Biography
I am an Associate in the Serious Injury Team at Irwin Mitchell's Bristol Office.
I work with children and adults who have sustained serious brain, spinal cord, orthopaedic and amputation injuries. I often support clients who have sustained life changing injuries and are in need of financial support and rehabilitation. I work closely with family members and a variety of professionals including case managers, support workers and treating therapists to ensure our clients receive access to a tailored rehabilitation package as early as possible, generally through early interim payments.
I have experience working closely with other legal departments to ensure my client's full legal needs are met.
What inspired you to get into law?
I chose a career in law because I wanted to be able to help solve problems. Serious Injury claims involve a different person, with their own life and challenges, and approach in every case.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
Unfortunately, the clients we work with have almost always suffered life changing injuries. Having the opportunity to support them and their families adjust to the changes in their lives and make a difference to their future is incredibly rewarding.
What do you like about working at Irwin Mitchell?
Irwin Mitchell is made up of people with the experience, knowledge and desire to make a difference for their clients. This gives us a wide pool of experience which we can draw on to make sure we achieve the best results for our clients.
What do you do away from the office?
Away from the office, I enjoy exercising, learning the guitar (badly) and catching up with friends and family.
Testimonials
"We chose Irwin Mitchell to provide us with legal support in our case for a financial settlement with a 3rd party insurance company when my husband sustained a Spinal Cord Injury following a road traffic collision. They were among a list recommended by the Spinal Injuries Association, and we spoke to several firms before choosing. We went with IM based upon personal recommendation and a clear approach at initial interview, especially regarding costs.
Throughout the process they have provided us with professional friendly support, knowing when not to overload us with detail but always clear in their explanations and helping to manage our expectations.
They worked with experts in the field to provide us with the best possible case which has led to a successful outcome. This hasn’t been an easy process, whilst also learning to adapt to life changing injuries but they have been there to help us navigate through a new and complicated (to us) world of legal proceedings.
We are so grateful to James, Declan and their whole team and would not hesitate to highly recommending Irwin Mitchel to anyone who sadly finds themselves in a similar position."
- 5* Trustpilot review
"My Irwin Mitchell solicitor Declan French was amazing. I felt that I was cared for, listened to, respected and given time to consider my options throughout the time I worked with him/ the company. I highly recommend Irwin Mitchell, and in particular, Declan. Thank you so much for looking after me." - 5* Trustpilot review
"Following a car accident in Jan 2020, I was assisted by IM in a compensation claim. I have had an excellent experience and my solicitor (Declan French) has been wonderfully supportive all along, until the successful completion of the case. Communication was always clear, efficient and open and Declan’s approach was compassionate, positive and always very respectful (importantly, I always felt listened to)." 5* Trustpilot review
"My husband sustained a serious head injury in an accident at work in 2016 and recently received settlement. We are pleased with the outcome and immensely relieved at the same time. Declan French has been brilliant, providing excellent client care and support, always professional, open, honest approachable and friendly. Communication even through lockdown was excellent. Thank you to Declan and the team you have been an absolute pleasure to deal with." 5* Trustpilot review
"Following my work place accident Declan French took over my case after about three years. I can not speak highly enough of him he was always available to discuss my case. He always kept me informed and guided me through everything explaining things too me if I didn’t understand it." 5* Trustpilot review
"I literally do not know where I would be now if it wasn’t for Declan over the past few years. He has been professional, understanding and considerate whilst remaining on a very human level." - 5* Trustpilot review
"I would like to say a special thankyou to Declan French for his help throughout the case to the successful conclusion." - 5* Trustpilot review
"Declan French has been brilliant, providing excellent client care and support, always professional, open, honest approachable and friendly. Communication even through lockdown was excellent. Thank you to Declan and the team you have been an absolute pleasure to deal with." - 5* Trustpilot review
