Trevor Sterling

I am a Senior Partner with over 30 years experience in major trauma and nationally significant serious injury cases.

I have spent more than three decades representing people who have suffered serious injury or disability, with a particular focus on major trauma and cases involving significant public interest.

I have been involved in a number of serious and highly publicised investigations with substantial national significance. My work includes complex personal injury and cases that have shaped public understanding of major incidents.

I have also featured widely in national media, including BBC Newsnight and Channel 4’s Dispatches, reflecting the public importance of many of the cases I have led.

Over the years I’ve been involved in cases that have shaped public understanding of major incidents. Those experiences have reinforced something I believe deeply: serious injury work is about people, it is about listening, acting early and doing whatever it takes to secure the right outcome for each client and their family.

I measure success by the impact we have on people’s lives. That principle guides every case I take on – from high‑profile national investigations to the individual who simply needs someone in their corner at the hardest moment of their life.

I am known for my sympathetic, realistic and tenacious approach, combining calm reassurance with incisive handling of complex cases. Clients describe me as someone who never lets them down – a dedicated advocate who works tirelessly to secure fair outcomes and support their rehabilitation.

My practice is rooted in early intervention and a focus on the whole person, not just the legal claim. I work closely with medical professionals, case managers and rehabilitation providers to ensure clients receive the right treatment at the right time, and I measure success by the impact we have on people’s lives.

I have been involved in a number of serious and highly publicised investigations with substantial national significance, achieving meaningful outcomes for clients across major trauma and complex injury claims.

Brain injury:

Secured £9 million settlement for a brain injury survivor.

Recovered substantial damages for a British Olympic swimmer who sustained a brain injury and later competed in the Commonwealth Games.

Catastrophic injury:

Represented victims of the Croydon tram crash (2016), many of whom sustained life‑changing spinal and orthopaedic injuries.

Acted for a victim of the Paddington rail crash, who suffered 80% burns and required long‑term rehabilitation.

Employer’s liability:

Led a landmark Employer’s Liability Suicide case heard in the House of Lords, helping to establish important legal principles for families affected by workplace‑related mental health harm.

Historic abuse:

Co‑lead lawyer for 60 Jimmy Savile child abuse victims, contributing to the Pollard Review, Operation Yewtree and the Dame Janet Smith Review.

Product liability:

Represented multiple Thalidomide victims, securing recognition and support for people affected by historic medical harm.

Terror attacks & international incidents:

Represented UK nationals killed in the In Amenas gas plant attack (2013).

Represented victims of the Westminster attack (2017), including those with serious psychological and physical injuries.

The team has supported countless individuals and families, working closely with medical professionals and rehabilitation providers to make sure every client receives the right treatment at the right time. We focus on securing early funding, coordinating treatment pathways and developing long‑term care strategies that prioritise recovery and quality of life.

As I’ve said, “success should be measured by the impact we have on people’s lives.” That philosophy shapes the way we work – collaborative, compassionate and always centred on what each client needs to rebuild their life.

My career has been shaped by one guiding principle – success is not about climbing the ladder alone, it’s about becoming the ladder for others. That is why I founded Be The Ladder Foundation – a social mobility movement dedicated to opening doors, elevating others, and redefining what leadership looks like. Be The Ladder Awards is a platform that recognises changemakers, mentors, and rising leaders who are breaking barriers and creating pathways for others.

I am co‑founder and Chair of the Major Trauma Group and Chair of the Mary Seacole Trust, a charity which promotes social equality. I am a regular lecturer on rehabilitation and pathway support and frequently feature in the media.