Excellent experience start to finish – always very responsive to any queries and the turnaround on the property I was buying was very quick, even in the busy time leading up to stamp duty deadline. Jenny was always very helpful and went above and beyond to close on a short timescale.
What is your role at Davis Blank Furniss?
I’m the new litigation executive and head of the personal injury department at Davis Blank Furniss’ Glossop office.
How long have you been at the firm?
I joined the team two months ago and it’s been a steep but enjoyable learning curve since starting.
What are your specialist areas?
Personal injury.
Why did you choose a career in law?
I have always had an interest in the law. When I considered a career change I realised that I could combine this and the experience I gained in my previous employment to assist people.
What is the most high profile case that you’ve been involved in?
I’ve been involved in several but two spring to mind. The first was a lorry driver working for Stobarts who tripped over the exposed steering arm and feel from the back of the traction unit onto the floor resulting in a very serious knee injury. The driver obtained compensation and all of Stobart’s vehicles were adapted to ensure the steering arms were covered.
The other was two police officers who experienced a high speed accident at 135mph as a consequence of damage to low profile tyres. The Police Authority was aware of this particular problem but failed to put into place a system of action should the tyres suffer any impacts which may result in them becoming distorted and hence prone to punctures. The officers were awarded compensation and the system of work was changed.
How do you see the legal sector changing over the next few years?
The reduction of Legal Aid availability has had a significant effect on traditional areas of law and with the impending arrival of ‘Tesco Law’ I believe that profitability will be reduced even further. However, the one strength that we can still rely upon is quality of service and personal touch rather than a faceless voice at the end of the phone and your matter being just one in a stream of others.
What are your personal goals for your department?
To re-establish the Personal Injury Dept as the first point of contact should anyone be injured in an accident in Glossop and its surrounding area and to develop our entire client base. I’ll also be assisting the marketing initiatives for the firm on a basis.
Outside of work, how do you like to spend your time?
I’m heavily involved in rugby and cricket; both playing and coaching. On a more personal level, I enjoy walking and have recently begun shooting again – a pastime I gave up many years ago due to the pressures of a young family. I am also an avid reader and am totally smitten by my Kindle which means I am never without a book to read!
Do you have a motto that guides your professional and personal lives?
Treat others as you would wish to be treated yourself.
