An Unexpected Journey: From Claims to Coaching

Career progression is important to a lot of people and, from my own experience, is something I’m aware is important to Minster Law as well.

I’ve been working at Minster Law for just under 13 years now, and during that time I’ve moved my career forwards in what might be considered a more traditional sense in terms of dealing with progressively more complex and valuable claims. I’ve been involved in personal injury claims for more than 20 years and have worked in the defendant sector doing serious injury work before joining Minster Law.

Since joining the serious injury team a few years back, I’ve really enjoyed providing excellent service and support to seriously injured clients, particularly our biker clients being a very keen biker myself. I’ve also enjoyed building my technical knowledge, learning from some very experienced and knowledgeable solicitors and lawyers along the way.

Things, however, took an unexpected (but most welcome) turn around January 2023.

It all started one cold January morning with a Teams call with the director of legal services, Richard Harwood, and director of operations, Joanne Peacock, who were really interested to speak to me about my career aspirations within Minster Law. I thought it was great that people in senior positions were taking a specific interest in my progression, but must admit to being a bit daunted about what to say.

There was no need for trepidation, however, as the conversation was easy and soon turned to my strong desire to help others with their own career and learning, and Richard and Jo suggested a role in training, which I could do alongside retaining some of my case load.

Following the conversation, I was offered a role as a trainer in the serious injury team. This is something that was entirely out of my comfort zone, but I decided I should be courageous, and with a lot of words of encouragement about my technical abilities from my team leader, Craig Gravil, I was keen to give it a go.

Initially, the role was offered to me on a secondment, but with successful role out of various training and coaching sessions, I was extremely pleased and proud to be offered the role on a more permanent basis in the summer of 2023.

The first few training sessions I delivered were a sea of nervousness and self-doubt. I’m told that they didn’t come across this way, but I think those were either kind words, or testament to my acting skills.

I’ve also been really lucky to receive some great support from Emma Peel in the learning and development team, who has really helped me to learn the ropes of being an effective trainer. I’ve learnt how to plan, prepare, and effectively deliver bespoke, interactive, and informative training that makes a difference to colleagues’ career paths, and Minster Law’s success as an organisation that creates outcomes that matter.

Along with the training, 121 coaching, and mentoring, I have also enjoyed being part of the team that provides inductions to new colleagues, welcoming them to the business with (hopefully) a friendly and enthusiastic face.

My confidence in the role is still growing and I’m still learning. If you’d have told me 18 months ago that I would be able to stand in front of 20 colleagues and confidently (well, relatively confidently anyway) deliver an effective training session, I wouldn’t have believed you, so the journey of self-development so far has been incredible for me.

I’ve had some great feedback and support from my manager, Kelly Bilton, and also from other senior leaders like James Little, Richard Hardwood and Joanne Peacock, which has really made me feel valued and rewarded.

Another really rewarding thing for me about this role is receiving positive feedback from colleagues who have attended our training sessions, or who have had 121 coaching from me, who have said how much this has helped them in their roles.

As part of my role as a trainer, I have also seen colleagues flourish and expand their own career progression with Minster Law, which is fantastic and it’s great to stand together with these colleagues on their own career journeys.

Minster Law’s serious injury team is one of the largest in the UK, with specialists in head and brain injuries, spinal injuries, and injuries resulting in amputation and limb damage. Please visit our vacancies to see what opportunities are available in the team.