Mark Evans

Founding Partner

Mark is a founder partner of EDS and had relentlessly served the needs of the practice for over 30 years. Mark is renowned for his work in adoptions and care work, and his expertise is recognised having qualified as a member of the Law Society Children’s Panel since  it’s inception.

His empathetic approach has led to Mark being appointed as legal advisor for a number of national organisations including Barnados, as well as being frequently appointed by the court to represent the needs of children.

Outside of work Mark is a talented artist and musician . He is without doubt the firm’s best karaoke performer.

John Derry

Founding Partner

In John’s words, also one of the founding partners, John has been with the firm longer than the M42 has existed. As a leading figure in criminal defence work, John has extensive experience in representing people in all areas of criminal proceedings.

John has a deep rooted sense of fairness and natural justice and is renowned as a formidable advocate. His friendly, approachable and confident manner immediately puts people at ease, no matter what the circumstances.

Away from the office John is undoubtedly the firm’s Bear Grylls with no outdoor challenge beyond him. John has successfully negotiated a many of the world’s best known mountains, as well as completing the gruelling North Devon Marathon.

Richard Holt

Partner

Richard joined the firm in 1993 and is extremely experienced in all areas of personal injury work. His particular specialisms are in complex brain injury cases, industrial diseases and medical negligence cases. His philosophy of using the law to make a practical difference to people’s lives and ensuring that the needs of victims are not overlooked shines through his work.

Richard’s work has taken him as far as the House of Lords, now the Supreme Court with leading case law established as a result. In addition, Richard has developed a reputation for his commercial work to include contract, construction and employment disputes

Outside of work, Richard is at the heart of his community serving as a local councillor and enjoys supporting  his favourite Birmingham football team.

Karen Beevers

Partner

Karen’ s first experience of EDS was work experience before joining fresh from Law School as a Trainee Solicitor in 1997. Since then Karen has practised exclusively in family work and has become locally renowned for her constructive, sensitive and practical approach to helping people move forward in their lives after experiencing a relationship breakdown.

Karen helps families to explore all options on separation and to focus on the future. As well as practicing as an experienced Collaborative Family Solicitor, Karen is also an accredited Family Mediator, able to work directly with children where appropriate.

Away from the office, Karen enjoys the outdoors and successfully completed both Edinburgh & London Marathons before discovering Open Water swimming.

Matthew Adams

Partner

Matthew joined EDS in 1999, shortly qualifying as a solicitor thereafter. Since then, his superb negotiation skills and attention to detail have made him a leader in the field of both personal injury work and equal pay work, with experience of dealing with cases ranging in value up to £1 million.

Matthew’s caring and down to earth manner immediately inspire confidence and put people at ease.  

Away from the office Matthew has always enjoyed his sporting activities. He is a keen enthusiast of most sports, both participating and watching, with the Cheltenham Festival an annual favourite in his sporting diary.

Julie Bennett

Partner

Julie joined EDS in the spring of 2015 from a leading national firm where she had been working as a defendant personal injury lawyer, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and experience. Julie became Partner at EDS in June 2018.

Outside the office Julie enjoys spending time with her young family.