Business Details
Trusted Legal Services in Bristol
At Barcan & Kirby, we are a firm of solicitors with a longstanding reputation for delivering high-quality, common-sense legal advice tailored to the needs of individuals and businesses across Bristol and South Gloucestershire. Our culture is built on five core values: excellence, integrity, community, commercial responsibility, and a people-centred approach that prioritises mutual respect and client relationships. With multiple offices and over 170 team members, including specialists in clinical negligence, family law, commercial disputes, and property, we combine decades of legal expertise with a modern, accessible ethos to ensure our services remain relevant and impactful.Our commitment to client care is evidenced by consistent recommendations in legal directories such as Chambers and Partners and Legal 500, alongside numerous regional awards for excellence and community engagement. We actively contribute to social responsibility initiatives, including the Bristol Women in Business Charter and the Muslim Employment Charter, while maintaining accreditations like Lexcel and Conveyancing Quality Scheme standards. For over three decades, we have balanced traditional values with innovation to provide efficient, transparent legal solutions that meet evolving client needs.
Services
Divorce and Separation
Family Matters
Will Writing
Medical Negligence
Commercial Disputes
Probate and Estate Administration
Employment Law
Personal Injury
Residential Property Disputes
Court of Protection
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years' experience in delivering high-quality legal advice.
- Our lawyers are consistently recommended in Chambers and Partners and Legal 500.
- We hold specialist accreditations in family law, personal injury, and clinical negligence.
- We are actively involved in community initiatives and social responsibility programmes.
- We offer fixed-fee packages without compromising on service quality or expertise.
Associations and certifications
- Chambers and Partners
- Legal 500
- Resolution
- Law Society
- Headway
- Spinal Injuries Association
- AvMA
- Conveyancing Quality Scheme
- Lexcel
What people say
Outstanding service
Super approachable
Rolls-Royce service
Significant compensation
Empathetic lawyers
Services
Medical Negligence
Our medical negligence team helps clients claim compensation for injuries caused by substandard healthcare, including cerebral palsy, misdiagnosis, and surgical errors. We combine deep expertise with compassionate support to achieve significant settlements, such as a recent 19 million award for a child affected by birth trauma. Our solicitors are nationally recognised for excellence in this field.
Family Law
We provide tailored guidance on divorce, separation, and child custody matters, prioritising amicable resolutions while preparing robust litigation when needed. Our specialists hold accreditations from Resolution and the Law Society, ensuring clients benefit from both legal expertise and a commitment to minimising emotional and financial strain during family disputes.
Commercial Disputes
Our commercial disputes team resolves conflicts involving contracts, property, and corporate governance, supporting SMEs and larger organisations. Recent successes include advising on share buybacks across childcare and construction sectors. We focus on cost-effective solutions while maintaining commercial awareness to protect business interests.
Personal Injury
We secure compensation for injuries from accidents, including road incidents and workplace hazards. A recent case involved 30,000 for an e-scooter rider injured by a pothole. Our accredited solicitors use deep technical knowledge and negotiation skills to maximise client outcomes while maintaining transparency throughout the claims process.
Probate and Estate Administration
We assist with contested probate cases, inheritance claims, and estate management, balancing legal precision with sensitivity. Our services include resolving disputes between beneficiaries and ensuring executors meet their obligations. We provide clear guidance to navigate complex legal frameworks efficiently.
People
Helen Franklin
Partner
Helen Franklin is a leading clinical negligence solicitor with national recognition for her work on complex cases, including catastrophic birth injuries. She combines legal expertise with empathy, as evidenced by her multiple awards in Chambers and Legal 500. Helen leads high-value claims with diligence and client-focused communication.
Anna Wilson
Managing Partner
Anna Wilson oversees Barcan & Kirby's strategic direction, driving growth while maintaining the firm's commitment to client care and community involvement. With extensive experience in legal leadership, she ensures the firm balances commercial success with social responsibility, including advancing gender equality initiatives.
James Bell
Partner
James Bell specialises in commercial litigation, advising businesses on contract disputes and corporate governance. His practical approach to complex legal issues helps clients achieve commercially viable solutions. He contributes to the firm's reputation for excellence in dispute resolution across regional and national markets.
Georgina Bryant
Partner
Georgina Bryant leads the firm's family law practice, focusing on divorce, child arrangements, and financial settlements. Recognised for collaborative problem-solving, she holds specialist accreditations and prioritises client well-being while achieving legally robust outcomes for families navigating difficult transitions.
Rob Davenport
Partner
Rob Davenport specialises in personal injury claims, particularly serious accidents and workplace injuries. His advocacy secures significant compensation for clients, supported by a track record of successful high-profile cases. He combines legal skill with compassionate support to address clients' long-term needs.
Questions
What areas of law does Barcan and Kirby specialise in?
We specialise in family law, medical negligence, commercial disputes, personal injury, and property matters, both for individuals and businesses across Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
Are Barcan and Kirby regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority?
Yes, we are a limited liability partnership authorised and regulated by the SRA under number 568743, ensuring compliance with professional standards.
What accreditations does Barcan and Kirby hold?
We hold accreditations from Resolution, Law Society schemes (Lexcel, CQS), Headway, and AvMA, reflecting our commitment to quality and specialist expertise.
How does Barcan and Kirby support client accessibility?
We offer fixed-fee packages, multiple office locations, and flexible appointment options to ensure legal services remain accessible and transparent.
Can Barcan and Kirby assist with nationwide cases?
While based in Bristol, we handle cases nationally, particularly in clinical negligence and major personal injury claims, leveraging our resources and expertise.
Reviews (4)
Michelle Vine
Dec 04, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Great service!! Very professional staff. Great communication, very knowledgeable.
Dealt with the service I required efficiently. Would definitely recommend!!
Great service!! Very professional staff. Great communication, very knowledgeable.
Dealt with the service I required efficiently. Would definitely recommend!!
Shaun Tucker
Nov 23, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Laura Roberts and her team were absolutely fantastic. They were very quick to respond and really helped us understand the various parts of the conveyancing process. Worth every penny - if you want a proper solicitor then go to Barcan & Kirby!
Laura Roberts and her team were absolutely fantastic. They were very quick to respond and really helped us understand the various parts of the conveyancing process. Worth every penny - if you want a proper solicitor then go to Barcan & Kirby!
Gra Rob
Nov 15, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Very happy with the service I received on a house sale and purchase. I would recommend their services.
Very happy with the service I received on a house sale and purchase. I would recommend their services.
Edward Still
Oct 14, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Responsiveness
Sarah and her team kept me informed punctually and professionally throughout my maiden house purchase
They were always happy to answer any query, no matter how slight. Highly recommended and would be happy to use them again.
Sarah and her team kept me informed punctually and professionally throughout my maiden house purchase
They were always happy to answer any query, no matter how slight. Highly recommended and would be happy to use them again.
