In this compelling episode of Beyond the Gavel, host Rodney Peyton welcomes renowned solicitor and mediator Paul Balen, a consultant with decades of experience in complex medical negligence and product liability litigation. Known nationally for his innovative approach to multi-party actions and compensatory settlement schemes—like the 3M hip prosthesis and Travenol breast implant cases—Paul discusses the evolution of clinical negligence law and the increasing role of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in modern legal practice. As Director of Trust Mediation and General Editor of Clinical Negligence (LexisNexis), Paul offers valuable insight into how mediation can offer healing, closure, and efficiency beyond traditional litigation, particularly in emotionally charged, high-stakes cases. With fascinating stories from landmark actions, the challenges of product regulation, and the power of empathy in law, this episode is a masterclass in thinking beyond the rulebook. Whether you’re a legal practitioner, healthcare professional, or just curious about how justice can be pursued in more human-centered ways—this conversation is not to be missed.

In this compelling episode of Beyond the Gavel, host Rodney Peyton sits down with Patrick Mullarkey , Partner and Head of the Healthcare Department at O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors in Belfast. With over 20 years of experience in clinical negligence litigation—including birth trauma, cerebral palsy, and catastrophic injury cases—Patrick shares powerful insights on navigating the evolving landscape of healthcare law in Northern Ireland. From the impact of landmark decisions like Montgomery to the major shift in secondary victim claims following Paul v. Wolverhampton, this episode dives deep into how law and policy are changing the way we pursue justice in medical cases. Patrick also discusses the importance of mentoring young solicitors, choosing the right cases, and fostering a strong legal culture built on curiosity, commitment, and integrity. If you’re interested in the future of healthcare litigation and what it takes to thrive in high-stakes legal practice, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode of Beyond the Gavel, host Rodney Peyton sits down with Luke Hanahoe, Managing Partner at Hanahoe Solicitors and one of Ireland’s leading voices in personal injury and medical negligence law. Luke shares his journey from growing up in a family of legal professionals to becoming a passionate advocate for client-centered practice. He talks about what drew him to law, the differences between being a barrister and a solicitor, and how empathy, honesty, and strategic thinking guide his work. From using expert medical opinions and early case screening to embracing mediation for better outcomes, Luke offers practical insights into handling complex, high-stakes cases with care. If you’re interested in how top legal minds balance justice, compassion, and precision, this episode is a must-listen.