Interview with Senior Solicitor James Winterbottom: Celebrating Aston Knight Solicitors’ National Recognition

At Aston Knight Solicitors, we are committed to delivering exceptional client care and outstanding legal expertise in personal injury and medical negligence law. This dedication has now been recognised on a national scale. Not only is Aston Knight Solicitors proudly listed in both the Chambers and Partners Guide and The Legal 500, but Senior Solicitor James Winterbottom has also achieved personal rankings in both prestigious directories.

This recognition places Aston Knight Solicitors in a truly elite position – we are the only personal injury law firm in Bury to be listed in both Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500, reaffirming the magnitude of this achievement and the level of excellence we strive for every day. Alongside this, our firm also holds the Lexcel accreditation, the Law Society’s quality mark for excellence in legal practice management and client care.

We sat down with James to discuss what these achievements mean for him, the firm, and our clients.

Q&A with Senior Solicitor James Winterbottom

Q: Firstly, congratulations on being ranked in both Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500. How does it feel to have your work recognised at this level?

James:
 Thank you—it’s a real honour. These rankings are based on an in-depth assessment of expertise, feedback from clients, and reputation within the legal profession, so they carry real weight. Being recognised in both guides is particularly meaningful because it reflects the impact of my work and the trust clients place in us.

Q: Aston Knight Solicitors has also been listed in both directories. What does this mean for the firm?

James:
 It’s a huge milestone. Aston Knight Solicitors is the only personal injury firm in Bury to appear in both Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500, and that really highlights our specialist capability and the quality of service we provide. These are national directories—featuring firms from Manchester, London, and across the UK—so being recognised alongside much larger practices speaks volumes about the standard of our work.

Q: Why do you think the firm has been able to achieve this level of recognition?

James:
 Mainly by bucking the trend seen throughout the personal injury sector of having files conducted by more junior lawyers, supervised by senior lawyers, and instead ensuring every file is personally handled by a proven and dedicated senior solicitor. The combination of dedication and skill is key, but rare, and thankfully we have been able to assemble a team where everyone has those qualities.

Q: Aston Knight Solicitors also holds the Lexcel accreditation. How does this tie into your recent achievements?

James:
 Lexcel is the Law Society’s mark of excellence in practice management and client care, and achieving it requires consistently high standards. It complements the recognition from Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500 because together they show excellence across the board—from the results we achieve to the way we run the firm and the way we look after our clients.

Q: What does your personal ranking mean for your clients?

James:
 It gives clients reassurance. When someone has suffered a serious injury, they need to know their solicitor has the expertise to handle what can be a life-changing case. These rankings confirm that clients are receiving top-tier advice and representation. Ultimately, it’s about trust—and I’m proud that clients feel confident placing that trust in me.

Q: What are you most proud of in your work with Aston Knight Solicitors?

James:
 For me, it’s the difference we make to individuals and families. Many of our clients come to us in the worst circumstances—after life-changing injuries or traumatic events. Helping them rebuild their lives and securing the compensation they deserve is incredibly rewarding.

I’m also especially proud of what we call the Aston Knight Difference. We regularly succeed in cases that other firms have rejected or even abandoned midway. Clients often come to us feeling defeated, believing they have no options left, and we’re able to turn their cases around through meticulous investigation, specialist expertise, and a refusal to give up. Winning those cases—cases others said couldn’t be won—has become a hallmark of our firm and one of the things I’m most proud of.
Seeing our firm recognised nationally for delivering that level of dedication and expertise is a great moment.

Q: What’s next for you and the firm?

James:
 We want to build on this momentum. Our aim is to continue taking on complex cases, investing in our team, and further strengthening our specialist reputation. These achievements are not the endpoint—they’re a foundation for what comes next.

A fantastic opportunity: Aston Knight Solicitors is recruiting

With our growing caseload and continued national recognition, Aston Knight Solicitors is now recruiting for a Personal Injury Solicitor. This is an incredible opportunity to join a highly respected, award-winning firm working on high-value and complex personal injury litigation.

We are looking for someone who shares our commitment to excellence, client care, and meaningful results. Joining a firm ranked in both The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, and accredited by Lexcel, offers the chance to develop your career in a truly supportive and ambitious environment.

More information is available at www.astonknightsolicitors.co.uk.

A Word

The achievements of both Aston Knight Solicitors and James Winterbottom reflect a deep commitment to legal excellence, client care, and positive outcomes. As the only personal injury firm in Bury listed in both Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500, and with our Lexcel accreditation, we remain dedicated to providing exceptional representation for those who need it most.

For more information about how our award-winning personal injury team can help you, visit www.astonknightsolicitors.co.uk.