Biography
I'm a paralegal and future trainee solicitor based in Manchester, specialising in medical negligence.
I assist senior members of the department, particularly Dina Lambourne, with a wide variety of cases including:
- Birth injury claims
- Fatal claims
- Complex surgical and medical claims involving misdiagnosis or delays in treatment.
I also deal with enquiries from potential clients who seek legal representation for claims involving medical and dental negligence. Although I work on the full spectrum of medical negligence cases, I have a special interest in oncology, cardiology, and obstetrics. I'm also experienced in Legal Aid related work.
I sit on a variety of focus groups and committees including those about IT security and digitalisation. I'm also a member of the Oncology Special Interest Group. This group works with local charities and organisations to support people affected by cancer and to influence best practice for oncology-related medical negligence claims.
As part of Oncology Special Interest group, I've attended the European Oncology Convention. I’ve also visited the Manchester Cancer Research Centre and The Christie Hospital’s proton beam therapy centre before it was open to the general public.
What inspired you to get into law?
I didn’t know what I wanted to do for a career while at school, but found that analytical thinking was one of my strengths. I studied science subjects at A-level and started a Masters in chemistry at the University of Sheffield.
I enjoyed the academic side of chemistry but found that a human element was missing so I explored alternatives and switched to law.
I got a wide variety of work experience during my degree, ranging from criminal defence work to corporate law at one of the big four accountancy firms. I also co-founded a pro bono legal advice clinic at the law school which continues to this day.
I wanted to help people when I graduated and was drawn to medical negligence claims due to the scientific and medical aspect. Before joining Irwin Mitchell in 2018, I worked as a legal assistant to a consultant oncologist who gave expert evidence for oncology-related medical negligence claims.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
People make clinical negligence claims for a variety of reasons. For some it’s about getting compensation to improve their quality of life and access specialist rehabilitation. For others it’s about getting answers about what went wrong or making sure similar mistakes don’t happen again in the future.
No matter what the driving force behind bringing a claim, every successful outcome is rewarding, particularly when the case involves complex medical or legal issues.
What do you like about working at Irwin Mitchell?
I enjoy being part of a national and diverse team comprising of the UK’s largest personal injury practice. Being part of a wider team lets us help our clients and their families with every aspect of their recovery with broader legal and financial advice.
What do you do away from the office?
When I am not tiring out or looking after my mischievous Irish Terrier, Colin, I enjoy going out and socialising with my friends and family. Occasionally, I will go out for a run or go to the gym but more often than not watching a true crime series is usually more appealing!
Testimonials
“Henry McCabe... in my opinion is the best paralegal any lawyer could wish for, his efficiency, attention to detail, and his patience, know no bounds. Lindsay Wise and her team are caring and more importantly super efficient.” – Former client (5* Trust Pilot Review)
"We were assigned Dina Lambourne a senior associate solicitor as our case manager... She was supported by a junior “Henry” who when Dina was not available was also very helpful… I am sure that Henry also did plenty to assist Dina and both were very easy to get on with and have a pleasant re assuring manner.” – Husband of a former client
