Clare Mellor, a member of the firm’s Executive Board for five years as operations director, will lead Thompsons on the retirement of Stephen Cavalier. Clare Mellor joined Thompsons in 2001 as a personal injury solicitor, which is the mainstay of the firm’s caseload.  

Stephen Cavalier retires following 33 years with the firm, 17 of which were on Thompsons’ Executive Board and 14 as chief executive. He said: “Thompsons is a fantastic firm with a proud history and a great future. I have been increasingly conscious that, as the union leaders I have worked with retire, and as we emerge from the Covid-19 lockdown, I need to step aside for a new generation of leaders who are ready and primed to take over to meet the challenges of these unique times.

“I am proud that the firm will enter its second century under the leadership of a woman. Clare has shown real leadership in the firm and will be a fantastic chief executive with fresh ideas for a dynamic future, in which, I am confident, the firm will flourish. I wish Clare, and the team she will gather around her, every success."

Clare Mellor said: “It is an honour and a real privilege to be asked to take on the role of chief executive at such an historic moment for the firm, after Stephen’s considerable contribution. 

“While my appointment represents real change, in terms of both generation and gender, there will be no alteration to our commitment to the trade union and Labour Movement or providing a first-class service to claimants that has always been Thompsons’ hallmark.  

“As with all firms acting for injured people, we face testing times ahead particularly in the aftermath of Covid. But we are well-placed, given our focus, size, history of ground-breaking work and the talent within the firm, to meet these challenges head on and thrive, while further strengthening the central social justice ethos and commitment to the unions that is so intrinsic to the firm.”

While my appointment represents real change, in terms of both generation and gender, there will be no alteration to our commitment to the trade union and Labour Movement or providing a first-class service to claimants that has always been Thompsons’ hallmark.

Clare Mellor Chief Executive

Since its inception nearly 100 years ago in 1921, Thompsons Solicitors – which has 17 offices across the UK and 780 members of staff - has helped injured people hold those responsible to account and secured millions of pounds in compensation claims. As a point of principle, Thompsons Solicitors only represents individuals who have been injured or mistreated and never acts for employers, defendants or insurance companies.