Biography
I am an Associate Solicitor based in the Group Actions Team who deals with claims arising from clinical negligence, abuse, clinical trials and defective products.
I deal with a number of clinical negligence group actions, including claims arising from treatment provided by Anthony Dixon and John Bradley Williamson.
I have experience of dealing with claims arising from contaminated blood, and recently settled claims against NHS Blood & Transplant for persons infected with Hepatitis B.
I also deal with claims arising from medical devices and I am currently managing a group of cases arising from failure of cochlear implants made by Advanced Bionics. I have expertise of cases arising from failed cardiac devices (ICDs/pacemakers) both in the context of product liability and medical negligence and I have dealt with many claims arising from orthopaedic devices (such as hip and knee implants).
Other group actions I have been, or am, involved with include:
- The Mr Ian Paterson clinical negligence cases (breast surgeon)
- The Mr Irvine settlement scheme (gynaecologist)
- Claims against DePuy relating to ASR metal on metal hip implants
- Claims relating to Mr Rahman (orthopaedic surgeon)
- An ADR scheme relating to Mr Daniel Hay (gynaecologist)
What inspired you to get into law?
I realised early on that I was not suited to the family construction business so I looked into working in a career which would allow me to use my brain rather than my brawn. I decided to focus on a law career after receiving some pertinent advice from my sixth form tutor. They told me I would be suited to a career which involved formulating arguments and advocacy.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
I find group action work more rewarding than standard single claimant litigation as there are so many technical details involved and nuanced issues to consider. This includes tactical decisions affecting all of the Claimants, all the while ensuring we are working efficiently and proportionately.
What do you like about working at Irwin Mitchell?
The fact that each of our group actions is ground-breaking and will affect the clinical practice going forward.
What do you do away from the office?
I spend time with my husband and our son.
Publications
Testimonials
‘Partner Tim Annett and associate solicitor Catherine Slattery are a genuine pleasure to work with. They are fiercely intelligent and know all there is to know of group litigation whilst at the same time being approachable, friendly and fearlessly committed to working as a team to achieve the right result for every client.’ - Legal 500, 2025
"Catherine is extremely good and hard-working." "Catherine is strongly collaborative with all parties, which results in the best outcomes for her clients. " - Chambers & Partners, 2025 (Associate to Watch)
‘Catherine Slattery has dealt with a medical negligence claim in a knowledgeable manner.’
‘Catherine Slattery – dedicated, intelligence, engaged with detail of claims.’ - Legal 500
“Great legal firm. Catherine Slattery, in particular, has been a great lawyer throughout - always professional, extremely knowledgable & consistent. Definitely recommend this firm!” – Trustpilot review
"Catherine Slattery has show professionalism, patience and true grit determination in my view. She is an absolute credit to Irwin Michell. On the back of all the hard work she has done on my behalf and obtaining a settlement that seemed against all the odds I would recommend Catherine and Irwin Michell to anybody for legal assistance." - 5* Trustpilot review
"Throughout a very long and arduous process that my medical claim has been Catherine Slattery has show professionalism, patience and true grit determination in my view. She is an absolute credit to Irwin Michell. On the back of all the hard work she has done on my behalf and obtaining a settlement that seemed against all the odds I would recommend Catherine and Irwin Michell to anybody for legal assistance." - 5* Trustpilot review
"I was provided with excellent service and found that the client care was outstanding. Throughout my matter, Catherine Slattery and her team were approachable, professional and willing to assist. Every member of the team was helpful and Catherine leads by example. The compassion and understanding is of particular note." - 5* Trustpilot review
