Madelene Holdsworth
Principal Lawyer
Madelene serves as the Managing Director of Specialist Legal Services at Slater and Gordon. With over 15 years of expertise in various practice areas, from industrial disease to military litigation, she is dedicated to handling complex injury cases with skill and compassion.
Get to know Madelene
I joined Slater and Gordon in 2005 (formerly Pannone LLP), qualifying in 2007 and became a principal lawyer in 2016, before becoming the Managing Director of Specialist Personal Injury Services in 2021 and Managing Director of Specialist Legal Services in 2022.
I have over 15 years of file handling experience in the niche area of industrial disease and military litigation. I am passionate about the law and about ensuring our specialist injury cases are dealt with skilfully and compassionately without exception.
My hero solicitor Madelene Holdsworth is extraordinary as she showed incredible patience, tenacity, dedication, commitment and professionalism to help me win my case. I would highly recommend solicitor Madelene Holdsworth for personal injury claims and employment related legal services. She's worth her weight in gold. Client testimonial for Madelene Holdsworth
Madelene Holdsworth was exceptional and a credit to the firm. I would have no hesitation in recommending her to prospective clients. Client testimonial (for Madelene Holdsworth)
Madelene reassured, helped and kept me up to date with all aspects of the case. Madelene was courteous and handled my extremely difficult case with such professionalism that I can’t recommended Slater and Gordon, and Madelene enough. Client testimonial (for Madelene Holdsworth)
Career Highlights
My specific areas of expertise are claims for asbestos victims, occupational asthma, work related stress, dermatitis, chemical poisoning and noise induced hearing loss cases, particularly on behalf of Armed Forces personnel. I also have experience in complex accident at work cases and catastrophic military cases.
Additionally, I have a highly specialised and unique expertise in carbon monoxide poisoning claims and I am one of the UK’s foremost legal experts in this area, being involved in several high-profile carbon monoxide poisoning claims and speaking at the House of Lords on this topic previously.
A recent case I’ve worked on, and one of the most complex medical cases I’ve ever had, involved a development of facial erythrodysesthesia caused by light exposure at my client's workplace. My client developed extreme photosensitivity causing huge restrictions from everyday items such as mobile phones and car headlights, I negotiated a significant six figure settlement, allowing my client to be able to live as comfortably as possible.
Recognition
I am accredited by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) as a Senior Litigator, an Asbestos Specialist, and an Occupational Disease Specialist and have regularly been recognised in independent legal guides, the Legal 500, as well as being currently ranked as a Band 2 lawyer in Chambers and Partners.
The 2023 edition of Chambers and Partners states: "Madelene Holdsworth is extremely careful and thorough and is experienced and knowledgeable - a safe pair of hands."
I was shortlisted as a 'Lawyer of the Year' in the Modern Law Awards 2020 and am also shortlisted for 'Innovative Leader' in the Women: Power, Influence in Law Awards 2022.
The extra mile
I also work closely with several of our charity partners including: Mesothelioma UK, Spinal Injuries Association and Stick n' Step.
Last year, along with other team members, I took part in the Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for SARAG, where we raised almost £800 for the asbestos charity.
Non-freezing cold injuries (NFCI) can cause extreme discomfort and suffering and can lead to lasting damage to limbs if they are not diagnosed and treated quickly. If you’ve suffered an NFCI, you could be entitled to compensation to support your recovery. Speak to us today.