The Legacy of Thompsons Solicitors
Thompsons Solicitors originated from a radical campaigning law firm established in England in 1921 by William Henry (Harry) Thompson. Harry Thompson was a leading lawyer of his generation and a champion of the trade union movement. Throughout his long and influential career, he pushed the boundaries of civil liberties and crusaded for better compensation for workers.
Harry’s firm, W H Thompson, Solicitor, was passed on to his sons, Robin and Brian Thompson, who continued his legacy by fighting injustice. They expanded the firm's reach and influence, pushing the limits of personal injury and workers’ compensation laws, and developing the firm into the nationwide company it is today.
Establishing Thompsons in Scotland
Thompsons Scotland was established in 1979 in Glenfinlas Street, Edinburgh, with two partners and three support staff. Following a fire, the office was relocated to Castle Street, where it remains to this day.
How we've grown over the years
Today, Thompsons Scotland has offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, the Scottish Borders, and Dumfries. The firm has grown to become one of the largest specialist personal injury practices in Scotland. With over 200 staff, including 23 partners and six solicitor advocates, the Scottish practice is an award-winning firm in its own right.
Thompsons Scotland specialises in personal injury compensation claims, helping clients who have suffered injuries in road traffic accidents, workplace accidents, and industrial diseases. We also have a specialist employment law department and proudly support Trade Unions in their aims to make workplaces safe and fair for all.
Some things never change
Despite our growth, Thompsons Scotland still follows the principles established by Harry Thompson over a century ago. We only work for injured people and never for defenders or employers in personal injury claims. By focusing solely on individuals, our lawyers have developed a deep understanding of the profound impact personal injuries can have on victims and their families. Helping relieve their struggle drives us as a firm, and we're intent on improving the law to make it fairer for these hard-working people.
Supporting Trade Unions and Private Clients
We have a rich history of helping trade unions pursue personal injury compensation claims for their members and advancing their employment rights in matters such as unfair dismissal, discrimination, equal pay, and transfer of undertakings (TUPE). However, Thompsons is not exclusive to trade unions and has an established and expanding private client network.
Campaigning for Justice
Thompsons Scotland is heavily involved in campaigns on behalf of victims of injustice, including victims of mesothelioma (the cancer caused by asbestos) and those who contracted Hepatitis C from contaminated NHS blood transfusions. We played a crucial role in bringing forward an inquiry into the tainted blood scandal and represented many families involved.
Our effectiveness in these campaigns is highlighted by the tributes made to our late joint Managing Partner Frank Maguire, who passed away in September 2011. Frank Maguire dedicated his life to giving a voice to those overlooked by the justice system and was praised as a "true champion for the underdog" by former Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray.
Make a Claim with Thompsons
When you bring your case to one of our solicitors, you can be sure that they will always be on your side. Thompsons was founded on the belief that victims of negligence deserve fair compensation, and all our work today is based on this core principle.
Our solicitors approach every case with care, diligence, and dedication, providing expert guidance and advice to help you achieve the best possible outcome. We have helped thousands of clients make a wide range of claims, from road accidents causing life-changing injuries to serious illnesses due to unsafe work conditions. One thing is for certain: Thompsons will always put your best interests first. Call us to discuss your case with a specialist lawyer.
The Legacy of Frank Maguire
Frank Maguire (4th October 1955 - 17th September 2011) was an award-winning Scottish lawyer and a tenacious campaigner for the victims of injustice. He joined Thompsons Solicitors, then known as Robin Thompson & Partners, as a trainee straight out of Aberdeen University and remained with the firm throughout his career.
Frank was appointed a Solicitor Advocate in 1994 and became joint managing partner of the firm in 2006, leading it to achieve five consecutive legal awards between 2008 and 2011. Maguire himself was named Solicitor of the Year at The Firm Magazine’s Scottish Law Awards in 2010. Throughout his career, Frank fought hard to improve the rights of the sick, injured, and vulnerable. He represented miners during the miners’ strikes, victims of the Piper Alpha Disaster, victims of asbestos exposure, and haemophiliacs infected with Hepatitis C and HIV.
He was involved in many campaigns to bring about legal reform and appeared in numerous landmark cases. Since his death, many tributes have been paid to Frank by clients, colleagues, legal practitioners, politicians, and trade union leaders, all affirming his passion and determination in the cause of justice and fair treatment.
Frank Maguire was praised for his professional talent and incredible efforts in campaigning to change the law on behalf of victims of injustice in Scotland. His contributions helped secure the Damages (Scotland) Act 2011, making significant improvements to the compensation process for victims' families.
Continuing Frank Maguire's Legacy
Frank Maguire’s legacy continues to influence Thompsons Solicitors. His work has led to significant changes in Scottish law, including:
- Damages (Scotland) Act 1993: Modernised and clarified the criteria for awarding compensation to relatives of those who die from accidents, injuries, or diseases.
- Social Security (Recovery of Benefits) Act 1997: Ensured a fairer system for repaying state benefits when victims receive compensation.
- Rights of Relatives to Damages (Mesothelioma) (Scotland) Act 2007: Allowed victims of asbestos exposure to seek compensation while alive, without affecting their family's entitlement after their death.
- Penrose Public Inquiry: Led to an inquiry into the transmission of Hepatitis C and HIV through infected NHS blood products.
- Damages (Scotland) (Asbestos-related conditions) Act 2009: Reinstated the right to compensation for victims of asbestos-related pleural plaques.
- Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2010: Improved the safety and fairness of law firm ownership and outside capital involvement.
- Damages (Scotland) Act 2011: Overhauled compensation rules for wrongful death, ensuring fair compensation for modern families.
- Court Dues Campaign: Advocated for access to justice for all, opposing plans to withdraw public funding for the civil court system.
Call Our Personal injury Solicitors Today
If you've suffered a personal injury or illness due to the actions or inactions of another, you could be entitled to compensation. Our experienced compensation lawyers are well-equipped to help you, no matter the nature of your claim. We offer a No Win No Fee package to many of our clients, ensuring that you won't have to pay any unnecessary fees if your claim is unsuccessful.
To take the first steps towards claiming compensation, call us today for an initial discussion with a specialist lawyer.
