Specialising in traumatic brain injuries and remote working

I am an associate solicitor remote working in the serious injury team at Minster Law, specialising in traumatic brain injury cases. I lead a small team that includes an assistant fee earner and paralegal. We work collaboratively to achieve the best outcomes for our clients. I also take mentoring seriously, aiming to support my team in reaching their potential and career goals.

I have been with Minster Law for almost two and a half years and have been working remotely for the same period. Initially, I attended the office for some inductions, but now I mainly work remotely from Northumberland due to living a distance from the office. However, I regularly attend for team meetings, training, and business development.

I primarily use Microsoft Teams for remote work, which allows me to connect with colleagues, experts, and clients in a personal and efficient manner. Teams’ chats are also valuable for quick communication and maintaining an office-like environment remotely.

One of the main challenges during the transition to remote work was the loss of social interaction typically experienced in an office. I had to adapt to different ways of social interaction to maintain personal connections.

Working remotely has increased my efficiency. The time saved from commuting can be utilised more effectively on file work. I maintain productivity by having a designated home office, planning my day effectively, and meeting set targets. I have received positive feedback from managers about my performance and achievement of targets, including my increased time recording whilst working from home.

Furthermore, remote work has positively impacted my work-life balance. It offers flexibility in work hours without the stress of commuting. Having a designated home office helps me to separate work from my personal life effectively.

I communicate frequently with my team and colleagues through Microsoft Teams. Minster Law excels in maintaining remote connectivity with regular team meetings, technical meetings, and monthly check-ins.

I start my day similarly to an office routine but benefit from a shorter commute. I structure my day around checking and responding to incoming emails, planned work on files, and checking and adhering to deadlines, taking breaks to ensure productivity and a clear separation between work and personal life. I ensure I take a lunch break and will usually walk my dogs which moves me away from my desk and clears my mind.

I maintain a healthy work environment by closing my office door to the rest of my house which minimises distractions. Though there have been occasional technical issues, they are generally resolved quickly through an online reporting system and IT helpline. Minster Law provides training modules on remote working to support effective remote work practices.

I advise new remote workers to engage as much as possible with colleagues, attend team meetings, and participate in events to get to know people. Ensure you have clear boundaries and structure your day. Take a break, grab a cup of tea, and ensure you have a lunch break as this allows you to remain focused. Asking to be allocated a work buddy can also provide an instant connection and broader social network.

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. Find out more about working in serious injury and what opportunities are available in the team.