Browne Jacobson appoints Bethan Parry as Partner in health and litigation team

Browne Jacobson’s health and litigation offering has been bolstered by the appointment of Bethan Parry as Partner.

She returns to the UK and Ireland law firm from Clyde & Co, where she was Legal Director. 

Bethan, who is based in the firm’s Manchester office, specialises in clinical negligence litigation and healthcare law. With more than 15 years’ experience, she provides legal advice to medical defence organisations and insurers, primary healthcare professionals, hospital clinicians and privately indemnified medical professionals.

Bethan said: “Having spent a crucial part of my career at Browne Jacobson, it’s exciting to be returning to the firm as a Partner to help continue its impressive growth journey, while helping to shape the legal landscape for healthcare through my litigation caseload. It’s a pleasure having the opportunity to work with such a strong and impressive healthcare team in Manchester.

“I’m looking forward to being reacquainted with some of my previous clients and developing new relationships over the coming months as we support our clients to find positive outcomes in challenging cases.”

Bethan, recognised as a “key lawyer” in the Legal 500 directory, is highly regarded for her strategic approach to defending complex claims, including those involving fatal accidents and healthcare inquest proceedings.

Another addition is Kathryn Fearn as Principal Associate. She joins following the recent retirement of Simon Tait, Partner, and is based in Browne Jacobson’s Nottingham office as part of the national advisory and inquests team, which supports clients across the public and independent healthcare sector with inquests and Court of Protection work.

Prior to joining Browne Jacobson, Kathryn was Director of Legal Services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust since 2023 and previously worked at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Trust, latterly as Associate Director of Legal Services.

With experience at senior leadership level at two of the biggest NHS trusts in England, Kathryn brings deep knowledge and understanding of the health sector.

Lorna Hardman, Partner and head of Browne Jacobson’s national health and litigation team, said: “Bethan and Kathryn are fantastic additions to Browne Jacobson, bringing deep experience of clinical litigation and healthcare law from their respective backgrounds of legal practice and in-house roles.

“We’re very excited about welcoming back Bethan, who is highly regarded in the North West healthcare sector and further strengthens our presence in the region, as well as nationally.

“We know from her previous time at the firm that her proactive and empathetic approach ensures clients feel supported throughout the claims process. Bethan takes pride in building strong relationships and delivering tailored advice that drives positive outcomes, aided by her practical problem-solving abilities and a meticulous attention to detail.

“Kathryn is another great addition to the team, having worked at senior leadership level in the healthcare sector for a number of years. She brings a wealth of experience and insight drawn from lived experience of working within the NHS.”

Browne Jacobson has a market-leading, national defendant clinical negligence practice, acting for clients such as NHS Resolution and the Medical Protection Society.

It represented two NHS defendants in the landmark January 2024 Supreme Court case of Paul v Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust and Purchase v Ahmed, which decided that doctors do not owe a duty of care to members of a patient’s family who might be psychologically affected by witnessing the effects of a disease that the doctor ought to have diagnosed and treated.

The team also advised the Cabinet Office in relation to the establishment of the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme.

The firm is also a national leader in mental capacity and mental health law, with vast experience of representing public and private sector organisations in the Court of Protection and advising on issues involving the Mental Health Act 1983, inherent jurisdiction and care proceedings. It specialises in “serious medical treatment” cases, helping clients to navigate complex medical and legal issues.

The team also has a national reputation for representing NHS and independent health and care organisations at inquests across the country.