What people say

“In my PI case, Mr Andrew Lewis QC provided not a middle ground for potential compromise, but an objective quasi-judicial valuation of the case, having fully scrutinized in advance and further explored on the day the strengths and weaknesses of the parties evidence and which enabled both parties to have faith in the process and the valuation delivered.

This achieved settlement of a case which was otherwise proceeding to lengthy, costly trial, with all the uncertainties and stresses for my client that would have entailed.

An excellent resource for the PI practitioner.”

Jeanne Evans

Partner

Potter Rees Dolan

“The friendly but firm approach to evaluation adopted by Andrew Lewis QC inspired confidence in my clients and enabled settlement of a longstanding, difficult and hard-fought PI case which would otherwise inevitably have progressed to a time consuming, expensive and risky trial. The evaluation process was (by contrast) far quicker and much less stressful, albeit involving careful scrutiny of the large amounts of evidence submitted by both parties. Andrew successfully facilitated what proved to be an excellent means of alternative dispute resolution.”

Jonathan Grace

Barrister

Deans Court Chambers

“I can’t speak highly enough of my experience with Independent Evaluation. It was clear that Andrew Lewis QC knew the case inside out from our initial discussion on the day, and I really liked that he was able to cut to the chase and identify the important issues from the outset. Andrew was very likeable, and I was really impressed with how he announced the Evaluation, which was done in a similar way to a judgment.

This was a complex case with two defendants, which had been going on for over three years. I believe referring it to IE brought it to a conclusion at least 18 months earlier than going to court, which was in everyone’s best interests, not least because the costs were dramatically reduced.

I have already recommended IE to my colleagues, and will definitely be referring more cases for Evaluation in the future.”

Gordon Cartwright

Partner

JMW

“We managed to settle a difficult case thanks to the input from Independent Evaluation. Parties agreed to the instruction of Rhiannon Jones QC as Evaluator and we highly recommend her services. She was thoroughly prepared with a good understanding of the issues and provided a very fair evaluation”.

Adrian Cottam

Partner

DAC Beachcroft

“Even before I had used IE I thought Independent Evaluation was potentially a brilliant idea. I am pleased to say it also works extremely well in practice!

It is a frustration for lawyers and clients alike if they feel that the Court does not listen to or misunderstands their position. The evaluator in our case was exceptional in overcoming this.

He absorbed and showed respect to the points raised on both sides. The client could see and be involved in the process of resolving the dispute at very close range and in a way which was far less stressful and more understandable for the lay client. In effect we had an opportunity to read the Judge’s mind as an open book rather than a passworded piece of cryptography! You may not agree with each of his conclusions but with an experienced evaluator we had a very good insight into the way in which “the Judge on the Clapham omnibus” is likely to think if your case were pursued further.

The ancillary aspects of the day were also excellent; the organisation, the staff and the premises were all outstanding. I would recommend it over a formal Trial in the great majority of high value cases, particularly in those tricky cases which “are never going to settle.”

Peter Jones

Managing Partner / Director

Smith Jones

‘We were extremely pleased with the high quality and professionally managed process and the positive outcome for our client in this difficult case. The medical evidence was very complex and the parties remained far apart after an unsuccessful JSM. The Evaluator was able to swiftly get to grips with the issues in the case and guided the parties to an excellent result.’

Laura Murphy

Associate Solicitor

Leigh Day

“Dame Janet Smith was outstanding. It was clear from the outset that she understood the case in detail as well as the impact on my client and was therefore able to gain his trust and confidence. I have no doubt that the case would not have settled without her involvement. Dame Janet Smith’s interpersonal skills were superb and I cannot recommend her enough.”

Sarah Bains

Solicitor - Employment Department

Pattinson Brewer

“Dame Janet Smith was exceptional in achieving a positive outcome for a very vulnerable victim of discrimination. She was empathetic and quickly gained my client’s trust in her ability to reach a ‘just’ outcome. She recognised the importance of non-pecuniary remedies in a case where my client had been very damaged, and to that end secured a fulsome face-to-face apology – something my client would not have achieved in the litigation – so smoothing the way for a resolution of a long running dispute”.

Karon Monaghan

Barrister

Matrix Chambers

“Independent Evaluation is a fantastic route to settlement, particularly where you and your opponent may be entrenched in polar positions. Having a non-binding yet frank assessment of your case from an Evaluator with great gravitas, legal acumen and relevant experience is the optimum solution. Dame Janet Smith came to a fair and well reasoned Evaluation of my client’s personal injury claim which had been fiercely contested on grounds of both factual and medical causation. I would unreservedly recommend the service and, in particular, Dame Janet Smith to fellow personal injury and clinical negligence practitioners.”

Francesca Martin

Barrister

No5 Chambers

This was a hugely complex, document heavy, emotive and polarised case heading for a very expensive Trial. The attention to detail, preparation and professionalism of Andrew Lewis QC were invaluable in achieving a settlement in this case.

Anthony Baker

Partner

Plexus Law

“Legal claims between the MoD and Armed Forces personnel and families of those killed in combat should automatically be referred to Independent Evaluation (IE) for resolution.  IE not only avoids the pitfalls of traditional adversarial litigation, but it enhances the spirit of the Armed Forces Covenant. If the Government is serious about the Covenant many more claims will be resolved this way in the future.”

Hilary Meredith

Chairman

Hilary Meredith Solicitors Ltd

“I recently engaged in the IE process, with Ian Ridd as the Evaluator. Both my client and myself found the process very user friendly and cost effective. I would certainly use the process again. Everyone concerned was very professional, friendly and could not have been more courteous.”

Kevin Williams

Partner

Williams & Bourne

“Of particular value in a case in which there has been a lack of trust between the parties and bridge-building is required.”

Neil Block QC

Joint Head of Chambers

39 Essex Chambers

“IE provides a valuable option to resolve claims quickly. The parties are given the opportunity to put forward their respective cases and discuss strengths and weaknesses with a thoroughly prepared and experienced Evaluator in a fair and impartial environment.”

Nick Mahoney

Partner

DAC Beachcroft

“The involvement of an independent, impartial and very experienced evaluator was invaluable. The assistance and guidance they provided from the outset enabled the parties to progress matters to a successful resolution, in a case where previous negotiations had proved very difficult.”

Peppy Marshall

Partner

Weightmans LLP

“The litigation skill set includes recognising when cases may benefit from engaging in alternative dispute resolution.  The use of Independent Evaluation is now a well-recognised ADR route.  Members of Temple Gardens appear as advocates for both claimants and defendants throughout the process.  Utilising all this expertise through this innovative and dynamic process has resulted in a high success rate of rapid, optimal settlements being achieved.” 

Simon Browne QC

Temple Gardens Chamber

“The skilfully handled evaluation enabled each party to assess the weaknesses in their own case and the strengths in the opposition’s. Settlement was achieved without the pain, both financial and emotional, of a full hearing. I am not sure my clients could have coped with the stress of a trial.”

David Edwards

Partner

Edwards Hoyle

“We have been really impressed with the efficiency of the process and the results. … all parties have real confidence in the Evaluators’ views and their predicted outcomes.  Independent Evaluation enables us to offer clients a pragmatic and cost effective alternative to lengthy litigation.”

Louise Bland

Partner

Ellisons

“IE is a valuable service that avoids expensive and prolonged legal proceedings. It helps us deliver on our commitment to resolve genuine reasonable claims promptly and pay claims quickly.”

Stephen King

MS Amlin

“Where traditional JSM’s had failed in a difficult and hotly disputed case, IEFS offered an innovative and leftfield approach with their evaluation service.  The involvement of an evaluator allowed us to navigate round the previous obstacles and concentrate on the elements that facilitated the eventual settlement. The process was cost effective and efficient.”

Tristan Holdom

Partner & Specialist Brain Injury Solicitor

Tollers LLP

“Settlement was achieved without the pain, both financial and emotional, of a full hearing. …Given the availability of this non-binding evaluation, why would any client choose to go to Court? I highly recommend Independent Evaluation.”

David Edwards

Partner

Edwards Hoyle

“IE is at the forefront of development for optimal dispute resolution. We believe that many more of our clients’ cases will be resolved through this type of ADR in the future.”

Ruth Graham

Partner

BLM

“Belinda Bucknall is one of the most formidable Admiralty QCs of her generation… it is difficult to find anyone better equipped to be an effective Independent Evaluator in matters relating to shipping.”

Charles Hattersley

Partner

Ashfords LLP

“This is precisely what PI practitioners and their clients have been waiting for, and it is particularly needed since all the recent changes. I have no hesitation in recommending IE to all my clients.”

Charles Atha

Senior Partner

Atha & Co.

“We are extremely impressed with the pragmatic approach that brought the parties together and resulted in a very satisfactory result – from both parties’ points of view – in what was an extremely difficult matter.”

Mark Pierce

Partner

Boyce Hatton

“Can always be relied on for meticulous attention to detail, an even-handed and transparent approach. Extremely helpful.”

Paul Mulderrig

Senior Partner

Mulderrigs

“Thank you so much for all the hard work and professionalism that you displayed while dealing with my husband’s case. We were well aware of the complexities but very much appreciated your explanation of the law, your execution throughout the day and your sincere display of empathy towards our situation.”

Claimant's wife

“There was no chance of resolving this particular case other than at trial without IE. It was definitely the right call to go to IE and Andrew Lewis QC was definitely the right man for the job.”

Douglas Adlam

Associate Solicitor

DAC Beachcroft

“I had a case in which my insurers were faced with a substantial claim … The two sides became entrenched, and the relationship between respective solicitors was not easy.  My solicitors suggested evaluation, which seemed to be accepted reluctantly by the other side.”

“Dame Janet Smith dealt with the case at IE in London.  The claim proceeded to a successful resolution when I do not think it would have settled via a conventional JSM despite the fact that personally I get on well with my opponent. I cannot say what eventually persuaded the claimant’s side, but I know that our side found the Evaluator’s input valuable.”

Alan Jeffreys QC

Catastrophic Personal Injury Specialist

Farrar’s Building

“I have seen at first hand why Belinda Bucknall QC enjoys such a formidable reputation: she has a great eye both for detail and for the broader picture, and she grasps complex technical matters with ease.  But, most importantly, she has a very happy way with people from all walks – a natural authority as well as a natural, sympathetic, personal touch when dealing with all parties, including bereaved families in fatal accident cases.  Belinda Bucknall QC is the ideal Independent Evaluator, and I recommend her very highly.”

Nicholas Saunders

Barrister

Fenners Chambers, Cambridge

“IE makes a lot of sense in either hard fought liability cases & any suitable case where there is not a simple negotiated solution. I intend to recommend more clients and insurers to IE to see if common sense prevails.”

Mark Hipkin

Hipkin & Co Solicitors

“My first experience of Independent Evaluation was an overwhelmingly positive one. My client achieved a settlement that he was very happy with many months sooner than he might have done via other ADR means. Rhiannon Jones QC did a superb job of testing the merits of the parties’ respective arguments on quantum. I will be recommending the process in future.”

Anthony Johnson

Barrister

Temple Garden Chambers

“We are committed to early, cost effective dispute resolution.”

Mariel Irvine

Mariel Irvine Solicitors