Job Title

Partner 

About Derek

Derek joined Thompsons in 2003 as a trainee solicitor and has been a partner in the firm since 2010. He is based in the Edinburgh office and currently leads an experienced team of lawyers dealing with cases on behalf of trade union members.  Like all lawyers at Thompsons, Derek only acts for accident victims and never for insurance companies.

Expertise

Having worked in personal injury litigation for more than 20 years, Derek has a wealth of knowledge and experience in this field and has handled a wide variety of cases in the Court of Session and Sheriff Court.  Most of his current work is in the All-Scotland Specialist Personal Injury Court in Edinburgh.  

One of Derek's many success stories relates to a case which he took over from another firm who had the client’s file for seven years. The solicitors for the third party insurers had made a “final offer” of £50,000. Immediately after taking on the case Derek raised proceedings in the Court of Session and within a matter of months his client’s claim was settled for £100,000.

What Clients Say About Derek

“The eventual settlement negotiated by Derek was very much at the high end of my most optimistic expectations. I firmly believe that Derek’s experience and expertise were fundamental in achieving a very successful outcome. I would warmly and confidently recommend Derek to anyone in need of legal assistance”.  Mr G.C., Prestwick

“Not long after I retired my wife and I were on a motorcycle when a car crossed onto our side of the road, resulting in a head-on collision. I was hospitalised for eight months, suffering multiple injuries. A union referred our case to Thompsons and Derek McLean took charge of my case. He stood with me at every step of the process, explaining how the system worked and encouraging me if progress stalled for any reason. Regular phone calls and email updates continued throughout the period and I can now happily call Derek not just an advisor, but a friend. His efforts on my behalf resulted in a settlement of £250,000 and I am extremely grateful to him”. Mr P L, Fife

“Having been seriously injured in an accident I contacted Thompsons Solicitors on the advice of a friend. From the outset Mr McLean treated me with the utmost respect and understanding. Not only was he very approachable, everything was explained clearly, queries were responded to quickly and his most thorough and efficient handling of the case resulted in me receiving over £40,000 in compensation – a most satisfactory result. Thank You.” Mr A.P, Aberdeenshire.

"I can't rate Thompsons and Derek McLean highly enough. I was referred to Thompsons Edinburgh through my Union's legal service after a serious  accident and my case was dealt with by Derek. He was always available, was so professional and took total control which put my mind at ease. He helped and guided me every step of the way. It has been a long lengthy process and although I have been unable to get back to work full time due to my injuries, Derek has ensured that I have financial security for my family. I was delighted with the settlement he secured for me."  Mr P.T, Ayrshire

Qualifications

LL.B Law Degree (2002) University of Strathclyde

Diploma in Legal Practice (2003) Glasgow Graduate School of Law

Certificate in Advanced Advocacy (2006) American National Institute of Trial Advocacy

Certificate in Management for Lawyers (2015) Central Law Training in Conjunction with University of Strathclyde.