Our Team

Alixandra Cadden-Young

Joint Managing Director, Solicitor & Head of Clinical Negligence

A specialist in complex and high-value clinical negligence claims, Alixandra is Joint Managing Director and Head of Clinical Negligence. She leads a busy and growing department acting for clients across England and Wales in cases involving life-changing injuries and fatalities.

As Joint Managing Director, Alixandra plays an active role in the strategic development of the firm and is passionate about supporting and mentoring the next generation of lawyers.

Alixandra brings a unique perspective to her work, having originally studied Adult Nursing before deciding to pursue a career in law and qualifying as a Solicitor in 2013. While studying Adult Nursing at the University of East Anglia, she worked for several years within NHS hospitals and wards, gaining first-hand experience of patient care, clinical decision-making and hospital systems.

This background allows Alixandra to offer clients an insight that few solicitors can provide. She understands not only the legal principles involved in clinical negligence litigation, but also the realities of life on busy hospital wards and the standards of care patients are entitled to expect. She uses this experience to help clients understand what should have happened, where things may have gone wrong and how those failings have affected them and their families.

Alixandra has extensive experience across a broad range of clinical negligence matters including birth injuries, delayed diagnosis, surgical errors, orthopaedic injuries, fatal claims and complex cases involving multiple defendants and expert disciplines.

Prior to specialising in claimant clinical negligence work, Alixandra worked for a large international law firm acting on behalf of healthcare providers and insurers. This defendant experience provides valuable insight into how claims are investigated and defended, helping her to anticipate issues and build the strongest possible case for her clients.

She qualified as a Solicitor following completion of her Law Degree and Legal Practice Course at Northumbria University.

Away from work

A proud North Easterner, Alixandra has relocated from Northumberland and now lives in County Durham with her fiancé, children, and their three cats. She loves travelling and discovering new places, particularly if there is good food involved.

Outside of the office, Alixandra is heavily involved in her partner’s artisan condiments business, and spends many weekends attending food festivals, trade events and farmers’ markets across the country.

What are your main interests or hobbies?

Running is a huge part of my life and helps me switch off from the pressures of practice. I regularly take part in local races and have completed the Great North Run, with my next challenge being to continue improving my times and distances.

I also enjoy strength training, swimming and getting outdoors whenever I can. I love exploring historical sites and have a particular interest in history and archaeology, so a long walk usually ends up involving a castle, ruin or ancient monument somewhere along the route.

When I’m not out and about, you’ll usually find me curled up with one of our cats and a good book.

What music do you like – any specific genre or artists?

My taste in music is all over the place. In my younger days I performed as a cabaret singer, so I appreciate almost every genre, from jazz and musical theatre through to modern pop and indie music. Emmy Lou Harris and other folk country artists are my favourites currently.

What’s your favourite food?

Food is one of my biggest passions. I’m a pescatarian and love cooking Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes using herbs, spices, pulses and seafood. If there is fresh seafood, good bread and a glass of wine involved, I’m usually very happy.

What film or boxset would you recommend to others?

I enjoy anything with a historical element to it. Historical dramas are definitely my weakness, but I also love a well-written crime drama. Game of Thrones, Outlander and The Last Kingdom would all be high on my recommendations list.

Do you have a favourite book and why?

Historical fiction is my favourite genre and I would recommend anything by Bernard Cornwell. Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series is another favourite. I spend a lot of time in the car travelling to court hearings, conferences and client meetings, so audiobooks have become something of an obsession.

How would you describe yourself in 5 words?

Approachable, pragmatic, tenacious, knowledgeable and compassionate.

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self?

Stop worrying so much about things that probably won’t happen — and perhaps drink a little less wine.

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