Donna Hughes is a highly experienced Chartered Legal Executive based in Thompsons Solicitors’ Leeds office, with over a decade of expertise in Claimant personal injury litigation. She is a valued member of the Serious Injury team, where she plays a pivotal role in supporting senior colleagues on complex, high-value cases involving catastrophic injuries. Many of the claims she assists with result in settlements exceeding £1 million.

Donna maintains a focused caseload while contributing significantly to the progression of serious injury claims, working collaboratively with clients and their families throughout the legal process. Her practice is defined by a strong commitment to client care, with particular emphasis on early access to rehabilitation and holistic support during recovery.

Her work spans a broad range of serious injury matters, including employers’ liability (such as workplace accidents and assaults), public liability (including slips, trips and falls), road traffic collisions, and secondary victim claims. Donna’s meticulous approach and empathetic client engagement ensure that those affected by life-altering injuries receive comprehensive legal representation and practical guidance.

In addition to her legal practice, Donna serves as Treasurer for Headway Leeds, a charity supporting individuals and families affected by brain injury. Through this voluntary role, she contributes to building a supportive community and promoting awareness of the long-term impact of serious trauma.

Outside of work, Donna enjoys travelling, spending time with loved ones, and is an active participant in dog showing. She is a committee member of the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Great Britain and regularly competes at national events, including Crufts.

Testimonials

Donna has been a God send. She has saved my case, restored my faith and is an excellent ambassador for your company. I cannot say enough good things about her and I know Thompsons is all the better for having her work there.

Donna's former client

Donna's commitment, reliability and professionalism are greatly valued by her fellow committee members, and her supportive, caring and friendly nature are appreciated by the brain injured survivors, their carers and family that Headway supports.

Diane Derbyshire, Headway – the brain injury association

Donna was extremely polite and professional, she was proactive and genuinely seemed as if she cared. My case started to move forward at an astonishing rate and we are now finally settled. One of the main points was receiving a call back from Donna at the date and time she said she would call. I received a call from her when I was sat on the runway ready to take off for holiday. Donna informed me what she was going to do and what would happen next. I returned from holiday a week later and was greeted with a letter from Donna detailing exactly what she said would happen, with my case having moved forward as promised.

Donna's former client

At an early stage Donna identified that the severity of my injuries and circumstances following the accident were being misunderstood. Donna advised me to seek more appropriate orthopaedic medical evidence and as mine was a very traumatic accident, to consult with a psychiatric expert and to obtain a psychiatric report.  The final settlement figure that Donna was able to negotiate with the insurers exceeded, by far, my initial expectations and I am extremely grateful for that.  I feel a great sense of relief that I can now draw a line under my case.  I would definitely recommend Thompson’s solicitors and Donna personally to anybody that found themselves in similar circumstances.

Mr A