My law work experience with Harrowells Solicitors

By Amelia Kirby

I’m about to enter my final year of Law at the University of Lincoln. During the summer break I was keen to gain some practical experience within a law firm. Grace Mortin kindly gave me the opportunity to spend a week at Harrowells.

Day one

I was greeted by Grace, Joint Head of Department in medical negligence who introduced me to the others in the team – Partner and Joint Head, Aimee, Paralegal Emily and Nina, Associate Chartered Legal Executive, who made me feel very comfortable and welcomed.

On my first day I was set a task to review a bundle of a previous cases, so I could see what a bundle can include and identify the merits of the claim.

I was later asked to research a potential claim, considering the particulars of the claim, the tests used to identify breach of duty, causation, additional information which could be useful from the client, injuries and the potential value.

I was asked to research the appropriate treatment for the issues raised, including the specific assessments and initial investigations a professional would be expected to carry out, as well as the timeline of when the claimant first raised their concerns. This was a valuable opportunity to understand how a case is initially assessed and how claims begin to be considered within the department.

Day two

Grace gave me an insight into a complex case file and invited me to review the client’s case in detail. I read through the claimant’s medical reports, expert opinions, particulars of claim and the defence argument. I was also asked to research the specific diagnosis involved, which is a rare syndrome.

As part of my research, I looked at where a potential breach of duty had occurred and how causation was established throughout the case. I also compared the medical reports to identify any contradictions in the evidence, alongside reviewing a transcript of a conference where some of the information had been questioned. Using what I had identified, I was encouraged to develop questions for a letter of instruction to an expert, focusing on how the diagnosis had been reached and the relevant regulations and procedures for investigations and assessments.

Throughout the day, I also had the opportunity to speak with solicitors in the department about their routes into the profession. Grace and Nina spoke positively about their experiences of taking the CILEX route, which gave me a useful insight into the different pathways available to qualifying as a solicitor. Emily, who I had the pleasure of sitting with during my week, also talked me through her experience of becoming a solicitor at Harrowells. She started her career as a paralegal after graduating from university, and shared some useful advice for when I begin considering my own route to qualification.

Day three

I spent my third day with Emily and Aimee, who asked me to undertake a quantum assessment based on a psychologist report, evaluating the likely value of the claim based on the JC Guidelines. Which gave me a great insight in to how the value of matter is assessed.

I was also asked to review a bundle prepared for a CCMC, which included everything from the beginning of the claim to the end of settlement. This included a breakdown of the issues, the particulars of the claim, special damages, expert reports, defence arguments, the comparison between both the claimant and defendant budget, and the breakdown of issue costs. While I was reading the bundle, the claim settled to the client’s satisfaction, and I was was invited to join a call which Emily had with the court to vacate the hearing scheduled for the next day.

Day four

On my fourth day, I assisted the probate team in identifying which elements of a claim fell under the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1934 and which fall within the Fatal Accidents Act 1976. This involved reviewing and comparing the relevant legislation and considering which provisions applied to each individual damage. It was a valuable opportunity to develop my understanding of how legislation is applied to the specific circumstances of a case.

My next task was to review a new claim and establish where breach of duty and causation had occurred. I further researched into the diagnosis, and under the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, what a professional is advised to examine and assess for the specific symptoms the claimant was suffering. I then assisted Emily in preparing a letter of instruction for the medical expert.

During the afternoon, Emily invited me to listen into multiple calls, including a call to Liverpool County Court to discuss issue fees, fee remission and allocation to courts outside of the DCP.

Day five

On my final day Emily and I watched a webinar on bowl claims and quantifying loss. This included the medical investigations, symptoms, assessments, statistics and what to look for in a claim signifying bowel cancer.

During the afternoon, I drafted a statement based on the initial details of a claim, including the claimant’s past medical history and diagnoses, before outlining the current issue. I also reviewed notes from client telephone calls and expanded on the information provided. To gain a better understanding of the claim, I researched the claimant’s current medical condition, considering how it affected the claim and the potential compensation that could be awarded.

Overall experience

My week at Harrowells has been greatly insightful. Gaining experience in the medical negligence department has further confirmed my interest in this sector. During my time at Harrowells, this experience has given me a great understanding of law in practice. My time here has strengthened my ability to be analytical when identifying negligence in a case, and this experience has encouraged me to have more confidence in my abilities.   

I wanted to express how grateful I am for everyone’s support, encouragement and advice. The guidance I have received will be my motivation for my final year at university and my career progression when I finish my studies.