Biography
I manage the Polytrauma section of the serious injury team in our Leeds office, specialising in acting for clients who have been seriously injured as a result of road crashes and accidents at work. The team also helps the families of those involved in fatal accidents. The majority of my clients have suffered from injuries including amputations, serious fractures requiring surgery, burns and scarring and psychological trauma.
I also have a special interest in fatal accident claims, representing families who have suffered bereavement as a result of either road crashes or accidents at work. I do the majority of this work in the Leeds office. In addition I have national responsibility for Irwin Mitchell’s relationship with BRAKE and our relationship with the police. I am supported by a team of four.
As well as legal experts, my team comprises of an investigations team who work with the police to analyse accidents in support of our clients' claims. Members of the investigation team are ex-police themselves, and use this experience to the benefit of our clients. They also liaise with the police on road safety matters.
Testimonials
"Claire is an excellent negotiator who gets great results for her clients." - Chambers & Partners 2025 (Leading Individual - Band 2)
"She has very good attention to detail, she's prompt and she builds good relationships with lay clients." "Claire has a wealth of experience and deep knowledge of personal injury litigation. She deals with her cases efficiently and effectively." - Chambers & Partners 2024 (Leading Individual - Band 2)
"Having had a accident at work I contacted Irwin Mitchell who put me in touch with Claire Newstead who took on my case Claire made the process very easy for me and kept me informed all the way through the process would highly recommend Claire without any hesitation thanks Claire for all you and your team have done to achieve a positive outcome for me." - 5* Trustpilot review
"All I can say is Claire Newstead and her team are the most helpful and nicest people I have ever met and spoken too. Thank you all so much for all the things you and your team have done for me. From me and my family, thanks Claire for everything." - 5* Trustpilot reviews
Claire "is an astute and experienced litigator. An excellent tactician - able to progress cases to settlement extremely efficiently." – Legal 500, 2020
"From the very beginning I found Claire Newstead and her team to be professional, clear, understanding and kind. Every step of the way Claire Newstead and Amanda Hartley kept me up to date. It was such a relief to have such fantastic legal professionals take the pressure of myself and my family.
I would highly recommend them. All of the team that I came into contact with were nothing but professional and sympathetic. I didn’t feel like just another claimant. I felt heard, respected and understood... Highly recommend Irwin Mitchell..." - 5* Trustpilot review
"From 1st contact, [Claire] listened to all I had said and explained what actions would be taken on my behalf. I was put at ease from the start and Claire and her team explained all actions and they would ensure I was full conversant with everything, but if there was an issue, they explained every thing in fine detail until I was completely satisfied.
Throughout the whole process I was informed and updated regularly. I would like to share my appreciation to Claire and her team on being treated professionally and courteously, they put me at ease from the start. I found Claire and her team totally professional and dedicated to my best interest. They advised and steered me through what would have been difficult process in getting me a just outcome." -5* Trustpilot review
"We are both very happy with the timely 'out of court' settlement Claire has negotiated on my husbands behalf. We have valued having had the opportunity of meeting with Claire face to face, particularly in the immediate aftermath of the accident.
Throughout the litigation process Claire has provided us with sound legal advise which has been delivered in an appropriately sensitive manner. We have no hesitation in recommending Claire and the team at Irwin Mitchells to others in similar situations. Thank you Chris & Julie" - 5* Trustpilot review
"I've been under Irwin Mitchell's care for 6 years altogether. Under the guidance of Claire Newstead and her team I was able to walk away feeling very satisfied with their service. Through the 6 years they made me feel very well assured that they knew what they were doing and that they had my interests at heart. I'm very grateful with their work and also very grateful they were able to help me get the sum I need for brighter future." - 5* Trustpilot review
"The advice, genuine care and service from Claire Newstead of Irwin Mitchel, was by far some of the greatest I have received... I will be forever grateful thanks to Claire and her team, my life is forever changed for the better, and I believe I will be financially secure for the future. Thanks to the opportunities Claire’s hard work will do for me going forward, personally and professionally." - 5* Trustpilot review
What Is The Most Rewarding Aspect Of Your Role?
I enjoy all aspects of the work I do, but what I find most rewarding is being able to make a difference to clients who have found themselves in a terrible situation through no fault of their own. Amongst many things this can be from securing an interim payment to help financially, to arranging treatment to assist with recovery.
What Do You Like About Working At Irwin Mitchell?
The difference with working for Irwin Mitchell is that we have such a vast array of knowledge and in house support here which means we can provide a wealth of advice to our clients. There is always someone or a department that is able to assist no matter what the enquiry is. We also provide a holistic approach to all cases.
What Do You Do Away From The Office?
I enjoy travelling and experiencing new places both at home and abroad. I swim regularly to keep fit, and to balance the fact that I enjoy dining out. I also enjoy reading.
