About us
The dedicated representative body for the claimant industry. Bringing together the organisations that support consumers in the civil justice system.
Access to justice when it matters most.
The CLA is a not-for-profit organisation which brings together consumer law firms, medical reporting organisations, legal expenses insurers and associated businesses who support the interests of claimants in the civil justice system.
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Our members
Our members represent people seeking redress following personal injury, clinical negligence, financial mis-selling and other losses, including through group actions.
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Our leadership
Led by senior industry figures, we ensure claimant organisations and the tens of thousands of claimants they represent each year have a powerful, consistent and constructive voice.
We are proud of the work that CLA member firms do. Every day, they achieve positive outcomes for those who would otherwise have no recourse and would be left out of pocket. The thousands of people employed in our industry work hard to ensure access to justice for all, and not least the most vulnerable in our society.
As respected, established businesses with the interests of claimants at their core, our members deliver the best possible consumer outcomes.
We set the standards for claimant legal services, a benchmark for high-quality, ethical, effective representation for those who need us, standing up for the very best levels of advice and service in every matter.
Our vision for the industry
Trusted by consumers
An industry that is trusted and accessible, giving consumers the confidence to bring claims when they have suffered a loss.
Respected by policymakers
An industry that is understood and respected by policymakers, officials, regulators and the judiciary.
Attractive to investors
An industry that is compelling to investors, supporting the future of claimant businesses, their outcomes and the careers of those who work within them.
A fulfilling career path
An industry that attracts future recruits who see claimant work as a meaningful and rewarding career, better reflecting the population it serves.
Our commitment
Articulate
Articulate a clear, strategic vision of our industry’s future and how to protect it.
Support
Support expert-led campaigning and research, led by an experienced team with deep sector insight.
Benchmark
Provide a benchmark for standards and behaviour and challenge dated perceptions.
Focus
Focus engagement on the stakeholders who matter the most and the many consumers who depend on us all to do the right thing.
Meet the board
David has more than 40 years' experience in professional and consulting service businesses and until 2022 was CEO of Slater and Gordon, where he continues as a Non-Executive Director.
Prior to this, David was Vice Chairman of the NASDAQ-quoted Information Services Group. Previously he spent 20 years at Andersen, most latterly as Managing Partner of the UK Audit and Business Advisory business and subsequently Managing Partner of the business across Europe and the Middle East.
David has been a Non-Executive Director of a number of different organisations including The Warwick Business School and the law firm Bevan Brittan.
James founded Express Solicitors in September 2000 and is now CEO.
Now one of the UK’s leading independent specialist personal injury law firms, Express’s reputation is built on its focus on customer service and care.
James’s inclusion in The Lawyer Hot 100 recognised him for the firm’s substantial growth over 25 years, its award-winning graduate training scheme and the multiple acquisitions he has led.
Juliet has worked extensively in regulation and public policy and is a trusted voice in shaping the future of legal services.
She previously served as Deputy Chief Executive and General Counsel at the Solicitors Regulation Authority, designing the standards, rules and guidance governing the authorisation and regulation of solicitors, law firms and legal businesses in England and Wales.
An experienced non-executive, Juliet is currently Deputy Chair of the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care.
Peter has been CEO of Fletchers Group since October 2021.
His background includes roles as a senior partner at a leading professional services firm, an executive board director within a FTSE 250 company and a member of the leadership team at a major UK NGO.
Since joining Fletchers, Peter has led a period of significant growth and the firm continues to advance its mission of supporting individuals who have suffered serious, life-changing injuries in rebuilding their lives.
Matthew worked for a decade at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) before becoming speechwriter to the chief executive of RSA Insurance and then to the director-general of the BBC.
He was government relations lead for Slater and Gordon before founding the Association of Consumer Support Organisations (ACSO).
A former local councillor, Matthew is a trustee of three charities, The Westfield War Memorial Village, the Abbotsford Trust and Lancaster Royal Grammar School.
Shirley is the CEO of Minster Law, a role she has held since 2018 after joining the business in 2014.
She has led the firm through a major transformation, establishing it as one of the UK’s largest and fastest‑growing RTA personal injury law firms, with capability across the full spectrum of injury complexity.
Shirley is a committed advocate for the personal injury sector and is passionate about widening access to both legal and non‑legal talent, ensuring the sector continues to thrive and deliver exceptional outcomes for claimants.
Become a member
Join the organisations shaping the future of the claimant sector. CLA membership demonstrates a commitment to high standards, consumer outcomes and a strong collective voice.
- Help shape the future of the claimant industry
- Be part of a respected, representative network
- Contribute to raising standards and improving outcomes