24 Mar 2026
DWF bolsters Major Injury and Casualty practice in Bristol with new hires
"DWF appoints directors Rebecca Shafto and Andrew Lawson and several team members to its Major Injury and Casualty (defendant personal injury) practice in Bristol."
Rebecca Shafto joins DWF as a director. She has more than 30 years’ experience in defendant personal injury claims and was previously a partner at both Clyde & Co and BLM. Ranked as a leading partner in the Southwest by the Legal 500, she specialises in catastrophic and large loss claims, advising on complex matters from initial investigation through to resolution, and is known for developing high-performing teams and fostering long-term client partnerships.
Andrew Lawson joins DWF as a director. He has more than 25 years’ experience in defendant personal injury claims and was previously a partner at both Clyde & Co and BLM. Recognised by The Legal 500 as a leading partner and described as enormously well-respected, he acts for major insurers and public sector clients on claims typically valued between £3 million and £30 million, with particular expertise in brain and spinal injury cases and in regulatory and local authority claims.
Senior associate Vanessa Brooks has also joined DWF in Bristol from Clyde & Co as part of the wider team move and will work within the Major Injury and Casualty defendant personal injury practice.
Associate Ben Duxbury has joined DWF in Bristol from Clyde & Co and will work within the Major Injury and Casualty defendant personal injury practice.
Associate Karen Bentley will join the DWF team in June 2026 as an associate in the Major Injury and Casualty defendant personal injury practice.