Alison Hills

Biography

I am an experienced Solicitor-Advocate based in the London office of Irwin Mitchell, having joined the firm in October 2018.

I qualified as a Solicitor in 2012 and obtained my Higher Rights of Audience for Civil Proceedings in 2017. I also have dual expertise in the areas of Medical Negligence and Mental Health.

I'm a Law Society accredited Mental Health Specialist and have experience in representing patients detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 at First-Tier Tribunal hearings, including those at High-Secure Hospitals such as Broadmoor and Ashworth.

Something I have developed is a niche involving both elements of Medical Negligence and Mental Health. This has included cases involving failed community care resulting in attempted suicide and catastrophic injury. In addition, I have also dealt with some highly complex cases involving homicide enquiries and elements of public law.

My experience in complex Medical Negligence cases include the following:

• Delayed cancer diagnosis

• Obstetric and Gynaecological Surgery

• Bowel and uterus surgical perforations

• Negligent Orthopaedic Surgery

• Fatal Medical Accidents

• Coroner's Inquests

• Ophthalmic Injury leading to permanent loss of vision

• Delayed diagnosis of sepsis leading to multiple limb amputations

I have also assisted on birth injury cases of high complexity including those relating to Cerebral Palsy and Erb’s Palsy.

What Inspired You To Get Into Law?

I have always been passionate about justice and upholding patient’s rights. I chose to specialise in Medical Negligence because I enjoy the variety of cases that you can become involved with. No two cases are ever the same and I really enjoy learning about different medical conditions, whilst also keeping my legal knowledge up to scratch!

What Is The Most Rewarding Aspect Of Your Role?

Often you are one of the first points of contact for new clients after they have experienced a traumatic injury or loss of a loved one. It is a real sense of achievement to be able to be there for them from the outset, to help guide them through their rehabilitation pathway and achieve a settlement which will make a real difference to their lives.

What Do You Like About Working At Irwin Mitchell?

It is fantastic to be a part of a large team with such in-depth expertise. No matter what type of case or difficulty you come across, there will always be someone’s brain that you can pick! I also enjoy the variety of non-work activities that you can become involved with such as the quiz nights and charity events.

What Do You Do Away From The Office?

I am a slightly obsessive ski racer and I am part of the British Masters Ski Team. I compete in a Masters World Cup series in a variety of resorts throughout Europe and am also currently training to compete in the World Winter Masters Games which is going to be taking place in Innsbruck in 2020.

I am also a keen runner and am currently training to take part in my first Marathon!