My Experience as a Trainee Solicitor in the Clinical Negligence Team.

Prior to starting my training contract I always knew that I wanted to experience a seat in the Clinical Negligence Department and I was lucky enough to get this opportunity in my second seat. Having considered a medical career before deciding on law, I was interested to see how the area may combine my two interests, and it definitely did not disappoint.

When I first started my seat I was, however, slightly apprehensive about the challenge of not only understanding the law and procedure involved, but also the complex medical issues and frequent use of medical terms unknown to me. Over time I realised that I was slowly picking things up and after just a few weeks in the team I felt a lot more comfortable. I found it helpful, for anyone who may be starting a seat or career in a department like clinical negligence, to collate my own medical terms glossary as I went.

Another common apprehension is the emotional impact of the subject matter in departments like clinical negligence. In my experience, whilst there are undoubtedly times where cases and new enquiries can be upsetting and challenging, there is an overwhelming sense that the work of the department is helping people often in some of their most difficult times. Furthermore, I found that the team at Lanyon Bowdler were extremely supportive in looking out for each other as well as their clients when having what can be quite difficult conversations.

The different cases and enquiries that I came across during my six months were both varied and engaging. From speaking with new, potential clients, to clients who were years into their claim, I had the opportunity to work on a variety of matters all with unique circumstances and at different stages. My tasks included things such as:

• drafting witness statements
• drafting letters of approach and letters of instruction to experts
• attending client meetings
• requesting and reporting on medical records
• taking new enquiries
• attending conferences
• interpreting expert reports
• liaising with clients

I saw first-hand the incredible relationships that the solicitors have with their clients and the way in which a career in law can be used to support people.

Within the Clinical Negligence Team everyone was very friendly and always more than happy to answer my questions and point me in the right direction. I feel as though I developed so many key skills during my time in the Clinical Negligence Team that I now take forward with me into future seats, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone considering what area of law to explore!