❖ Winning Partner of the Year is a remarkable achievement and recognition of the impact on clients, colleagues and the wider legal profession. What was your first reaction when you heard your name announced as the winner?
I was incredibly honoured. I see it as recognition of the work and commitment of the whole Serious Injury & Public Inquiry team at Rothera Bray.
❖ Over the past year, you've led significant developments within the Serious Injury team, including supporting clients through some higly complex and life-changing cases. What achievement are you most proud of from the last 12 months?
I am most proud of representing survivors of the Nottingham attacks through the statutory public inquiry.
Helping them navigate a very difficult public process, ensuring their voices were heard and pressing for meaningful change has been a privilege and a responsibility I have taken very seriously.
❖ Your work often involves helping individuals and families during some of the most challegning periods of their lives. How do you build trust with clients and ensure they feel supported throughout their legal journey?
Support and trust start, in my view, with clear communication and being proactive at the outset.
As a team we take time to understand each client, their family and what matters to them beyond the claim. Clients may be dealing with life changing injuries, so they are understandably concerned about the future.
I try to put myself in their position. Practical support, empathy and straightforward advice can therefore be just as important as legal expertise and knowledge at that stage.
❖ The legal sector continues to evolve, with increasing opportunities for innovation and alternative approaches to resolving disputes. How have you seen the profession change during your career, and what developments are you most excited about fo rthe future?
I started my qualified career in Manchester city centre at a highly structured, office based personal injury litigation firm. There was no remote working. (That former office is now Number 10 North. If you had told me then that it would one day be home to the Prime Minister, I would not have believed you.)
The profession has changed significantly.
The change from solely office-based to a more flexible, specialist working culture is significant and that development is mainly due to technology.
When I started, tape dictation was the skill to master; now it is AI.
However, I am excited by IT innovation that can improve client service without losing the human input and tactical knowledge and skill.
As a profession, we can use AI for the benefit of our clients whilst still retaining our vital role. Communication, ideally face to face, is more important than ever.
❖ Alongside your work for clients, you play an active role within organisations such as APIL and Headway Nottingham. Why is it important for you to contribute to the profession and the community beyond your day-to-day legal practice?
The cases I handle often have a wider public interest. As a profession, we can use our voice to press for change and challenge the authorities.
The Nottingham Inquiry has shown why that matters. It is an opportunity to advocate for better public services in our city, and that responsibility goes beyond the standard chargeable hours and targets.
❖ Leadership is not only about achieving results but also about developing the people around you. How do you approach mentoring and supporting the next generation of lawyers within your team?
I also encourage people to develop their own strengths and ideas. We promote teamwork, I want our junior team members to experience all aspects of the role.
❖ Managing a busy practice, leadership responsibilities and charitable commitments requires a great deal of dedication. How do you maintain a healthy work-life balanced, and what do you enjoy doing away from the office to recharge?
It is not always easy, but my three children certainly keep me busy outside of work.
I enjoy running. I ran the London Marathon and the Robin Hood Half Marathon this year and will hopefully take part in another marathon further afield next year.
Live music is definitely an escape; Oasis at Heaton Park, Hacienda Classical and Glastonbury have been recent highlights.
❖ A career in law often brings unexpected moments and memorable experiences. Looking back over your career, what is the funniest, most surprising or most memorable moemnt you've encountered?
Walking up Downing Street to meet the Prime Minister to discuss the Nottingham Inquiry was a surreal moment. Importantly, it gave me the opportunity to take the survivors’ experiences and concerns directly to the heart of government.
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This award was kindly sponsored by Browne Jacobson.
