Stephanie Clarke 

About My Role

I have been qualified as a solicitor for over 20 years and have spent all that time working in the field of claimant personal injury work. I started my legal career working for the rights of injured people at a national trade union law firm called Thompsons. I progressed from a salaried partner to a profit sharing partner by the time I was 29 and some years later left to work a little nearer to home at another major trade union firm called Rowley Ashworth in Wimbledon. As a result I have dealt with all sorts of people and all sorts of injuries ranging from small scale industrial accidents to high value claims involving loss of limbs, serious spinal injuries, brain injuries and many types of industrial diseases including fatal lung disease cases and stress at work claims.

When my children came along I had 18 months career break and recommenced employment on a part time basis at Shoosmiths solicitors in Basingstoke in their Serious Injuries Unit dealing with catastrophic injury claims arising from road traffic accidents until joining Irwin Mitchell in their neurotrauma department.

I believe my greatest asset is the ability to look at matters pragmatically and to understand the needs of my clients and to deal with them efficiently and sympathetically.

Memberships

• Law Society
• APIL

More About Me

What Inspired You To Get Into Law?

My history teacher advised me against reading history because I could only become a teacher but suggested law as her husband was a barrister and she said it would be much more fulfilling...and she was right!

What Is The Most Rewarding Aspect Of Your Role?

I love visiting clients and building up a good relationship with them and guiding them through the ups and downs of litigation. I am very down to earth and direct so I like to de-mystify the legal process and show that a good lawyer really can make a difference to their claim and sometimes their life!

What Do You Like About Working At Irwin Mitchell?

I still get Christmas cards from some of my clients whose cases I settled over 15 years ago. My job is always different because my clients needs and injuries and the way in which they cope is always different.

I love the "can do" attitude at IM and the fact that we attract great quality work. It is a really professional outfit that ensures that the clients really matter. Because of our reputation we also attract great experts and barristers who want to be involved in our clients cases.

What Do You Do Away From The Office?

I play atrocious tennis, a bit of running (when I am feeling fat and unfit!) and enjoy looking after my 2 gorgeous girlies who take up the rest of my time. I would like to say reading, opera, theatre and sailing but I think that will only arise when my kids are old enough to make their own meals, babysit etc!!