Biography
Tom is a Partner and heads the firm’s Abuse practice, as well as leading the Birmingham Abuse Team. He has 15 years’ experience representing clients in this extremely sensitive and complex area. Tom is an APIL Senior Litigator, a member of the Association of Child Abuse Lawyers, and is a nationally recognised expert in this field, having been featured in newspapers such as The Times for his work. He regularly brings cases against institutions such as schools, religious organisations, NHS Trusts, the MoD, and local authorities. Tom also brings claims against individual perpetrators and has been successful at trial for abuse which happened over 35 years ago, overcoming the significant limitation hurdles in place. He is instructed on claims of the most maximum severity and is one of a handful of lawyers to settle a single sexual abuse claim for in excess of £1,000,000. Tom continues to be involved with a number of survivor organisations and charities, providing pro-bono legal advice and training.
Tom is also a Partner in the Medical Negligence team and has worked for Irwin Mitchell since 2010 when he started as a trainee. He grew up in the West Midlands and studied law at Cardiff University before completing his Legal Practice Course at the College of Law in Birmingham. As well as leading the abuse team, he acts for clients in medical negligence cases against NHS Trusts, private practitioners, and general practitioners (GPs). He runs his own varied case load which includes brain injuries, injuries arising from birth, fatalities, failures to diagnose serious conditions, negligent orthopaedic treatment/surgery, and negligent urological treatment/surgery. He specialises in cases where suicide and injuries arising from attempted suicide could have been avoided with the appropriate care from mental health professionals. He is also able to help families through the Inquest process at the Coroner’s Court.
What Is The Most Rewarding Aspect Of Your Role?
The most rewarding aspect of my role comes at the beginning of a case when a client first learns that I may be able to assist them with a case going forward. Often our clients’ concerns have not been listened to by the professionals involved in their care and then again through the later complaint processes. This means that I am often the first person who has properly listened to their concerns.
What Do You Like About Working At Irwin Mitchell?
Irwin Mitchell really cares about finding the answers for their clients and fortunately we have some of the most talented medical negligence and child abuse lawyers in the country to ensure that this happens.
What Inspired You To Get Into Law?
I like to win - it's a simple as that, but winning for my clients is so much better!
What Do You Do Away From The Office?
I am a father of two young boys, so outside of work they keep me more than occupied! When I'm not being a father or a lawyer, I am a keen singer and thespian, and have played many lead roles in a number of theatres across the West Midlands. I also enjoy playing the guitar, song-writing, and am an avid supporter of Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club.
Testimonials
"The abuse team at Irwin Mitchell has great depth and experience. They are well resourced and have national reach. Tom Fletcher is excellent. He has a thorough understanding of the law in this area." - Legal 500, 2025 (Next Generation Partner)
"Christopher Hurlston and Tom Fletcher are excellent practitioners. They are responsive and helpful when difficulties arise and have a lovely manner with clients" - Legal 500, 2024 (Next Generation Partner)
"Tom was brilliant throughout the entire process, kept me informed and up to date with everything going on, explained everything clearly. Over the moon after everything I'd already gone through that we got the outcome we wanted and won my case. Thanks so much, Tom." - 5* Trustpilot review
"One of the largest teams in the country dealing with claims arising out of child sexual abuse and neglect. Luke Daniels and Tom Fletcher are very able and have considerable experience in the field." - Legal 500, 2023
"Tom Fletcher is a real rising star, who is clearly partnership material and increasingly taking on complex and high value work in his own right." - Legal 500, 2022
Tom Fletcher is a "Rising Star." – Legal 500, 2021
"Choosing Irwin Mitchell/Tom was the best decision I could have made. He was caring, professional full of compassion and dealt with my case so efficiently. I felt wrapped up in cotton wool, safe that he was taking care of everything. He communicated with me at all stages keeping me up to date with the case. Although I know how busy he must be, I always felt like I was his priority. Tom is a credit to your firm and you're lucky to have someone with such knowledge and professionalism who’s also caring. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me and my family." - 5* Trustpilot review
"My sincere gratitude and thanks to the team at Irwin Mitchell and especially to my solicitor Tom Fletcher, who has continued to strive towards getting the best results for my case. Tom was professional throughout and handled my case with the upmost sensitivity. He always kept me up to date with any developments, and he explained clearly how we should proceed. He was incredibly patient and sympathetic when I was going through uncertain times." - 5* Trustpilot review
"The people at Irwin Mitchell are really very good, and I for one can't thank them enough. As expected, they're professional and really know what they're talking about. But, it's the "other" some say "little things" that make them great. Tom Fletcher solicitor and Grace Hall, Paralegal. Who handled my claim (they won, of course!) were kind and understanding, with a 'delicate' matter. Thank you so much. Your the best." - 5* Trustpilot review
"The most amazing solicitor and team. Tom, Grace, Justin and team were so supportive, during what was most definitely a very distressing 2 year period. They made sure I had all the facts, their advice was tailored to my own individual needs. Couldn't have asked or better and would highly recommend them." - 5* Trustpilot review
"The support I had throughout my clinical negligence case was absolutely outstanding. There was always someone available to discuss things through with me. The whole case was handled so well everyone was understanding, considerate and very knowledgeable in a very complex case. Loosing a loved one is always hard without litigation to follow. But with Tom Fletcher and Grace Hall by my side I knew I had the best team to support me. Everything was always handled in a sensitive way and my views and feelings always remained paramount. "-5* Trustpilot review
"How refreshing to have had dealings with Tom Fletcher who dealt with my claim for Medical Negligence. Tom was so caring and conscientious when explaining in great detail the pros and cons of my claim. He always seemed to go that extra mile. His telephone manner was 1st class, you were always left with the feeling that you were his most important client. Importantly, Tom was an excellent and patient listener. He truly is a diamond and a great ambassador for Irwin Mitchell.
I must also mention Paralegal, Grace Hall. She obviously has learned so much from Tom, they are from the same mould. What I have said about Tom, I would repeat about Grace. I would have no problem beating the drum for Irwin Mitchell. I wish all members of staff all the very best for the future, career and health wise. The financial settlement I gained which far exceeded my expectations was a result of the hard work of Tom and Grace." - 5* Trustpilot review
