Cynthia joined Keoghs in 2023 to lead the expanding specialist Public Sector team.
Since qualifying in 1992, her practice has been dedicated to defending public bodies, initially the health sector. She has continued to work in bespoke teams defending a wide spectrum of civil claims brought against local authorities and the police.
As well as inquests and other advisory work, her civil claims experience spans personal injury (EL
and PL), the Human Rights Act, the Equality Act, abuse, claims against social services departments and schools, misfeasance in public office, wrongful arrest or detention, malicious prosecution and other claims brought against the
police. Her team has an enviable record of success at trial as well as resolving claims without resort to formal litigation for public sector clients across England.
Cynthia’s wealth of experience in supporting and working alongside public sector clients and their
insurers has given her a deep understanding of their unique perspective and requirements that enables her to
deal with claims in a fair and empathic manner.
Cynthia provides training sessions and presents on a range of topics and is a regular contributor to Keoghs Public
Sector Aware publication keeping our public sector clients up to date on legal issues.
Cynthia is also keen to facilitate collaboration with local authority claims managers to enhance the dissemination of ideas and keep abreast of emerging legal issues.
The teams she has been part of have been involved in some of the highest profile and sensitive social care
and other claims brought against public bodies alleging negligence and breaches of human rights that
have attracted extensive local, national and international media coverage.
Legal 500 2024
“Cynthia Watts – is described as a practitioner of the “highest calibre””
“Cynthia Watts is an exceptionally hard worker and very attentive to her clients’ needs and the peculiarities of their business structures”
“Very professional and keeps you updated with ongoing claims”