What people say about us

With a wide range of clients in the private wealth, education, not for profit and public services sectors, Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP offers a well-rounded pensions offering, focusing primarily on transactional matters. Maria Riccio specialises in assisting clients with defined benefit schemes and contentious matters, while Clare Coley is noted for her expertise in defined contribution and auto-enrolment matters.

The Legal 500 - 2022 edition

Well-established practice with expertise in all aspects of pension scheme arrangements. Experienced in advising on defined benefit schemes. Well known for advising public and private employers and trustees, with a specialism in assisting clients in the education, charity and private wealth sectors. Expertise spans SSAS and SIPP plans.

Notable practitioners
Maria Riccio provides extensive guidance to pension scheme trustees, including on matters such as scheme exits, benefits structuring and PPF compliance.

Chambers UK - 2022 edition

Handles a range of serious injury cases, including claims arising from RTAs and injuries at work, as well as complex catastrophic injury claims.

Technical ability: 'I can't praise their practice more – they're outstanding. None of them have any weaknesses I can think of.'

Notable practitioners

Department head Philippa Luscombe has expertise in a wide range of work, including complex brain and spinal inury cases, as well as fatal claims. Sources describe her as 'simply exceptional – she's a very good lawyer and she has tremendous leadership qualities.'

Chambers UK - 2014 edition

Earns the endorsement of market sources for the high quality of its advice on an array of complex claims. Focuses on multiple, catastrophic and fatal injury cases.

Notable practitioners

Philippa Luscombe leads the firm's personal injury team. She is lauded by sources as 'an excellent practitioner who is very well organised.'

Warren Collins specialises in severe, high-value personal injury claims. He is often sought after for his expertise in cross-border claims, particularly his knowledge of the US jurisdiction. Sources praise his approach: 'He had a very caring attitude and was extremely efficient.' Another interviewee describes him as a 'really great negotiator'.

Chambers UK - 2015 edition

The team specialises in high-value and complex personal injury claims. Offers particular expertise in road traffic accidents, public liability and employers' liability. Also has an international claims team that deals with accidents abroad.

Strengths: 'They have always provided an excellent level of service.'

'Superb at getting the client's brief and working with people at a difficult time of their lives.'

Notable practitioners

Philippa Luscombe has particular expertise in brain injury and fatal accidents. She is described by market sources as 'an outstanding solicitor and unbelievably hard-working.'

Mark Lee receives particular praise for being a 'hard worker who is extremely ambitious.' 'He is very client-friendly and go-getting.' He leads the firm's advice on complex personal injury claims arising through accidents on holiday, at work and while in medical care.

Sources highlight the fact that Warren Collins 'understands precisely where the case needs to be and knows his way around the medical side too.' He is particularly experienced in cases involving spinal cord injuries. One client says: 'If it was not for Warren Collins, I don't know where I would be today.'

Chambers UK - 2016 edition

A leading practice covering all types of personal injury claims. Well known for its expertise in catastrophic injury cases, particularly matters arising from RTAs. Highly regarded for its expertise in claims involving international elements. 

Strengths: 'Their approach is forensic in getting to the bottom of a claim.'

'Personal, friendly and empathetic - service comes naturally to this team of achievers.' 

Notable practitioners
Warren Collins is a catastrophic injury solicitor with substantial experience in handling claims involving spinal injuries. Clients commend his technical excellence as well as his client service and 'matter-of-fact advice.'

Philippa Luscombe utilises her considerable expertise in multimillion-pound catastrophic injury claims. Sources say: 'She is an exceptional talent. She consistently delivers positive results that have enabled her clients and their families to move forward.'

Chambers UK - 2017 edition

Leading practice, well known for its expertise in catastrophic injury cases, particularly matters arising from RTAs. Also houses product liability expertise, and works closely with its clinical negligence team on cosmetic treatment claims. Works on domestic cases as well as claims brought abroad.

Strengths: One source commends the lawyers on their diligent nature: ‘They are smartly prepared, concise and accurate. They are willing to listen and adapt to circumstances.’

Others acknowledge the firm’s reputation: ‘It is a very good name in the market. There are relatively few firms that have the mark of Penningtons Manches.’ 

Notable practitioners
Philippa Luscombe is ‘a tremendous all-rounder who never rests on her laurels’. She is praised for her ‘good eye for detail’. She primarily focuses on brain injury and fatal accident claims arising from RTAs.

The ‘superb’ Warren Collins is described by sources as ‘creative, hard working, detail-oriented and extremely well organised’. He is routinely instructed on high-value cases of catastrophic brain and spinal injury and fatal accident claims arising out of RTAs. 

Tristan Hallam has a diverse practice taking in claims arising out of serious accidents, including cases of amputation as well as catastrophic brain and spinal injury. Sources note his ability to take on highly complex cases.

Chambers UK - 2018 edition

Leading practice, well known for its expertise in catastrophic injury cases, particularly matters arising from RTAs. Handles a range of claims pertaining to fatal accidents, head and spinal injuries and amputations. Experienced in occupiers' liability cases. Also houses product liability expertise and works closely with its clinical negligence team on cosmetic treatment claims. Works on domestic cases as well as claims brought abroad.

Notable practitioners
Philippa Luscombe: 'She is a tour de force. She takes on difficult cases and has a strength of determination to see them through. She gives her cases careful analysis, ensuring her clients receive an excellent service and that they understand the issues in the case.'

Warren Collins is noted for his representation of claimants in complex amputation, brain and spinal cord injury cases. He is also recommended for wrongful death matters. 'Warren is extremely knowledgeable in his field and very reassuring when in a situation of high stress.'

Tristan Hallam is much sought after for catastrophic personal injury cases, with an emphasis on head and spinal injury and amputation cases for clients, including those arising out of RTAs. 'A very sound personal injury lawyer. He's a kind, considerate litigator and thinks things through carefully.'

Chambers UK - 2021 edition

Strengths: ‘The team offers a high level of expertise and client-focused guidance. From the beginning, contact and engagement has been professional, caring and comprehensive.’

‘The team are prompt and clear with their knowledge, and explain things easily and in a way that demonstrates deep understanding of the processes involved.’

‘Those representing me showed a strong awareness of my injury and the effects on my life, which was reflected in the way they conducted my case.’

‘They are all very approachable, professional and knowledgeable.’

‘The team have a diverse skill set and therefore an excellent knowledge across the board.’

Notable practitioners 

‘Warren Collins has great ability. He is able to think about personal injury cases in an innovative way.’

‘Tristan Hallam is clearly extremely experienced and instils a high level of confidence in clients.’

Philippa Luscombe: ‘Philippa is just brilliant all round. She is extremely knowledgeable and exceptionally professional.’

‘Louise Taylor is engaging, caring and knowledgeable. Her ability to understand the minute detail is impressive.’

Chambers UK - 2023 edition

Penningtons Manches LLP has expertise in road traffic accident, employers’ liability and occupier’s liability claims. Philippa Luscombe is ‘excellent’, and Mark Lee, who heads the holiday accident claims practice, is ‘not afraid to push boundaries’.

The Legal 500 - 2013 edition

Philippa Luscombe heads Penningtons Manches LLP’s personal injury team, which has a focus on high-value catastrophic injury claims. Mark Lee heads a dedicated team handling claims arising from accidents abroad.

Highly rated catastrophic injury specialist Warren Collins is now with Penningtons Manches.

The Legal 500 - 2014 edition

The lawyers at Penningtons Manches LLP are ‘highly professional’ while displaying ‘a rare degree of empathy’. Philippa Luscombe is ‘the go to person for advice on complex claims’.

Warren Collins has particular experience in US claims, and is ‘a first-rate technical lawyer whose client care is second to none’.

The Legal 500 - 2015 edition

Penningtons Manches LLP’s practice is led by the well-regarded Philippa Luscombe. Recent work includes high-value catastrophic and fatality cases in England and abroad.

Warren Collins has particular experience in US claims, and has handled cases related to traumatic brain injury, amputations and fatal accidents.

The Legal 500 - 2016 edition

Penningtons Manches LLP’s ‘excellent’ practice is ‘hugely experienced and respected in the field’ and is experienced in handling cases involving traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputation, burns and disfiguring injuries, and complex fatal accident claims.

The ‘formidable team’ in London is headed by the ‘exceptionally good’ Warren Collins, who is ‘an outstandingly able solicitor’ and has ‘a unique level of experience’; he is ‘tactically very astute and commercially-minded’ and specialises in high-value catastrophic injury cases, as well as being experienced in handling cross-border jurisdictional issues.

The team in Guildford ‘has a deep expertise and understanding of high-value and catastrophic personal injury cases’ in the fields of road traffic accidents, fatal claims as well as employers’ and public liability. Other areas of work are product liability and claims for injuries sustained abroad (led by travel law expert Mark Lee). The ‘outstanding, unflappable and pleasant’ Philippa Luscombe leads the practice and ‘has both an eye for detail and sound judgement’, focusing on brain and fatal injuries. She is supported by Charles O’Brien and Lucie Prothero.

The Legal 500 - 2017 edition

‘Exceptional team, undoubtedly specialists in this area. They are well trained, diligent, intelligent, have excellent client handling skills, provide thorough and well thought out briefs. Some of the best of the best.’

‘The team at Penningtons have been absolutely fantastic whilst they have been dealing with my case; they keep me updated on how my case is going.’

‘Sophie Bullimore is extremely bright and efficient, with excellent judgment.’

‘Andrew Clayton was a real workhorse who was very clear exactly what he needed and by when. And, fully prepared, he delivered on the day.’

‘Warren Collins is an incredible lawyer with an amazing ability to secure fantastic results. He works tirelessly and is much admired in the sector for his thoroughness, capability, wisdom and experience, he will never let a client down. His opponents understand his ability and respect him hugely. He has encyclopaedic knowledge of personal injury and is a true top-notch performer.’

‘Tristan Hallam is one of the most experienced injury solicitors around. He has a marvellous sense of calm and reassurance that the clients appreciate, accompanied by his clear and concise advice.’

‘Philippa Luscombe inspired confidence from the first meeting I had with her (which had been preceded by a phone call which I had also found helpful). Very experienced; reassuring; straight down the line, and to the point; not flashy.’

‘Louise Taylor has been my primary contact throughout my claim and I cannot rate her highly enough. Throughout my dealings with her she has been thorough, compassionate, prompt and effective. I have rarely met an individual who displays such skill and professionalism.’

The Legal 500 - 2023 edition

Penningtons Manches LLP's personal injury team 'provides a very good, proactive service and achieves appropriate settlements', with particular expertise in brain injury, fatal accident, product liability, cosmetic treatment and foreign travel cases, as well as group litigation matters. A highlight of 2017 was an occupiers' liability claim, handled by department lead Philippa Luscombe, against a hospital trust concerning a catastrophic brain injury that the cognitively impaired claimant sustained when they attempted to leave hospital and consequently suffered a fall due to unsecured accesses and furniture placed adjacent to safety rails. Senior associates Lucie Prothero and Charles O'Brien make up the rest of the core team [in Guildford], while partner Mark Lee heads the international travel claims department.

Its 'highly intelligent, dedicated and professional' solicitors [in London] have 'up-to-date knowledge' and provide 'an exemplary standard of care to clients'….. Core team members include the 'accomplished and proactive' Warren Collins, who has a niche specialism in representing UK individuals injured in the US and vice versa, and the 'very thorough' Charlene King, who shows 'excellent attention to detail'. The 'client-focused' Tristan Hallam joined in August 2017 - a client commented of him: 'His dogged determination and boundless energy are unparalleled.'

The Legal 500 - 2019 edition

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is 'highly rated and respected' and advises across the spectrum of personal injury matters, with expertise in road traffic accidents, employers’ liability and public liability claims. Practice head and 'skilled lawyer' Philippa Luscombe has expertise in brain injury matters.

Department co-head Warren Collins [in London] has a proven track record handling claims for clients based in the UK and USA who have been catastrophically injured, while Tristan Hallam's key specialisms include head and spinal injury work as well as acting for amputees and police officers.

The Legal 500 - 2020 edition

At Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP, highly regarded team lead Warren Collins 'drives cases forward to excellent outcomes', focusing particularly on traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations and wrongful death cases on behalf of claimants from both the UK and USA. Another key senior figure in the group is Tristan Hallam, who has been instructed by one of the firm's core clients, the Police Federation, for over 23 years. Hallam works closely with recommended associate, Renee Wright.

‘The serious injury team are clearly experienced at dealing with claims of the very highest value. I have found that they adopt an open and collaborative approach to working on these claims.’

‘Very capable and rounded team with excellent results and client care.’

‘Warren Collins is highly knowledgeable in dealing with serious injury claims. He fights for his clients’ interests whilst still recognising the benefits of working collaboratively with opponents to move things along.’

The Legal 500 - 2022 edition

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP's 'fantastic' practice is known for handling complex claims across the serious personal injury and clinical negligence space.

Philippa Luscombe heads the personal injury and clinical negligence teams. She is a class act. She is strategic in her thinking about her cases. She handles complex cases of the utmost severity. She is a thinker who sees the problem and thinks through solutions.

Tristan Hallam leads the [London] team jointly with 'star performer' Warren Collins, the latter of whom is known for representing catastrophically injured claimants from both the UK and US.

Tristan Hallam is one of London’s leading personal injury lawyers and has huge experience handling claims on behalf of police officers in particular.

Mark Lee is building a reputation as a leader in the field. Warren Collins has extensive experience in handling cross-border claims involving personal injury of the greatest severity.

The Legal 500 - 2021 edition

Strengths: An interviewee characterises the team as ‘extremely organised and very thorough’.

‘The firm provides an excellent service,’ one client reveals, adding: ‘They always give very quick responses and thorough explanations.’

Notable practitioners

Warren Collins: ‘Communicates risk and uncertainty in a clear and transparent fashion. He is reassuring and upfront without offering false reassurance.’ ‘Innovative and commercial in his approach to cases, adopting creative solutions to problems.’

Tristan Hallam: ‘Very caring and supportive through the process, and guided us with very good advice we are truly grateful for.’ ‘Extremely professional and outstandingly knowledgeable.’

Charlene King: ‘Charlene is an excellent lawyer who is responsive and thorough.’

Philippa Luscombe has notable strength in the personal injury field, acting for clients on brain injury and amputation cases as well as advising on fatal accident claims.

Chambers UK – 2022 edition