Beth Caunce

PROFILE

Beth practices in all areas of personal injury and accepts instructions on behalf of both Claimants and Defendants.

Beth recently completed pupillage under the supervision of Matthew Snarr, with whom she obtained experience in serious personal injury, road traffic accident and employers’ liability claims with a particular focus on brain injury, spinal cord injury, complex chronic pain and fundamental dishonesty.

Beth worked for many years as a legal assistant at blue chip, personal injury solicitor firms on both the Claimant and Defendant side. This experience enables her to understand what matters to the instructing solicitor and to act accordingly. In these roles Beth specialised in handling serious injury claims, building experience from both sides of the litigation fence. Beth has experience communicating with clients, preparing cases for hearings or trials and reviewing papers including complex liability and medical documentation.

Whilst at university Beth worked pro bono with the Support Through Court scheme, assisting litigants-in-person on a variety of civil matters, and with the Coroner’s Court Support Service. As a student Beth also enjoyed success in advocacy competitions. Outside work, Beth is a keen cricketer and plays for Croston and Ashton-on-Mersey cricket clubs.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

During pupillage Beth saw a variety of high value claims and has attended court hearings ranging from costs and case management hearings to multi track trials to the Court of Appeal. She attended conferences with clients and expert witnesses as well as joint settlement meetings. She also observed fast-track trials with various members of Chambers involving a large range of liability disputes, quantum issues and fundamental dishonesty. Beth also spent time shadowing criminal practitioners with particular attention on witness handling skills.

Since completing pupillage Beth has developed a busy court practice including small claim and fast track trials, application and directions hearings, and Stage 3 and quantum disposal hearings. These include RTA liability disputes, credit hire claims and insurance fraud. Beth also has a busy paperwork practice and accepts instructions to draft liability and quantum advices and pleadings. Beth also has experience of inquests.

Beth is keen to develop her personal injury practice and has particular interests in costs, inquests and liability disputes.

In addition to her civil practice, Beth also prosecutes and defends in the Crown and Magistrates' Courts, appearing in criminal trials and sentencing hearings.