Experience
He handles professional negligence claims against many professionals, including accountants, IFAs, solicitors, surveyors, insurance brokers, actuaries, insolvency practitioners, mortgage brokers, estate agents, property managers and auctioneers.
Simon regularly advises insurers on policy coverage issues and disputes, has wide ranging experience of methods of Alternative Dispute Resolution, and acts for professionals facing disciplinary complaints.
He is the Executive Partner for the Bristol Office and leads the DWF Bristol Professional Risks team. Chambers & Partners says of this team: "Sources praise the way the team manages to maintain technical precision whilst remaining alive to the commercial realities surrounding claims..." and that "DWF are always knowledgeable and professional and are able to very quickly assess the problem and devise an effective plan of action. They are also considerate of the client's point of view." Most recently Chambers & Partners [2020] says the team:"is knowledgeable, proactive and deals with matters in a timely manner." Legal 500 says that: "The ‘very reliable’ Simon Mason heads the team" and that "The team is ‘down to earth and approachable’ and ‘takes a pragmatic view considering the whole picture’." Testimonials from Legal 500 [2020] include: ‘Excellent work, knowledgeable, pro-active in problem solving to achieve best outcomes, and persistent and timeous.’ ‘The team provide excellent advice in a very cost effective manner. The team is able to deal with professional negligence claims against a wide scope of different professions.’
Simon is a Band 1 Ranked Individual in Chambers & Partners [2020] Mainly Defendant - South West: "He is a commercially-minded and reassuring lawyer who guides you through the intricacies of the law with the peace of mind of knowing that you are putting your best foot forward in the defence of any claim."
About Simon, Legal 500 say he is "particularly strong in accountancy matters" and Chambers & Partners quotes one client: "Anything that is accountant-related is going to him without qualms, regardless of the level of complexity, because I know I'm going to get an absolutely sterling service." Most recently Legal 500 [2020] says: ‘Simon Mason is a very personable individual. His knowledge and expertise in defending professional negligence claims against accountants, actuaries, IFAs and other financial professionals is second to none.’
Chambers & Partners also say Simon: "...is very good at making his points and has comprehensive knowledge of procedures and how they should be applied" and "Peers admire his work and name him as one of the key people on the defendant side with the most significant professional negligence practices."
Simon is married with two daughters but still finds some time to play veterans football and very amateur golf. He enjoys live music and watching sport, especially football, rugby union and rugby league.
Testimonials
Legal 500: "Simon Mason is a very personable individual. His knowledge and expertise in defending professional negligence claims against accountants, actuaries, IFAs and other financial professionals is second to none."
Chambers & Partners: "He is a commercially-minded and reassuring lawyer who guides you through the intricacies of the law with the peace of mind of knowing that you are putting your best foot forward in the defence of any claim."