Neil Heavisides

Management Lawyer

An experienced Chartered Legal Executive who qualified in 1998, Neil is now enjoying an advisory role as a Management Lawyer following a successful six-year tenure as Managing Director.

Awarded partner status in 2009, Neil stepped back from his day-to-day responsibilities in January 2025 to achieve a better work-life balance with Alixandra Cadden-Young and Laura Robinson taking over the reigns.

Before becoming Managing Director in 2019, Neil spent nearly three decades specialising in Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence litigation. He helped create and grow the Clinical Negligence department into one of the largest claimant teams in the North East of England, an area he remains deeply passionate about. Neil continues to work closely with the team, offering day-to-day support and case assistance.

With a strong reputation in his field, Neil frequently takes on new cases through recommendations from previous clients, other lawyers, barristers, doctors and medical practitioners.

Despite the complexity and demands, the cases Neil finds most rewarding are those involving acquired brain damage at birth, helping families secure compensation to enhance their loved one’s quality of life. He is known for his tireless pursuit of justice and has successfully negotiated significant damages in dozens of multi-million-pound claims, including settlements of £7.1 million and £4.2 million.

During his time as Managing Director, Neil fostered a culture where support and teamwork are highly valued and he is proud of the dedicated team of lawyers and support staff he helped to build.

Away from work

Neil lives with his wife Claire and their three sons, so he can often be found acting as a willing chauffeur to them and their small army of friends. When time permits, he enjoys watching live music, eating out and the benefits of relaxing with a good red wine.

What hobbies do you have?

Although I like to watch a large variety of sports, I really love following Formula 1 and usually attend at least one race a year if I can. Travelling is also a passion of mine and I’ve been to many interesting places in North America, South America, Asia and all over Europe.

What music do you like?

My taste is varied to say the least, so anything from Tremonti, Coldplay and Train to Bocelli, Zac Brown and The Shires! My son has also got me in to listening to Nothing But Thieves.

How would you describe yourself in five words?

Dependable, honest, hardworking, friendly and loyal.

What’s your favourite food?

Impossible to say as I like so much – although I do really enjoy Asian food.

What film or boxset would you recommend to others?

Succession – it’s absolutely brilliant.

Do you have a favourite book and why?

I’m an avid reader across many genres but I think I’d pick Ken Follett’s Pillars of the Earth. It’s an epic by a first-rate storyteller.

Is there a smartphone App you could not live without?

WhatsApp.

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self?

Don’t worry so much.