Biography
I am an Associate Solicitor in the Serious Injury department at Irwin Mitchell’s Newcastle office. I work with children and adults who have sustained serious brain, spinal and orthopaedic injuries. As a serious injury solicitor, I often support clients who do not have capacity to deal with litigation or manage their property and financial affairs. I work closely with family members and a variety of professionals including case managers, support workers and treating therapists in order to ensure our clients receive a tailored rehabilitation package as early as possible. My team work hard to obtain early interim payments and maximum compensation for all of our clients.
Prior to qualifying as a solicitor in September 2013, I worked as a trainee solicitor in the Court of Protection and workplace injury departments. I therefore also have experience in dealing with vulnerable clients and clients who have suffered from accidents at work/industrial diseases.
What Inspired You To Get Into Law?
I originally studied English Literature at university. Although I found the course interesting, I knew that it wasn’t for me. Instead of just reading books and writing essays, I wanted to get involved in something challenging and worthwhile. I converted to law as soon as I finished my English Literature degree and haven’t looked back since! I knew that I wanted to work in an area of law that would really make a difference to individual people and so personal injury and in particular, catastrophic injury, seemed like an ideal area.
What Is The Most Rewarding Aspect Of Your Role?
Unfortunately, the clients I work with have almost always suffered life changing injuries. Their lives and the lives of their family and friends have subsequently changed forever. I am fortunate enough to be able to support those clients and family members to adjust to the changes in their lives by securing early interim payments to fund rehabilitation packages. Without a doubt, the most rewarding aspect of my job is improving my clients’ quality of life and knowing that I have been able to make a difference to their future.
What Do You Like About Working At Irwin Mitchell?
My colleagues are what make Irwin Mitchell the experienced, friendly firm that it is. I work alongside people who are not afraid to challenge decisions or fight for our clients. Without my colleagues, I would not have the experience and knowledge that I have and I would not feel as strongly as I do about getting the best for each and every client we have.
What Do You Do Away From The Office?
Away from the office I’m usually attempting to cook, jogging along the River Tyne or catching up with friends and family.
Testimonials
"She has fantastic attention to detail and will leave no stone unturned for her clients. "Laura has a very person-centred approach and is able to work flexibly to meet clients' needs. She is very rehabilitation-focused and has the client's best interests at the heart of all she does." - Chambers & Partners, 2021 (Associate to Watch)
"Totally committed to her clients and gets excellent results" - Legal 500, 2018/19
“As soon as I met them, I felt comfortable with them. I had never been in this situation before but I felt I could trust them. They keep me up to date and explain everything. They always ask how I am and there is a human touch I didn’t associate with solicitors before this experience with Irwin Mitchell.” - AB, client
“Laura Mcilduff, you were never too far away to speak your mind and to always give no nonsense advice. Without the professionalism and honesty throughout I would have not seen the case through.” – KB, former client
“They made the whole process so straight forward with their knowledge and experience. Aside from being great professionals, they were simply great people, very personable.” – AF, former client
"I contacted Irwin Mitchell after suffering life changing injuries in a road traffic accident. My case was immediately assigned to Laura Mcilduff and her team Claire Jowett, Emma Jolly and more recently Bethany Pearson. Making a legal claim is a long and daunting process but Laura and her team have worked tirelessly, always explaining each stage clearly and keeping me up to date with developments. They have managed to secure funding for the equipment and adaptations I now need and for a comprehensive rehabilitation programme. They are professional yet friendly and despite my unfortunate circumstances I know I am not alone and Laura and her team will ensure I have access to everything I need to still live a meaningful and fulfilling life." - 5* Trustpilot review
