Biography
I specialise in a range of medical negligence work including cases against hospitals, GPs and other health professionals. Recent cases include recovering £1M in damages due to a delay in diagnosis of cervical cancer and £6M where a patient developed a brain injury due to poorly managed sodium levels in hospital (central pontine myelinolysis).
I also specialise in child abuse cases and have successfully brought claims involving abuse by teachers, foster carers and various medical professionals. I have brought cases against a number of high profile football clubs on behalf of former players and have lots of experiences of cases where clients wish to protect their identity and the details of their settlements private. I regularly provide training to organisations that support survivors of abuse.
What Inspired You To Get Into Law?
I have always had a strong sense of what is right and wrong. I grew up in a household that was very community minded and my parents would often go out of their way to help others. As a child, weekends were often spent at charity jumble sales or baking cakes to raise money for local projects. In this way, I met many people who had experienced hardship simply because of bad luck or because others had taken advantage of them. Many people didn’t know where to turn or how to put things right. Seeing these injustices made me want to speak up for people who are unable to speak for themselves and this put me on the path to studying law at university.
What Is The Most Rewarding Aspect Of Your Role?
I have come to meet so many wonderful and inspiring clients who have overcome all manner of difficult experiences. Every case and every person I act for has a different story to tell and in that way, I am always learning. Many clients come to us at a difficult and frightening point in their lives. My job is to help them come through the process, having secured justice and security for their future.
What Do You Like About Working At Irwin Mitchell?
Irwin Mitchell genuinely celebrates diversity in all its forms and everyone is encouraged to be themselves because that is the only way we reach our full potential. Not only that but Irwin Mitchell has a wealth of talent and resources which means that no case is too complicated or unusual for us to investigate. I am also co-chair of our firm’s network for LGBTQ+ colleagues. The firm is recognised by Stonewall as a top-100 employer and this is a huge achievement that I am very proud of.
What Do You Do Away From The Office?
I have two young children who keep me very occupied but if the opportunity allows, you will find me at the gym, swimming or in the kitchen where I love to cook. It is also fair to say that I enjoy travelling when I get the chance.
Testimonials
"From Start To Finish My Late Husbands case has been handled exceptionally well, always kept informed of next steps etc, can always speak direct to those handling this case, would like to say a massive big thank you to all those involved in Terrys case over the years." - 5* Trustpilot review
"From beginning to end I felt special as a client. When I called and wanted information I was always given good advice and I never felt like I was in nuisance. Jemma small and Chris were absolutely superb whereas I mostly dealt with Gemma she's a kind and considerate young lady and I would totally recommend Irwin Mitchell to anybody who needed them."- 5* Trustpilot review
"From the initial consultation meeting to the final out of court settlement (a journey of six plus years) I always felt confident in the professionalism of the solicitor and paralegal looking after my case and myself. Complex legal procedures and options were explained fully to ensure that I understood my options and the comparative risks.
Time given by Christopher Hurlston, Solicitor and Jemma Small, Paralegal (Birmingham branch) was always given, with balanced perspective and experienced counsel, and notably with patience and empathy. I felt that I was treated as an individual and that my tragic experience was never forgotten or taken for granted as the legal processes ran their course. Their sensitivity throughout the case was outstanding; every time they asked me to provide further information they were acutely aware of the painful memories that I was having to revisit and acknowledged this with compassion."- 5* Trustpilot review
"I was provided with a team of dedicated professionals for whom acted throughout for me, my best interest. Mr Hulston, Miss Small, Mr Daniel's are an absolute credit and asset to Irwin Mitchell Solicitor's. They treat you fairly, openly and actually listen, I know that been said is repetitive however I have had my fair share of legal representatives, and I had never experienced professionalism like what was bestowed upon me, my case. "- 5* Trustpilot review
"I began my claim back in 2016 and Christopher Hurlston, my solicitor, and Jemma Small, my paralegal, helped me a lot to successfully win my case. When my case began we had another solicitor but she left and we got Chris. He dealt with the case in a very professional manner and Jemma helped us a lot too. They both did an amazing job on getting a successful claim for me along side the barrister Patricia Leonard. Thank you Chris and Jemma for your great work in order to help me "- 5* Trustpilot review
“I have been working with Jemma and Chris in the compensation department for nearly three years. In that time they have done everything they possibly can to get me justice. They have gone above and beyond what any solicitor would do. They even travelled from Birmingham to Blackburn just to meet me. Extremely pleased with the result and I would highly recommend ♥️” Google Review. Josephine Clark.
Legal 500 2023: “very able and competent”
