As part of my seat in the Clinical Negligence team I had the opportunity to attend a conference with Counsel and medical experts in London. As the conference was in the afternoon I was able to spend the morning in Michelmores’ London office.
Although I am originally from Greater London, I had not visited Chancery Lane before and therefore made full use of ‘Google maps’ to locate the office. I had a thoroughly enjoyable morning; I was able to acquaint myself with the London office and members of the London team. I was then able to walk with my supervisor to the chambers in the afternoon. I was lucky enough to be attending a conference with three highly qualified medical experts, as well as Counsel and my supervisor, Bernadette McGhie, who herself was a qualified general and paediatric nurse before she became a solicitor.
It was fascinating to hear the nitty-gritty of a clinical negligence claim, although with no medical background, I think a lot of the medical jargon went sailing over my head! However, by the end of the conference I had, dare I say it, improved my medical knowledge a little, whilst my shorthand had improved a lot.
Within the same week, I was also able to attend my first in person court hearing. As the hearing was in Torquay, I was able to experience the journey between Exeter and Torquay along the seafront and admire the scenic views. Unfortunately, I had not had the foresight to bring warm clothing for waiting on various station platforms, but managed to borrow a scarf and find a very large fur coat in the boot of my car. Although I may have looked a tad overdressed for court, I was able to wriggle out of my winter attire before entering the court room. The hearing was really interesting and the whole experience very beneficial. I hope to be invited along next time!
