In this episode of Beyond the Gavel, host Rodney Peyton is joined by Isobel Foenander, senior solicitor at Tees Law and a leading specialist in clinical negligence litigation. With a background in history and a career shaped by rigorous experience and a deep commitment to client care, Isobel shares how she found her path into one of the most complex areas of legal practice. Known for her work on high-value cases involving catastrophic birth injuries, delayed diagnoses, and surgical errors, Isobel discusses the importance of early case screening, working with trusted medical experts, and the power of collaboration—not only with clients but also across legal teams and with opposing counsel. From managing client expectations in emotionally charged cases to navigating the evolving legal landscape post-COVID, her insights offer a rare, practical look at what it takes to build trust, balance strategy with compassion, and raise standards in clinical negligence work. Whether you’re just entering the legal field or looking to deepen your practice, this conversation is full of wisdom, realism, and the kind of professional curiosity that keeps the law moving forward.

In this episode of Beyond the Gavel, host Rodney Peyton sits down with Norma Findlay, specialist occupational therapist, manual handling consultant, and founder of VARSS. Norma brings over two decades of hands-on experience to the table, offering deep insights into the role of care experts in serious injury and medical negligence litigation. From projecting long-term care needs and assessing functional outcomes to coordinating expert input across vocational rehab, assistive technology, and holiday care planning, Norma explains how her work shapes the success of high-value legal cases. She discusses how to properly assess both the human and practical impacts of injury, the importance of scenario-based recommendations, and why knowing your expert—and their limitations—is essential for achieving justice. If you’re a lawyer handling complex cases, or simply curious about the critical behind-the-scenes roles in litigation, this episode is full of clarity, expertise, and real-world advice.

In this compelling episode of Beyond the Gavel, host Rodney Peyton welcomes renowned solicitor and mediator Paul Balen, a consultant with decades of experience in complex medical negligence and product liability litigation. Known nationally for his innovative approach to multi-party actions and compensatory settlement schemes—like the 3M hip prosthesis and Travenol breast implant cases—Paul discusses the evolution of clinical negligence law and the increasing role of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in modern legal practice. As Director of Trust Mediation and General Editor of Clinical Negligence (LexisNexis), Paul offers valuable insight into how mediation can offer healing, closure, and efficiency beyond traditional litigation, particularly in emotionally charged, high-stakes cases. With fascinating stories from landmark actions, the challenges of product regulation, and the power of empathy in law, this episode is a masterclass in thinking beyond the rulebook. Whether you’re a legal practitioner, healthcare professional, or just curious about how justice can be pursued in more human-centered ways—this conversation is not to be missed.

In this compelling episode of Beyond the Gavel, host Rodney Peyton sits down with Patrick Mullarkey , Partner and Head of the Healthcare Department at O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors in Belfast. With over 20 years of experience in clinical negligence litigation—including birth trauma, cerebral palsy, and catastrophic injury cases—Patrick shares powerful insights on navigating the evolving landscape of healthcare law in Northern Ireland. From the impact of landmark decisions like Montgomery to the major shift in secondary victim claims following Paul v. Wolverhampton, this episode dives deep into how law and policy are changing the way we pursue justice in medical cases. Patrick also discusses the importance of mentoring young solicitors, choosing the right cases, and fostering a strong legal culture built on curiosity, commitment, and integrity. If you’re interested in the future of healthcare litigation and what it takes to thrive in high-stakes legal practice, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode of Beyond the Gavel, host Rodney Peyton sits down with Luke Hanahoe, Managing Partner at Hanahoe Solicitors and one of Ireland’s leading voices in personal injury and medical negligence law. Luke shares his journey from growing up in a family of legal professionals to becoming a passionate advocate for client-centered practice. He talks about what drew him to law, the differences between being a barrister and a solicitor, and how empathy, honesty, and strategic thinking guide his work. From using expert medical opinions and early case screening to embracing mediation for better outcomes, Luke offers practical insights into handling complex, high-stakes cases with care. If you’re interested in how top legal minds balance justice, compassion, and precision, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode of Beyond the Gavel, host Rodney Peyton sits down with John Browne, partner at Hussey Fraser Solicitors in Dublin and a top expert in catastrophic injury and medical negligence law. John shares how his early love for soccer and a personal injury led him to a career in law. He opens up about the challenges of high-stakes litigation, how to build trust with clients, and why empathy and integrity matter just as much as legal knowledge. From managing client expectations to mentoring the next generation of lawyers, this episode gives real insight into what it takes to succeed in complex medical cases. If you’re into law, justice, or real-life courtroom experience, you don’t want to miss this one.

In this episode of Beyond the Gavel, host Rodney Peyton talks with David O’Malley, one of Ireland’s top lawyers in medical negligence cases and a managing director at Callan Tansley. David shares how he built his career, what it takes to handle tough legal cases, and why having a strong foundation is so important. They also talk about working with experts, helping clients through emotional times, and how staying calm can lead to success. If you’re interested in law, medicine, or just want to hear smart advice from someone at the top of their field, this episode is a must-listen.