The Manchester Arena Civil Litigation Team has been named Personal Injury / Clinical Negligence Team of the Year at the Manchester Legal Awards 2026, recognising the collective work carried out on behalf of bereaved families and survivors of the Manchester Arena attack.

The team brought together lawyers and barristers from Broudie Jackson Canter, part of the Jackson Lees Group, Hudgell Solicitors, Slater and Gordon, Byrom Street Chambers and Temple Garden Chambers. Together, they represented people affected by the events of 22 May 2017 through complex civil claims arising out of one of the most devastating terrorist attacks in recent UK history.

This recognition follows the settlement of civil claims brought by the families of those who lost their lives and hundreds of those injured on 22 May 2017. A global settlement was reached for these claims. Those contributing to the settlement included SMG Europe Holdings, Showsec International Ltd, British Transport Police and Greater Manchester Police. As part of this settlement, each of these organisations has apologised to the bereaved families and to the survivors. They have acknowledged the failures of that night. They have already made changes and pledged to do what they can to prevent those mistakes from happening again.

Why does this award matter to survivors and bereaved families?

For those affected by the Manchester Arena attack, the legal process has never been only about compensation. It has been about recognition, accountability and ensuring that the experiences of bereaved families and survivors were properly heard.

The public inquiry, led by Sir John Saunders, examined what happened before, during and after the attack. Between 2020 and 2023, the inquiry identified missed opportunities and serious shortcomings in the security arrangements involving organisations responsible for safety at the Arena.

What is the role of civil litigation?

Civil litigation is separate from a public inquiry.

In simple terms, it is the legal process through which people can pursue claims after suffering harm where responsibility may rest with another organisation or individual.

In a case of this scale, that required:

• Extensive investigations.
• The gathering and analysis of evidence.
• Input from specialist experts.
• Detailed consideration of each client's individual circumstances.

The Manchester Arena Civil Litigation Team supported clients through that process over several years.

Many clients were living with profound grief, trauma, physical injuries and the lasting emotional consequences of what happened. The award recognises the work involved in helping them navigate a deeply challenging legal journey with care, consistency and determination.

How did the Manchester Arena Civil Litigation Team work together?

One of the most significant features of the case was the way different firms and chambers worked collaboratively.

In many legal claims, firms act separately. Here, the claimant legal teams worked together with a shared purpose: to support those affected and pursue accountability in a coordinated way.

That collaboration brought together experience across personal injury, civil litigation, inquests, public inquiries and claims involving vulnerable clients. 

It also helped ensure that clients were supported not only with the legal process, but with wider practical needs, including access to rehabilitation, financial guidance and ongoing support.

For Broudie Jackson Canter, this recognition reflects the firm’s long-standing commitment to supporting individuals, families and communities in their pursuit of justice. Andrew Leakey, Partner and Head of Civil & Commercial Litigation at the Jackson Lees Group, and Rebecca Zadi-Lowe, Associate Solicitor at the Jackson Lees Group, were both part of the team recognised at the awards.

What does civil litigation involve after a major incident?

After a major incident, civil litigation can help people seek answers and redress where failings may have contributed to the harm they suffered. 

It can involve questions about what organisations knew, what steps they took, what risks should have been identified and whether reasonable action was taken to protect people.

These cases are rarely simple. They can involve several organisations, large numbers of claimants, technical evidence and deeply personal accounts of injury and loss. For survivors and bereaved families, legal proceedings can also feel overwhelming, particularly when they are already coping with trauma. You can learn more about how we support clients through these complex cases on our Catastrophic Injury Claims page.

That is why the role of specialist lawyers is not limited to preparing documents or attending hearings. It also involves listening carefully, explaining each stage clearly and making sure clients understand their options before decisions are made.

Recognition for clients’ courage and the pursuit of accountability

While the Manchester Legal Awards recognition is a proud moment for the legal teams involved, it is first and foremost a reflection of the courage shown by the families and survivors.

Their strength shaped the legal process. Their voices helped secure acknowledgement of failures. Their determination has contributed to wider lessons around public safety, security, preparedness and emergency response.

This award should therefore be understood not as a moment of celebration, but as a moment of recognition. Recognition of the lives changed forever. Recognition of the years of work required to reach settlement. Recognition of the importance of standing with people who have suffered unimaginable harm.

At Broudie Jackson Canter and the Jackson Lees Group, we remain committed to helping individuals and families seek answers, accountability and justice when they have been failed. If you or your family need advice following a serious incident, inquest or public inquiry, our team can help you understand your options with sensitivity and care.