Neil Heavisides

Managing Director & Chartered Legal Executive

An experienced Chartered Legal Executive who qualified in 1998, Neil was appointed as Managing Director in 2019 after spending the best part of three decades specialising in Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence litigation.

Having helped create and develop the Clinical Negligence department into one of the largest claimant teams in the north east of England over the last 15 years, it is an area he remains deeply passionate about. He still maintains day-to-day contact with the department and enjoys providing case assistance by working closely with Alixandra Cadden-Young, the new head of Clinical Negligence.

Having built up a reknowned reputation in his field, Neil frequently helps us pick up new cases because of recommendations from previous clients, other lawyers, barristers, doctors and medical practitioners.

Even though they are often very complex and demanding, the cases Neil finds the most rewarding are those involving acquired brain damage at birth, helping families secure compensation to improve the life of their loved one.

He always fights hard to achieve justice for his clients and, in recent years, has successfully negotiated significant damages for dozens of multi-million-pound claims – including settlements of £7.1m and £4.2m.

Since being appointed to lead the business, Neil has created a culture where support and teamwork are highly valued. He is proud to have a fantastic team of lawyers and support staff who are trusted to work together or autonomously in order to achieve successful outcomes for our clients.

Away from work

Neil lives with his wife Claire and their three sons, so he can often be found acting as a willing chauffeur to them and their small army of friends. When time permits, he enjoys watching live music, eating out and the benefits of relaxing with a good red wine.

What hobbies do you have?

Although I like to watch a large variety of sports, I really love following Formula 1 and usually attend at least one race a year if I can. Travelling is also a passion of mine and I’ve been to many interesting places in North America, South America, Asia and all over Europe.

What music do you like?

My taste is varied to say the least, so anything from Tremonti, Coldplay and Train to Bocelli, Zac Brown and The Shires! My son has also got me in to listening to Nothing But Thieves.

How would you describe yourself in five words?

Dependable, honest, hardworking, friendly and loyal.

What’s your favourite food?

Impossible to say as I like so much – although I do really enjoy Asian food.

What film or boxset would you recommend to others?

Succession – it’s absolutely brilliant.

Do you have a favourite book and why?

I’m an avid reader across many genres but I think I’d pick Ken Follett’s Pillars of the Earth. It’s an epic by a first-rate storyteller.

Is there a smartphone App you could not live without?

WhatsApp.

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

Don’t worry so much.