Maurice Blackburn.

When did you join that firm?

May 2000.

When were you made a partner of that firm?

2010.

Which firm were you at most recently prior to this?

I did my articles at DLA Piper, followed by a stint as associate to His Honour Judge Wodak of the County Court, before coming to Maurice Blackburn in 2000.

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What practice group are you with?

Medical negligence. We have the largest plaintiff medical negligence practice nationally and act exclusively on behalf of injured patients or the families of deceased patients.
What has been the most significant change to your practice area during your career?
The increasing complexity of litigation. Statutory incursion into the common law, in particular, caps, thresholds and codification of the law in the Wrongs Act 1958, and reduction in time limits. Also, our practice has experienced incredible growth over the last 10 years.  

What has been a major career highlight for you?

There has not been not one highlight, but many. Seeing injured clients get properly compensated and representing families at inquests where systemic failures are exposed and recommendations for change are implemented. It’s a privilege to be a part of people’s life journey and for people to put their trust in us. Another highlight for me personally was achieving accreditation as a personal injuries specialist.

What do you like about being a lawyer?

I enjoy the intellectual stimulation and investigative aspects of the work while engaging with real people and achieving outcomes that will make a difference to their lives. Medical negligence work is high risk but immeasurably rewarding. I know that our work leads to improvements in medical practice contributing to better health outcomes overall. I get satisfaction from interacting with clients, explaining and assisting them in accessing the law. I am driven about providing excellent service and being the lawyer I would want to have representing me should I need one. I also enjoy the collegiate environment of our team and the wider firm.

What do you find challenging?

Keeping all the balls in the air: balancing file-work, business development, committee work – involving colleagues across the profession at the LIV, and team building while also maintaining a healthy personal and family life. Hard cases involving complex medicine and ensuring there are no gaps in the evidence that will make the case vulnerable. Generally, the relentless pressure of litigation; the life of a litigation lawyer can be unpredictable, so you have to learn to expect the unexpected no matter how well you plan.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

Spending time with my two boys. Last year I had the pleasure of introducing my sons to their great grandparents in Greece. I try to catch up with friends and entertaining. Holidays in the sun and travelling, reading and, the ultimate escape, music. Although, there never seems to be enough time for it, when I can I enjoy good art and design and searching for second-hand treasures.