Meet some of the people behind our Legal Panel: Victoria, Helen and Caroline
1 July 2026
Back Up’s Legal Panel brings together legal firms we trust, with specialist experience of supporting people affected by spinal cord injury. The panel is here to help people find a solicitor with the right experience for their personal circumstances.
In this feature, we meet three people from our Legal Panel firms: Victoria Oliver, Head of Spinal Injury at Bolt Burdon Kemp; Helen Clifford, Personal Injury and Medical Negligence Claims Solicitor; and Caroline Wareing, Relationship Manager at Slater and Gordon. They share more about their work, their connection to Back Up and why specialist legal support matters after spinal cord injury.
Victoria Oliver, Head of Spinal Injury, Bolt Burdon Kemp (BBK)
Victoria Oliver is head of the spinal injury team at Bolt Burdon Kemp, specialising in supporting clients with complex spinal cord injuries arising from medical negligence and personal injury. Known for her meticulous approach and compassionate support, Victoria aims to help secure life-changing compensation and rehabilitation for her clients.
What does Back Up mean to you?
“We see the vital and holistic role Back Up plays in supporting people with spinal cord injuries across the UK. I am always awestruck at how its work reaches people at every stage of their journey, offering practical and emotional support when it’s needed most. Having seen first-hand the impact of Back Up’s work – particularly through the Youth Advisory Group – I am always inspired and excited to support such a valuable and ambitious charity which is helping to change lives.”
What should people look for when choosing legal support after spinal cord injury?
“Spinal cord injury is life-changing, and you deserve a legal team that truly understands the medical, practical and emotional impact. Look for specialist spinal injury lawyers with proven experience, strong rehabilitation networks and a track record of securing the support people need to rebuild their lives.
“Most importantly, choose a team you feel comfortable with and that you can trust and work with. This can be a long journey, and your lawyers should be by your side throughout – listening, guiding and fighting for the best possible outcome for you and your family.”
Why does specialist legal support matter?
“Having a specialist in your corner can make all the difference. A spinal cord injury has a ripple effect impacting the injured person and those around them. Accessing specialist support from professionals who truly understand that reality is vital to ensure challenges, from mobility and pain to employment, housing and emotional wellbeing, are properly addressed; ensuring the best outcome post-injury.”
Helen Clifford, Personal Injury and Medical Negligence claims Solicitor
The Lioness Lawyer®, Helen Clifford, is a multi-award-winning solicitor specialising in Personal Injury and Medical Negligence Claims, with a particular focus on supporting clients who have sustained a spinal cord injury. Renowned for achieving exceptional outcomes, Helen is dedicated to helping her clients rebuild their lives following a life-changing injury, providing expert guidance, unwavering support, and a strong voice when they need it most.
What does Back Up mean to you?
“I value the opportunity to support a charity that makes a life-changing difference to people affected by spinal cord injury. Back Up has been at the forefront of my firm’s charitable and sponsorship activities since I first encountered the charity in 2016. I value the shared commitment to helping people move forward after life-changing circumstances and I remain deeply committed to supporting the incredible work of the Back Up team.”
What should people look for when choosing legal support after spinal cord injury?
“As a solicitor, I see first-hand the profound impact a spinal cord injury can have, not only physically, but emotionally, socially, and financially. The legal issues involved after injury can be complex, and the decisions made early on can have a significant impact.
“I can help you understand your rights, pursue the compensation and support that may be needed for long-term care, and quality of life. I will take the time to understand not just the injury itself, but how it has affected your life, your family, your work, and your future. You do not need to navigate this alone.”
Why does specialist legal support matter?
“A spinal cord injury can change every aspect of a person’s life. Specialist legal support is about more than just pursuing compensation, it is about helping access the rehabilitation, care, equipment, DWP benefits and financial security that may be needed to move forward. Instructing a specialist is vital as they will have the knowledge and expertise to ensure clients obtain the best possible outcome and are fully supported throughout the process.”
Caroline Wareing, Relationship Manager, Slater and Gordon
Caroline provides support to clients at Slater and Gordon, drawing on her own lived experience. Caroline sustained a spinal cord injury while competing with her horse in 2009. She now supports clients and their families through what can be one of the most overwhelming periods of their lives, helping them access the right support at the right time.
What does Back Up mean to you?
“Having volunteered with Back Up for several years, I am very aware of the invaluable support they provide. What I value most is the opportunity to work alongside them to build on that impact, adding an extra layer of support for people living with spinal cord injuries, especially as their Trusted Legal Partners in the Home Counties region.”
What should people look for when choosing legal support after spinal cord injury?
“In the early days, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. The right legal support should go beyond a claim, helping you access rehabilitation, rebuild confidence and regain independence.
“Look for a team that understands spinal cord injury both legally, and practically, and recognises the wider impact on your life. This includes the reality of the injury; the hospital stays, family and financial pressures and the emotional impact that comes with suddenly facing uncertainty.
“Most importantly, choose someone you trust. These types of cases can take years, so feeling confident in the team you choose is essential.”
Why does specialist legal support matter?
“A spinal cord injury affects so many aspects of a person’s life. It affects a person physically, emotionally, practically and financially. In the immediate aftermath, people are often dealing not only with the trauma of injury, but also major life decisions around rehabilitation, care and types of care, equipment, housing, finances and family life.
“Specialists can see that every injury is different and more than just a claim. It is about accessing rehabilitation, the correct equipment, and support whether around employment, family and financial, as early as possible to reduce the stress for the injured person and their family.
“Specialist support should provide reassurance across multiple areas and reassurance at a time when life can be very uncertain, and from experience, frightening. Peer support can bridge the gap between clinical care and day-to-day reality. I can share practical advice, coping strategies and suggestions that come from my real lived-experience.”
To find out more about our Legal Panel, including the firms involved and how to get in touch, visit our Legal Panel page. We encourage anyone looking for legal support after spinal cord injury to speak to two or three firms before deciding who is right for them.
