MORE THAN JUST A LAW FIRM

My legal career started in 1994 when I began working for the family firm in Northern Ireland.  Although the firm was a general practice I quickly realised that my primary interests lay in the fields of personal injury and clinical negligence.  During this time I conducted a varied case load including a claim for a young child who suffered brain and spinal injuries as a result of a road traffic accident, a claim for a yachtsman who suffered a brain injury while taking part in a yacht race, and a host of cases for a number of individuals who had been the victims of proscribed terrorist organisations. I subsequently moved to the mainland UK to complete my training contract at a top 50 law firm.

 

Areas of specialism

 

Since qualification in 1997 I have worked exclusively in the fields of personal injury and clinical negligence.  My main areas of specialism include claims involving brain and spinal injury, fatal accident claims and claims involving children.  I have a particular interest in cases involving subtle brain injury and chronic pain and in recent years I have looked after a number of cases through to trial. In 2013 I have conducted a number of cases for children who sustained catastrophic injuries resulting in multi-million pound settlements.  These cases involve a multitude of medical and non-medical experts and highly specialised accident reconstruction evidence. When conducting claims involving catastrophic injury the establishment of the right “team”, i.e. the most suitable barristers and experts for the particular claimant and case, is crucial. I find working with these individuals who are at the very top of their professions, inspirational. The most rewarding part of my work is to secure a settlement which will make a real difference to the claimant and their family and particularly in a case involving a severe injury, I always try to ensure that the claimant achieves their maximum potential and that all of the things such as care, case management, occupational therapy, alternative accommodation and aids and equipment are secured and put in place in order to achieve for the victim, the best possible quality of life. I have been a member of APIL for 15 years and I am accredited as a Senior Litigator.

 

Interests and hobbies

 

Away from work and whilst not being employed as a full-time taxi driver for my two young daughters, I enjoy cooking (not bad), travelling (not enough), playing golf (very average) and watching all types of sport.