What people say - Solicitor firms

“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

“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

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

“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 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

“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

“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

“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