Background
I began my career at a high street firm in York, having completed my LPC course in York in June 2003. I have worked as a claimant personal injury lawyer since March 2004. I qualified with that firm as a solicitor in 2008 and stayed there until I moved to Minster Law in 2012. I specialise in handling complex and high-value cases, including traumatic brain injury, serious orthopaedic injury and fatalities. I joined Minster Law in September 2012, working in the Serious Injury department. I work as an Associate and the first Principal Solicitor for amputee claims. I deal predominantly with serious injury claims arising out of road traffic accidents, acting for motorcyclists, cyclists, drivers and passengers. Although I deal with all aspects of personal injury, I have a particular interest in running cases involving serious orthopaedic injuries including amputations.
What are you most passionate about in your job?
Dealing with serious injury claims is about more than the monetary award. Although I deal with very high-value cases the most important thing for most of my clients is to try and gain some semblance of their life before the accident, be it through physical or psychological rehabilitation. One of the most important things I do is to guide clients and their families through what is, for most people, one of the toughest and most challenging times of their lives. It can be a difficult job, but it is incredibly rewarding. What we do makes a real difference to the quality of life of a seriously injured client. Unfortunately, most of them will never make a complete recovery but we can put the structures in place to make their lives and their family’s lives as comfortable as possible. The difference that the right support can make to the client and their families is immense and it is a real privilege to be able to implement that. I am a powerful advocate of rehabilitation as a fundamental component of personal injury litigation, and that the individual needs of an injured person must be at the centre of any legal representation. Seeing the progress, a client can make with the right rehabilitation is what drives me to do the best I can for every client.
What are your personal interests outside of work?
I played competitive hockey for York until my first child was born in 2011. I also competed in three-day eventing to high level and still try to get back in the saddle whenever I can. I spend much of my spare time with my young family and enjoy a nice glass of wine to relax!
