Biography
I specialise in medical negligence claims on behalf of injured adults and children. I'm a Senior Associate in the medical negligence team and have specialised in this area of law since 2006.
I've been recognised by the independent legal directories as a specialist in my field for over 10 years and I have settled cases for adults and children in a wide range of claims.
I joined Irwin Mitchell in March 2022 having worked at another top-ranked firm for over 15 years. I've always specialised in medical negligence work. I deal with all aspects of claims, including birth injury and acquired brain injury claims, claims relating to fatal accidents, those involving gynaecological injuries following childbirth, and those due to the delayed diagnosis of cancer. I also act for families at Inquests.
My particular expertise is in birth injury claims such as Cerebral Palsy and claims related to infectious diseases, such as meningitis, and I have worked on a number of amputation and sepsis cases.
I also advise families in investigating cases where babies have died shortly after birth.
My clients are often in very difficult financial or emotional situations and I feel that they are grateful for both my professional and honest approach and my sensible advice in dealing with their cases.
What inspired you to get into law?
I fell into law because I liked the idea of studying a vocational subject at university and it was only when I did the medical negligence module that I felt like my skills could fit within the law. I enjoyed the client side of the work, listening to their stories and working out ways to help or being able to reassure them even when there perhaps might not be a case and to help them to come to terms with what has happened to them or a loved one.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
For me, the most rewarding element is being able to find answers for clients about what has gone wrong with their medical care. For many people, the compensation is of course a necessary part of the legal process, but I find that many people want the medical organisation involved to recognise what has happened and to receive an apology.
What do you like about working at Irwin Mitchell?
I joined Irwin Mitchell in 2022 and am impressed with the range of services they offer clients - of course we offer assistance with their medical negligence cases but also help with benefits, the Court of Protection, preparing Wills and employment advice. It is a firm that is truly dedicated to help rebuilding the lives of injured people and has the necessary skills to be able to do that.
What do you do away from the office?
I enjoy spending time with my young family. My weekends are mostly spent watching them participate in their favourite sports, entertaining family and friends and working on endless DIY projects at home.
Testimonials
"Star Associate Punam Sood has the ability to look at a case from a different angle, is very committed to clients and can handle the heaviest litigation.
Punam Sood is sensitive and understanding but tough, and a real fighter when she needs to be." - Chambers and Partners 2023
"'Key name' Senior Associate Punam Sood is a great lawyer too – switched on, proactive and really easy to work with." - The Legal 500 UK Solicitors 2023 rankings
“Focused and determined, but also personable and excellent with clients' - Chambers & Partners 2022 (Star Associate)
"Hugely competent, with a wealth of experience of a wide variety of clinical negligence claims. Excellent judgement... bright, diligent and very effective” - Legal 500 2022
'She is a very good and very experienced medical negligence lawyer... She is fantastic' - Chambers & Partners 2021
“She is very efficient, very knowledgeable and extremely easy to work with” - Chambers and Partners 2020
“Punam Sood has great empathy with clients and penetrating litigation instincts” - Legal 500 2020
Punam Sood 'is frequently involved in matters concerning catastrophic brain and spinal injuries' - Legal 500 2020 (Rising Star)
“Punam Sood is hard working and dogged but also incredibly personable. She is smart and not afraid to challenge Counsel which is a really positive attribute” - Legal 500 2020
An 'outstanding” solicitor who “continues to impress sources across the market” - Chambers & Partners 2019
“A real pleasure to work with and an outstanding solicitor with a really good grasp of her cases” - Chambers & Partners
Punam Sood is a front rank litigator’ - Legal 500 2019
"Bright, efficient and organised" - Legal 500
"Commentators note her as a very proactive and very good lawyer" - Chambers & Partners 2017