Hugh James

Potter Rees Dolan is a Manchester-based law firm with a national reputation in personal injury and clinical negligence, particularly in cases of the utmost severity and complexity. Between August 2020 and 2021, the firm secured over £125 million in damages for seriously injured clients.

Established in 1998 by Hugh Potter, the firm has over 25 years of experience and is now part of Top 100 UK law firm Hugh James. It is recognised for providing high-quality legal services to individuals who have sustained serious injuries or live with disabilities, with particular expertise in catastrophic injury arising from accidents or clinical negligence. The firm is committed to delivering advice in a clear, straightforward manner and treating clients with professionalism and care. Its city-centre offices are fully wheelchair accessible, and lawyers are available to meet clients at home or in hospital.

Potter Rees Dolan’s practice focuses on personal injury, clinical negligence, Court of Protection cases, and welfare benefits. Its personal injury work covers acquired brain injury, spinal cord injury, accidents abroad, workplace accidents, public liability claims, road traffic accidents, serious criminal assaults, fatal accidents, and professional negligence claims against other solicitors. The clinical negligence team advises on cases involving the NHS and private hospitals, with expertise in birth injuries, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, failure to diagnose, surgical negligence, and pressure sores. In such cases, the firm considers future care, loss of earnings, equipment, accommodation needs, and welfare entitlements, including assistance with benefits, appeals, tribunals, and personal injury trusts.

The Court of Protection team acts as deputy for clients unable to manage their own affairs, handling financial management, welfare benefits, investments, and budgeting. Clients include children with cerebral palsy, adults with brain injuries or learning difficulties, and elderly individuals with dementia. The welfare benefits department provides specialist advice for clients and their families following serious injury and also delivers pro bono support to individuals and charitable organisations.

Potter Rees Dolan is a sponsor of Headway. A number of its solicitors are AvMA panel members, SRA-accredited, and Fellows of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL). The firm continues to follow a strategy of organic growth within its specialist market.

Languages
English (fluent), French, Italian, Polish

Memberships
Headway
Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL)
AvMA

Staffing
12 UK partners
27 other UK fee-earners