Quarter-century marked by Swindon solicitors

S J Edney Solicitors is getting ready for an important milestone.

On 1 July it will celebrate its 25th anniversary as a specialist personal injury/clinical negligence firm working in Swindon.

The firm was initially based at Alexander House in Fleming Way but more recently at Park House in Church Place.

Back in 1996, when Seamus Edney set up the practice, John Major was still Prime Minister, Euro 1996 had just finished - England lost in the semi-final in a penalty shoot-out with Germany - and Dolly, the first cloned sheep, was orn.

During the 1990s, niche claimant law firms were a rarity but Mr Edney had the foresight to realise that this was the future, specialising in one small area of the law so a lawyer could offer a much better service to their clients.  

He said: "I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved at S J Edney Solicitors over the last 25 years.  

"I believe our success is down to the personal service we provide to our clients, easy accessibility by phone, e-mail or in person, the same lawyer dealing with their case throughout and, of course, our case success rate. 

"Also, a big thank you to our staff, the majority of whom have worked at the firm for many years, and our past employees."

Since 1996, the firm has acted for over 2,100 clients, most of whom live in Swindon and Wiltshire but occasionally are based further afield, and  S J Edney Solicitors continues to be instructed regularly on new matters.  

Many of its cases are featured in the local and national press including the first unlawful killing verdict against a hospital trust following an Inquest by the Wiltshire Coroner.  

The company also acted for a number of female patients who brought a group action against a local GP for sexual assault. 

Mr Edney added: "We are a small firm - out of choice - and are pleased that many of our existing and past clients continue to recommend us to their friends and family if they are involved in an accident or have a bad experience with the NHS.  

"We rely very much on recommendations.

"I still feel passionate about helping people who have suffered avoidable injuries in the workplace, in a road traffic accident or as a patient in either a hospital or a GP surgery.  

"It is important that these people have access to a local firm who can offer specialist advice on their legal remedies. 

"Even after 25 years, my enthusiasm for helping accident victims remains unabated and I look forward to continuing to help them in the future."