track teams to assist them in identifying multi track cases.
The best part of my job is
Being in a position to assist clients who have been recently seriously injured in accidents in allocating their cases to experienced Solicitors who are going to be able to help them on their road to recovery and obtain damages to ensure they are adequately compensated for their injuries.

John O’Brien
Specialisms
- Complex Litigation
- Complex Injury
- Fraud
My background
I have spent 25 years in management initially in the oil industry. I decided to change career in 1995 entering the legal profession and eventually qualified as a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives in 2000. I have primarily worked in civil litigation and personal injury in particular. I have vast experience of working with injured clients and managing litigation teams.
What I do
I am Manager of the Complex Case Unit who handle the more difficult and challenging cases. I manage a specialist team who deal with such matters as complex litigation, complex injury and allegations of fraud. The team has a reduced caseload to ensure we can deal with the difficult issues that arise and in particular to give clients the bespoke service they need.
The best part of my job is
The team winning complex legal arguments and obtaining just compensation for clients as a result.

Jonathan Bamforth
Specialisms
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputation
- Motorcycling accidents
- Brachial plexus injuries
My background
I joined Minster Law in their serious injury team in 2009. I have in worked in personal injury for over 26 years and specialise in supporting clients that have been involved in an accident that has resulted in either a brain or spinal injury.
I am Minster Law’s main contact for both Headway and the Spinal Injuries Association. I am a vociferous promoter of both organisations, who work tirelessly to support people who have sustained brain and spinal cord injuries.
What I do
I have a small case load of high value claims which are almost exclusively involving clients who have suffered a brain or spinal cord injury, a brachial plexus injury or an amputation. My aim is to provide a tailored service to each and every client so that their recovery is the best it possibly can be.
I also work alongside the best experts and barristers in their respective fields to ensure that our client’s cases are prepared as thoroughly as possible. We are able to do this due to the significant experience we have gained over the years.
A great achievement for me has been achieving a settlement of £6 million, with my team, for a client who had suffered a tetraplegic spinal cord injury in a motorcycle accident. In addition, the settlement allowed for the client to keep the funding he received from the state for his care needs which totalled over £100,000 a year.
The best part of my job is
Working with a group of people who positively impact our clients at what is often the most difficult time of their lives.
Minster Law’s resources are such that we can be wholly client focused – this allows us to devote all our time and care to getting the very best outcomes for our client’s.
Recent settled cases:
https://www.minsterlaw.co.uk/2020/03/case-study-minster-law-secures-seven-figure-sum-for-driver-who-sustained-injuries-in-a-head-on-collision/

Kimberley Hesford
Specialisms
- Personal Legal Services
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Serious Injury
My background
I have worked at Minster Law since 2012 and have a background in Serious Injury and costs work. I have worked in a legal environment for over 15 years.
What I do
I currently work in our Personal Legal Services Department as a Legal Helpline Advisor and I have been in this role for over a year. The helpline provides general legal advice on all legal matters.
The best part of my job is
The role that I currently do is rewarding. No two calls are ever the same and it always feels like you have helped someone once the call has ended.

Mark Webley
Specialisms
- Road traffic accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Brain injury
- Chronic pain
My background
I joined Minster Law in 2013 after qualifying as a Solicitor in 2007. I have been working within personal injury for over 24 years and have experience in both Defendant and Claimant litigation, having now been working for Claimants for over 9 years. I predominately represent clients who have been injured as a result of a road traffic accident and also represent a large number of bikers.
I am a member of the Associate of Personal Injury Lawyers.
What I do
I am an Associate Solicitor leading a team within Minster Law’s serious injury department. I represent a wide variety of clients who have suffered more complex injuries which involves representing clients on a wide range of injuries including serious orthopaedic injuries with long term complication, psychological injuries and chronic pain cases including chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.
A great achievement for me was achieving a settlement of £150,000 for a client who suffered a severe lower limb injury. This was a great achievement as the £150,000 settlement was achieved on a 20% recovery as liability was disputed throughout.
The best part of my job is
I believe my years of experience working for insurers and Defendant Solicitors allows me to apply this knowledge to help my clients when seeking to obtain the best settlement. I enjoy the challenge of working on complex cases and applying detailed analysis to build a strong case and working with the client to bring a good result.

Matthew Dunn
Specialisms
- Serious injury
- Road traffic accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Fatal accidents
- Orthopaedic injuries
- Chronic pain
- Brain injury
My background
I joined Minster Law in 2008 after qualifying as a Chartered Legal Executive in 2010. I have been working within personal injury for over 20 years having gained experience as both a Claimant and Defendant Solicitor. During my time at Minster Law I have spent time in the Complex Claims Unit dealing with claims that included complex litigation, complex injuries, vulnerable clients and fraud allegations. I then moved to Minster Law’s serious injury department in 2014. The areas in which I specialise in are orthopaedic injuries, chronic pain and brain injuries.
What I do
I am an Associate Solicitor leading a team within Minster Law’s serious injury department. I represent a small number of clients who have suffered serious and potentially life changing injuries that have occurred due to a road traffic accidents including a significant amount of motorcycle accidents.
A great achievement for me has been securing damages of £200,000 for a motorcycle client who suffered serious orthopaedic injuries to the tibia and fibular, pelvis and extensive scarring.
The best part of my job is
Being able to positively impact my client’s life after a serious accident and supporting them throughout the claim so that they are able gain a better understanding about the process, helping to settle any concerns.

Matthew Sykes
Specialisms
- Accidents at Work
- Accidents Out & About
- Occupiers liability
My background
Alongside completing an advanced Apprenticeship in Business and Administration, I undertook a role in helping the unemployed find work. I joined Minster Law in October 2011 in one of the support teams mainly helping with finance issues and I moved to the Employment Liability and Public Liability department in February 2014.
What I do
My main duties are supporting and advising clients, as well as liaising with other third parties such as medical agencies. I support my file handler to help ensure cases are run as smoothly as possible.
The best part of my job is
My role consists of a variety of tasks; I am always coming across new situations and learning new skills along the way.

Philip Austick
Specialisms
- Serious injuries
- Road traffic accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Accidents on the Road
- Accidents at work
- Amputation
- Acquired Brain Injury
- Spinal Injury
My background
I joined Minster Law as a dual qualified Legal Executive and Solicitor in 2010 and have been working within legal services for over 37 years. The areas in which I specialise in are complex orthopaedic injuries and amputations. I have dealt with a multitude of serious injury cases and have represented a variety of clients including professional athletes and recording artists.
What I do
I am an Associate Solicitor leading a team within Minster Law’s Serious Injury department. I represent clients who have suffered serious and often life changing injuries, mainly as a result of a road traffic accident. A great achievement for me has been securing damages of £505,000 for a client when the Defendant had a complete defence of automatism, which meant that the Defendant was not liable. I was able to settle the claim for my client without settling the liability issue.
The best part of my job is
Being able to meet a variety of interesting people all who have come from different backgrounds with different stories but all with a common goal of achieving the best post possible outcome and recovery possible.

Richard Harwood
Specialisms
- Serious injury
- Road traffic accidents
- Accidents at work
My background
I started acting as an accident lawyer in 1994 qualifying as a Solicitor in 1996. For 19 years I worked for the same firm of Solicitors in Lincolnshire where I was a Partner and head of the firm’s personal injury practice.
In this role I used to act for a small number of very seriously injured clients, guiding them through the legal maze of a personal injury claim by using plain English and always putting them, the victim first.
I have been a member of the Law Society’s specialist personal injury panel since 2001, and a member of Apil.
In 2001 in addition to acting for clients I started training and managing personal injury lawyers; I passionately believe that all clients deserve a great, personal service and that is what I have always tried to install in the lawyers I have trained.
What I do
I now lead a team of Solicitors at Minster Law who act for clients with serious injuries. Our cases can include fatal accidents, Motorbike claims, accidents at work or school, and accidents that can happen out and about. My role is to guide and work with the solicitors to help them achieve our goals of great client care and a job well done.
The best part of my job is
When you know you have made a positive difference to a persons life.

Samantha Isherwood
Specialisms
- Accidents on the Road
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Accidents at Work
My background
I started my legal career in a high street firm in which I worked for over 8 years assisting Solicitors, exploring various aspects of law, such as conveyancing, family law, wills and probate and personal injury. I decided that personal injury law was the industry that I would like to settle into and I obtained a Legal Assistant role at Minster Law in 2013. I provide assistance to Fee Earners in the Multi-Track Department, which deals with more serious injuries and complex claims. I am currently undertaking legal studies in Cilex Level 6 Professional Diploma in Law and Practice.
What I do
My role is to support Fee Earners in assisting our clients and ensuring that they have a smooth journey through the claims process. I assist in obtaining the evidence needed to achieve the best possible result and maximum compensation for the client.
The best part of my job is
Getting to know the client and being part of a team that helps clients get the compensation that they need and deserve to move forward with their lives following their accident.

Sarah Patten
Specialisms
- Serious injury
- Motorcycle accidents
- Road traffic accidents
- Accidents at work
My background
I joined Minster Law in 2013 after qualifying as a Solicitor in 2007 and have been working in serious injury for over 16 years. The areas in which I specialise in involve complex and high value cases, including traumatic brain injuries, serious orthopaedic injuries and fatalities.
During my career I have secured millions of pounds in damages for my clients and am experienced across personal injury, having acted in a broad range of cases include road traffic accidents, motorcycle accidents as well as employer’s liability and public liability.
Since 2013 I have been supporting my local Headway Branch and have held the position of Branch Secretary continually since April 2014.
I have also been a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) for many years and hold the Senior Litigator accreditation.
What I do
I work within the serious injury department at Minster Law, predominately supporting clients who have suffered from spinal injuries, severe orthopaedic injuries and acquired brain injuries. My aim is always to achieve the best possible outcomes for my clients, in terms of maximising the claim and providing treatment for both the immediate future and long term future.
A great achievement for me has been securing damages of £726,000 for a client who suffered multiple serious fractures and required extensive surgery, which made them unable to return to work or look after their family.
The best part of my job is
Achieving the best possible results for my client, who are essence innocent victims of wrongdoing. The injuries are often life changing and have far reaching consequences but I always focus to minimise this as much as possible.

Shaun Walker
Specialisms
- Serious injury
- Motorcycle accidents
- Road traffic accidents
- Accidents at work
- Industrial disease
My background
After qualifying in 1992, I spent the first 3 years in construction law litigation. I then moved to work on a mix of Claimant and Defendant Personal Injury work. I established a separate Personal Injury Claimant department of 30 staff. I left that firm in 2002 after 12 years of service. I then focused on group action industrial disease claims and mesothelioma claims. I have dealt with Catastrophic Personal Injury claims at work or resulting from road traffic accidents, throughout my career. I was a Partner/Head of Department at a medium sized firm for 3 years before joining Minster Law’s Catastrophic team in June 2012.
What I do
Catastrophic injury claims are about more than securing compensation for the individual. I am of the view that rehabilitation has more value given that it represents an opportunity to make a material difference to the life of the seriously injured Claimant. I provide a full support service to clients, providing help wherever I can on issues which directly affect them and which are not necessarily connected with the claim. I work on claims with a value of over £500,000. The highest claim to date totaled £7m gross in terms of value.
The best part of my job is
Making a difference to the quality of life of the seriously injured Claimant. Team work is essential in this line of work and the support offered by Minster Law to the seriously injured Claimant is exceptional. The client always has the comfort of knowing that one of three individuals will regularly be working on their file and that there will always be someone available to provide assistance. I work on only 12 files at any one time enabling me to provide a first-class service to clients.

Simon Marshall
Specialisms
- Road traffic accidents
- Employers liability
- Public liability
- Accidents at work
My background
I joined Minster Law in 2014 after qualifying as a Chartered Legal Executive in 2008 and have been working within personal injury for over 20 years. The areas in which I specialise in are orthopaedic injuries, brain injuries, spinal injuries and fatal accidents. I have dealt with a variety of claims including road traffic accidents, accidents at work, accidents abroad and aircraft accidents.
What I do
I am an Associate Chartered Legal Executive leading a team within Minster Law’s serious injury department. I represent Claimants who have suffered life-changing injuries, which can have occurred from a variety of different accident types.
A great achievement for me has been securing a settlement for an elderly gentleman who was involved in an accident whilst taking part in a classic car rally. The odds were very much stacked against him because he had pulled out of a side road in front of a large 4x4 pick-up truck, which was proceeding down the main road. Being in a classic car, my client was exempt from wearing a seatbelt (none were fitted to the car); as a result he was flung from his vehicle in the impact and sustained significant injuries. However I managed to secure a settlement for him at 75% in his favour because we were able to prove the pick-up driver took no action at all to try and avoid the collision. Tenacity and a ‘never give up’ attitude won the day.
The best part of my job is
Being able to passionately fight for the best outcomes for all of my clients. It is fantastic to be able to know that I have made a positive and substantial difference to the future of my clients.

Wasif Rasul
Specialisms
- Accidents at Work
- Accidents on the Road
- Accidents Out & About
My background
I have been in a customer service and sales background all my working life. After doing my A Levels I worked for a small claims management firm gaining experience before moving to Minster Law.
I started at Minster Law in May 2012 as part of the National Accident Helpline Team and have now moved onto a role as a Litigation Executive.
What I do
I work alongside a very experienced Solicitor and we handle a case load dealing with Employment, Occupiers and Public Liability claims.
The best part of my job is
I enjoy working in a culture that is highly focused but friendly and supportive in developing my legal skills.
My job is satisfying as I get to know all of our customers on a personal basis. I know making a Personal Injury claim can be very confusing, so my job is to make it as easy as possible for the customer.