Iona Meeres-Young appointed Head of Personal Injury and Medical Negligence

Iona Meeres-Young is the newly appointed head of Fieldfisher's successful Medical Negligence and Personal Injury practice in London as Paul McNeil steps down. Iona will run a team of more than 50 solicitors, including 20 partners.

Paul McNeil has run the team for 15 years and is listed a Star Individual by Chambers, a ranking given to lawyers with exceptional recommendations.  Paul will continue to run his medical negligence caseload until May 2024. Paul has a reputation as a fierce litigator who never gives up on behalf of his clients.

Iona joined Fieldfisher as partner in 2015. She represents claimants in high-value and complex medical negligence claims involving those who have sustained catastrophic and life changing injuries. She is an expert in birth injury and wrongful birth claims and a powerful litigator.

During the past year, Iona has achieved £85m in damages for clients with spinal and brain injuries, particularly severe birth injuries resulting in cerebral palsy. Settlement for children with cerebral palsy in particular hugely and positively impacts the future of the individual child and their whole family, helping them to live their best possible life.

Fieldfisher also recently announced Iona's promotion to the management board of the global firm, one of few women to achieve the position. She will bring a fresh perspective and actively encourage Fieldfisher's ongoing commitment to diversity.

Iona is an AvMA panel member, an accredited expert in acting for the victims of medical accidents.

'Paul has handed me an incredibly successful department, testament to his reputation, hard work and leadership skills. I'm delighted to be taking over the helm, and fully aware of the shoes I have to fill.'