Biography
I am a solicitor in the London office and I specialise in clinical negligence claims on behalf of patients and their family members.
I studied Law at Newcastle University and completed my postgraduate studies at Northumbria University. In 2007, I commenced my training contract at Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP where I gained valuable experience in clinical negligence claims and General Medical Council disciplinary proceedings, as well as the litigation process generally.
Upon qualification in 2009, I joined Irwin Mitchell and since then I have run a mixed caseload of clinical negligence matters as well as assisting the senior members of the team. These cases include: wrongful birth, birth injury (vaginal tears, uterine ruptures, Erb's palsy, cerebral palsy), general practice, fatal accident claims (neonatal deaths and the death of a parent with young children), delay in diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other serious illnesses such as Crohn's disease and colitis.
In particular, I have successfully pursued multiple cases involving surgical negligence and bowel injuries. I understand the knock-on affect such an injury can have on an individual's quality of life.
Some recent achievements include the following:
- Recovering £2.3m for the wrongful birth of a child born with Type II SMA.
- Assisting on recovering approximately £5.85m for a child born with severe cerebral palsy who will require lifelong care day and night.
- Successfully pursuing and recovering £180,000 for a man who suffered surgical negligence requiring him to undergo a further three years of treatment and 15-20 procedures to put right the damage that had been done.
- Recovering £31,000 for the parents of a child who died a few hours after birth as a result of negligence.
- Successfully recovering £112,500 for the negligent management of a bowel perforation, which caused multiple other health problems and the need for further surgery.
What Inspired You To Get Into Law?
I enjoyed studying Critical Thinking as an AS-level at school, which involved some of the same analytical tasks required for a career in Law. It was this that prompted me to study Law at university.
Law seemed to be an interesting career to pursue because in studying and working in the field of law, it is not just about learning and knowing about what the law is, but also thinking about what the law should be, and then further on in one's career, finding ways to change it.
Working in the area of clinical negligence has provided me with an opportunity to meet a diverse range of people and develop my personal skills in research, client care, analysis, negotiation, drafting, providing excellent advice and some basic advocacy. Law is also a constantly changing area which keeps me interested in my role.
What Is The Most Rewarding Aspect Of Your Role?
I enjoy working in an area of law where there is a strong human element to the day to day work. I am driven by achieving the best possible outcomes and settlements for my clients as well as gaining answers to their important questions. Learning how the law is applied to the vast and intricate subject of medicine is also very interesting and rewarding.
What Do You Like About Working At Irwin Mitchell?
I enjoy the excellent quality of work, as well as knowing that I work somewhere where the client's interests are put first.
What Do You Do Away From The Office?
I enjoy travelling to new places, entertaining friends at home, yoga and reading.
