A manager with two decades’ experience in the personal injury sector will manage a 50-strong team across the North West following a recent promotion.

Catherine Horner joined social justice law firm Thompsons Solicitors in 2002 and has worked her way up through the firm to become a senior manager of the Manchester and Liverpool offices.

Ms Horner began her law career at Russell Jones & Walker after graduating from Nottingham Trent University and from there developed a keen interest in trade union work.

Since joining Thompsons, Ms Horner has specialised in a wide range of the firm’s areas of expertise including workplace accidents and diseases, asbestos, occupational stress and psychiatric illness claims.

In 2013, Ms Horner became the national head of stress claims and in July 2016 was promoted to regional PI manager, overseeing three teams of lawyers.

Catherine Horner, regional managing partner
Catherine Horner, regional managing partner

She said: “Thompsons’ ethos of standing up for the injured and mistreated is what made me join the firm two decades ago – and this ethos has not changed one bit.

“What makes Thompsons great is not just the fantastic work it does for clients, but the opportunities it grants staff for professional development. I enjoy building close relationships with colleagues, clients and trade unions and look forward to developing these further in my role as regional managing partner.”

Thompsons has won countless landmark cases and secured key legal reforms since the firm was founded in 1921 by leading civil rights lawyer, Harry Thompson.

Clare Mellor, chief executive of Thompsons Solicitors, said: “It is very clear that Catherine’s values match those of Thompsons and her experience and expertise made her a perfect fit for the role as regional managing partner.

“Last year, Thompsons celebrated its 100-year anniversary and throughout that time we have only ever acted for claimants and employees, never insurance companies or employers - achieving significant legal victories for working people”.

“It’s an exciting time for Thompsons as we look ahead to the next 100 years, and we have no doubt that Catherine will excel in her new role.”