Frances Clark
Associate solicitor
Frances is an associate solicitor in the human rights department
Frances Clark is an Associate Solicitor and Solicitor-Advocate (Civil) in Leigh Day’s International Department where she specialises in International Whistleblowing cases.
Prior to joining Leigh Day in January 2021, Frances trained at a Legal 500 firm of specialist charity lawyers, advising individuals, charities, and NGOs contentious and non-contentious matters. Frances qualified as a civil and commercial Mediator in August 2015.
Legal expertise
Frances is currently acting for a number of whistleblowers who allege to have suffered harm as a result of the actions of multinational companies and state bodies. Her previous work included receiving instructions on the following matters:
- A group claim against Nissan and Renault on behalf of car owners who allege ‘defeat device’ were fitted on some of their diesel cars in order to artificially reduce emissions to pass regulatory tests. It is alleged that software used in vehicles is unlawful;
- A group claim against easyJet on behalf of clients who were affected by the unauthorised disclosure of their personal information as a result of data breaches;
- A group claim on behalf of NHS patients who received blood transfusions contaminated with the Hepatitis C virus in a group action against the Secretary of State for Health; and
- A group claim against NHS England and St Peter’s Andrology Centre in relation to delays in providing gender affirming surgery; and
- Individual claims against pharmaceutical companies on behalf of volunteers and patients who were injured having participated in clinical drug trials;
Frances is a Steering Committee member of the firm’s Women’s Committee.
Outside of the office, Frances is trained as a Samaritans volunteer and is also a qualified yoga teacher.
Certifications and accreditations
- Higher Rights of Audience (Civil Advocacy) Qualification, 2020
- Civil and Commercial Mediator (London School of Mediation), 2015
Articles
News and blogs
Suspending enforcement of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act: A backwards step in the fight against international corruption
The recent Executive Order by the Trump administration, which suspends investigatory and enforcement action under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, has potentially significant implications for international anti-corruption efforts, and is likely to act as further deterrent to would-be whistleblowers who wish to expose wrongdoing. Lawyers Paul Dowling and Frances Clark explain.
Investigations into Crovalimab drug trial compensation claim after participant’s nerve damage diagnosis
Law firm Leigh Day is investigating a claim on behalf of a woman who suffered nerve damage after taking part in a clinical trial related to the drug crovalimab (trade name Piasky).
Drug trials solicitors investigating Daclizumab compensation claim
Solicitors who specialise in representing patients harmed by clinical drug trials are investigating a potential legal claim in relation to the drug Daclizumab (trade name Zinbryta).