Peter Cunliffe Consultant Solicitor

Peter qualified as a solicitor in 1999 and became a partner in 2007. Over the years, he has gained experience across a broad range of legal areas and now focuses on advising and assisting in clinical negligence and defence crime.

Clinical Negligence

Peter can assist with:

• All types of claims involving GPs, hospitals, and care homes.
• All types of injuries, both to children and adults, including those which have resulted in an untimely death.
• Cases such as misdiagnosis, delays in referral, substandard surgery and follow-up, and failures to interpret and act upon radiology findings.

Peter can also act for families of the deceased in inquests, both as solicitor and advocate.

Defence Crime/ Criminal Defence

Peter has been a duty solicitor for over 20 years, and was also a solicitor advocate working in the crown court on serious cases for over 5 years. He has conducted many trials against senior barristers.

He can attend both police stations to advise on interviews and the magistrates' courts, covering cases of various types and seriousness.

He has a particular expertise in dealing with all road traffic offences, including special reasons submissions, totting up and defences to police procedures.

Approach to clients and work

Peter is known for thoroughly preparing cases, following the principle “fail to prepare, prepare to fail.” In his clinical negligence work, he personally reviews all medical records and, as the sole practitioner his clients deal with, has an in-depth knowledge of every detail of their case. This enables him to provide clear strategic advice and draw on his excellent drafting skills when instructing experts and engaging with opponents.

Recognising that no two cases or clients are the same, Peter’s personable nature helps put clients at ease, appreciating the significant step they take by placing their trust in him for the duration of their case.

The same approach applies to his defence crime practice, where clients rely on him to look after their interests at the police station or in court. Peter has built an excellent reputation as a diligent and robust litigator who is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes. He combines empathy with the ability to relate to people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life, providing invaluable guidance at critical points in a client's life to assist them now and in the future.