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Meet
the team

Our team of personal injury solicitors have 26 years of experience successfully settling bicycle accident claims on a no win, no fee basis.

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Senior Partner (BA Hons)

Ken Specter

Overview: As the Senior Partner at KLS Law, Ken Specter combines extensive legal expertise with strong business acumen. With a career spanning several decades, he has founded and led successful legal and insurance businesses, exemplifying his dual capabilities as both a lawyer and a businessman. The firm’s philosophy, under his leadership, emphasises transparency, practicality, and a client-focused approach.

Education and Background: Ken studied Law at London University and The College of Law in Chester. In 1985, he founded Specters, dedicating the first 15 years of his career to specialising in litigation. He represented private, commercial, and insurance clients in numerous courts and tribunals.

Professional Recognition: A notable achievement in his career is the founding of Lawshield and Connexus insurance solutions in 1996. These businesses cater to high-net-worth insurers nationally and provide comprehensive insurance solutions to private individuals and companies.

Specialisation and Expertise: With extensive litigation knowledge in areas such as property, insurance, insolvency, and professional negligence claims, Ken understands the commercial imperatives facing businesses today. He ensures that litigation strategies are financially astute, aligning with clients’ business needs.

Approach:

  • Client Care: The philosophy at KLS Law is based on transparency, practical solutions, and keeping the client’s interests at the forefront. This approach is designed to provide clients with more than just legal advice.
  • Case Management: Overseeing major financial decisions and key litigation matters, Ken also assists clients with funding options, ensuring that every legal strategy is economically sound and tailored to their specific needs.

Motivation: Driven by a desire to offer clients practical solutions and reliable support, Ken ensures that they receive the guidance they need, not just what they want to hear.

Partner (LLB, LLM)

Soyab Patel

Overview: Soyab is a highly experienced solicitor with a specialised focus on serious injuries and fatal accidents. With over 25 years of post-qualification experience, he has established himself as a trusted expert in advanced litigation and dispute resolution. Soyab is also an accredited mediator and holds higher rights of audience in all higher courts, enabling him to represent families at inquests in fatal accident cases.

Education and Background:

  • Undergraduate Degree: Studied Law at University in Liverpool
  • Legal Practice Course: The College of Law Chester
  • Qualification: Qualified as a solicitor in 1995
  • Advanced Studies: Master of Laws in Advanced Litigation and Dispute Resolution

Specialisation and Expertise:

  • Accredited Mediator
  • Higher Rights of Audience: Holds higher rights of audience in all higher courts, including representation of families at inquests in fatal accident cases
  • Specialist Areas: Serious injuries and fatal accidents with 25 years post-qualification experience
Partner (LLB Hons, LL Dip)

Emma Parkinson

Overview:

Emma is a Senior Solicitor at Specters and KLS Law, specialising in regulatory compliance and complaints, alongside managing Personal Injury Teams. With over 27 years of post-qualification experience, Emma’s career has evolved from Family Law to Personal Injury, with significant involvement in practice management and compliance. Her role is pivotal in ensuring that Specters and KLS Law operate within ethical and legal frameworks while delivering exceptional client service.

Education and Background:

Undergraduate Degree:

    • Law at Leicester University, graduating with a 2:1

Postgraduate Education:

    • Legal Practice Course at The College of Law, Chester

Professional Experience:

    • Completed training contract with a small high street firm in Birkenhead
    • Joined Specter & Grant as a Family Law Solicitor
    • Retrained as a Personal Injury Solicitor due to changes in Legal Aid
    • Became a Partner at The Specter Partnership in 2005 and KLS Law in 2008
    • Appointed Compliance Officer for Legal Practice in 2011

Specialisation and Expertise:

Specialisation:

    • Regulatory compliance and complaints handling

Expertise:

    • Ensuring ethical and compliant practices within Specters and KLS Law
    • Managing Personal Injury Teams and addressing complex legal challenges

Notable Achievements:

Career Progression:

    • Transitioned from Family Law to Personal Injury, adapting to changes in Legal Aid
    • Developed expertise in compliance and practice management, becoming a Partner and later Compliance Officer

Approach to Client Service:

Client Care:

    • Treats clients and feedback with respect, maintaining honesty and transparency
    • Works collaboratively with clients to find suitable solutions and meet their needs

Communication:

    • Engages with clients and their families early in the process to ensure clear and effective communication

Case Details:

Strategies:

    • Implements thorough evaluation and problem-solving techniques to address client issues
    • Utilises a network of experts to support client cases and ensure comprehensive legal representation

Personal Insights:

Rewards:

    • Finds satisfaction in achieving suitable outcomes for clients and solving problems within the firm
    • Enjoys working with staff to enhance their skills and resolve complex legal issues

Future Aspirations:

Goals:

    • Continued focus on regulatory compliance and practice management
    • Ensuring the firm’s long-term success through ethical practices
    • Aims to mentor and support the next generation of legal professionals

Daily Tasks:

Regulatory Compliance:

    • Monitoring and ensuring the firm’s adherence to legal and ethical standards.
    • Providing advice to staff on regulatory matters and conduct.
    • Drafting agreements and policies to maintain compliance with regulations.
    • Liaising with the SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority) and the Legal Ombudsman as required.

Complaints Handling:

    • Managing and resolving client complaints effectively.
    • Identifying issues raised by clients and finding appropriate solutions to ensure client satisfaction.

Practice Management:

    • Involvement in the management of Personal Injury Teams A and B in Warrington.
    • Chairing the Complex Claims Committee, assisting fee-earners with challenging cases.
    • Conducting practice management activities such as introducing implementing policies and procedures, dealing with Practising Certificate Applications and Firm Accreditations.

Client Interaction:

    • Engaging with clients and their families to ensure clear communication and understanding of their needs.

Team Support:

    • Working closely with staff to solve problems and provide support on complex files.
    • Mentoring and training staff to enhance their legal skills and knowledge.

 

Solicitor

Jan Canter

With over 30 years in high-value catastrophic personal injury litigation, Jan is a highly experienced litigation lawyer specialising in serious and catastrophic injury cases. His expertise spans various types of accidents, including road traffic collisions, accidents at work, public liability claims, clinical negligence, and professional negligence.

Education and Background:

  • Degree: Honours in Modern History, Birmingham University
  • Law Conversion: City of London
  • Family Legacy: Comes from a family of legal professionals, including solicitors and barristers

Professional Recognition:

  • Number 1 Lawyer: Recently awarded the status of Number 1 lawyer in personal injury by Chambers, a worldwide renowned legal directory, a very rare distinction.

Memberships:

  • The Association Of Personal Injury Lawyers
  • The Motor Accident Solicitors Association
  • The Spinal Injuries Association
  • The Law Society
  • Long-term former member of the Law Society’s Personal Injury Panel

Cases settled in the Last Few Years:

  • £4 million: Man in his 50s with a T5 spinal cord fracture from a head-on collision with a petrol tanker
  • £1.2 million: Lady in her 40s with spinal injuries following a negligently administered epidural injection
  • £1.1 million: Man in his 60s with brain damage, spinal, and lower limb injuries from a road traffic collision
  • £5.2 million: Lady in her 30s with brain damage due to A&E’s failure to refer her for a brain scan after a minor bicycle accident
  • £2.2 million: Homeless man in his 40s with brain injuries from a pedestrian accident
  • £1.25 million: Professional golfer in his mid-20s who suffered a career-impacting foot injury in a road traffic collision
  • £2.1 million: Financial director in his 50s with a mild brain injury affecting career progression
  • £750,000: Lady in her 40s who suffered breast cancer due to a failure to diagnose Paget’s disease early in the NHS treatment process

Client Reviews:

  • Linda Hoban – “At my lowest points (there were many) Jan would personally check in with me to see how I was doing and offer me hope and encouragement. Jan stood strong and steadfast, with his amazing knowledge of the law and belief in fighting for what is right, I am happy to say Jan fought so hard to see justice was done and we won my case. The time and effort Jan and his team put into helping me is something I can never repay them for, I am eternally grateful for this.”
  • Graham Lucking – “KLS and particularly Mr Jan Canter and his team were courteous, patient and efficient at all times. Very professional.”
  • Sheharyar As’ad – “This was a large claim as a result of a serious, life changing accident. Our first contact was with Jan Canter, solicitor, and we immediately felt we would be safe in his hands.”
  • Grant Paul-Florence – “Jan Canter was incredibly supportive and helpful in explaining the process and navigating challenges with my insurers. I knew then I would be in safe hands.”
  • Jill Maher – “Jan Canter and his very efficient team talked us through the procedure. The complete journey from post-accident to settlement was very smooth, painless and we are very happy with the result KLS Law supplied us with. A job well done by a very professional company.”
  • Toby Tree – “Jan and Faye were great. The attention to detail over the 2 years I worked with them and support from a personal level was great. would highly recommend 5*.”
  • Miss Mustafa – “5*s are not enough to rate KLS Law. I would highly recommend their services, highly professional and efficient in everything they do. When I handed over my case to Jan Canter, it was a weight lifted off my shoulders and everything was put in order and dealt with smoothly. Jan is extremely knowledgeable, fair and such a great solicitor, I could not recommend him enough.”

Special Interests: Jan has a particular interest in brain injury and catastrophic injury cases including spinal cord injury and paralysis cases, supported by a niche network of experts. His has personal experience as an avid road cyclist who has endured both fault and no-fault accidents allowing him to empathise deeply with clients.

Approach: He maintains a hands-on approach, prioritising regular and clear communication through in-person visits and remote meetings. Jan values building strong relationships with clients and understands the importance of trust and detail in legal practice.

Expert Testimony: In complex cases, Jan strategically uses expert testimony. For example, he meticulously selected a professional golf employment expert and thoroughly scrutinised medical evidence in a settlement for a professional competitive tournament golfer. His dedication to detail and expert selection has proven successful in many challenging cases.

Motivation: Jan’s enthusiasm for his work remains strong. He is motivated by a genuine desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by catastrophic injuries, bringing his extensive experience and passion to every case he handles.

Additional Information: In his spare time, Jan also teaches Law to CILEX students at a private law college one night a week.

Consultant Solicitor

Gareth Williams

Overview: With over 30 years in the legal field, Gareth is a highly experienced litigation specialist. His extensive expertise is demonstrated by his involvement in cases fought in both the High Court and the Court of Appeal. Recognised for his dedication and skill in personal injury law, he is a valued member of the Law Society’s Personal Injury Panel.

Professional Recognition: Gareth’s commitment and expertise in personal injury law are acknowledged through his membership in the Law Society’s Personal Injury Panel.

Specialisation and Expertise: Specialising in complex litigation, Gareth focuses on:

  • Insurance contracts
  • NHS Professional Services agreements
  • Contractual disputes between pharmaceutical companies and their customers

Professional Memberships:

  • Member of the Law Society’s Personal Injury Panel
Solicitor

Lisa Skyner

Overview: Lisa is a seasoned legal professional who has been in the personal injury industry since 2009. Starting her career as a paralegal while completing her LPC part-time, she qualified as a solicitor in 2013. She has since risen to a Partner position at a firm in the North-West and has been involved in significant cases, including the Court of Appeal cases of Rabot v Hassam and Briggs v Laditan.

Education and Background:

  • Undergraduate Degree: 2:2 LLB Hons, University of Chester (2008)
  • Law Conversion: LPC, College of Law Chester (part-time while working as a paralegal)

Professional Recognition:

  • Notable Case Involvement: Participated in discussions and management meetings regarding the Rabot v Hassam and Briggs v Laditan cases.

Specialisation and Expertise:

  • Personal Motivation: Inspired by her mother’s challenging experience with a disability claim, Lisa has developed a deep understanding and empathy for clients navigating similar processes.
  • Field of Interest: Has a particular interest in Contested Probate.

Cases Settled in the Last Few Years:

  • High Settlement for Young Motorcyclist: Secured a significant settlement for a young motorcyclist affected both physically and psychologically by an accident, covering treatment costs, future care costs, and future financial support.

Client Reviews:

  • Lizzie Bolton: Lisa Skyner became my first point of contact and after a year and a bit she has worked her socks off to help me with my claim, she’s kept me up to date all the way through and fought my corner where I had no knowledge of what to do. I cannot thank her enough for her dedication to get me what I deserved and can’t thank them enough.”

Special Interests:

  • Contested Probate: Found particularly interesting and has delved into this field.

Approach:

  • Client Care: Offers professional, friendly, and honest advice. Strives to obtain the highest level of compensation for clients, working tirelessly to overcome any hurdles.
  • Case Management: Handles causation disputes and navigates the challenges posed by the limitations of the Official Injury Claim (OIC) portal.

Motivation:

  • Impactful Work: Finds motivation in changing the lives of the people she works with, providing support and obtaining just compensation for those affected by injuries.
Gary
Solicitor

Gary Milligan

Overview: Gary has been practising law for 24 years, with a focus on personal injury (PI) and road traffic accidents (RTA). As the first in his family to attend university, Gary’s passion for law was ignited by his success in A-Level Law. Over his career, he has worked extensively in RTA and workplace accident cases, achieving significant results for his clients.

Education and Background:

  • Undergraduate Degree: First in family to attend university. Achieved an A grade in A-Level Law.
  • Law: Qualified as a solicitor in 2000 after completing the necessary training and education.

Professional Recognition:

  • Early Career Achievement: Received a significant bonus in his first job after qualifying for successfully settling cases.

Specialisation and Expertise:

  • Field of Interest: Particularly passionate about low-speed accidents that require substantial evidence to support clients against insurers.

Professional Memberships:

  • Law Society: Member

Cases Settled in the Last Few Years:

  • High Settlement for MIB Claim: Secured a settlement from the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) that exceeded the client’s expectations, helping them settle long-standing bills.
  • Complex Low-Speed Accident Claims: Successfully handled numerous cases requiring extensive evidence gathering to counter insurer resistance.

Approach:

  • Client Care: Offers professional, friendly, and honest advice. Communicates promptly to put clients at ease, explaining everything clearly. Gary values building strong relationships with clients and understands the importance of trust and detail in legal practice.
  • Case Management: Ensures client statements include the most relevant details. Finds the most positive entries in medical records to support claims.

Motivation:

  • Impactful Work: Finds motivation in making clients and his boss happy. Enjoys working in a supportive team environment and takes pride in achieving successful outcomes for clients.

Personal Commitments:

  • Devotes time to his family, including two sons under 18 and his elderly mother.

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    This data will only be used by Cycle Accident Claims Management for processing your query and for no other purpose.
    My bike was a write off and I injured my shoulder, elbow and hips. They ensured I was able to settle a claim which recognised both damage to my bike and my injuries and ensured I could access physiotherapy to restore full range of movement to my shoulder, would definitely recommend.
    – Gill D.

    What our clients say about
    Cycle Accident Claims Management…

    After a nasty cycle accident we placed our trust to CACM. Jan Canter and his very efficient team talked us through the procedure. The complete journey from post-accident to settlement was very smooth, painless and we are very happy with the result CACM supplied us with. A job well done by a very professional company.

    Jill M. - Gloucester

    I was involved in a cycling accident and CACM have acted efficiently and courteously throughout my case. They are busy but despite this they were very good at returning my calls. I was also very satisfied with the outcome of my claim. I would recommend them highly.

    Thorstein V. - Manchester

    Friendly, explanatory and supportive service from beginning to end. CACM supported me through a bicycle injury involving a car. Fantastic experience throughout an uncertain time. Cannot recommend highly enough. Thank you!

    Gemma R. - Hertford