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Tell us a little about your
career to date
I started as a trainee in 2002 at Barcan Woodward Solicitors in Bristol, my adopted hometown. I transferred to Withy King in 2009 and became a partner in 2013, where I focused on primarily birth and brain injury related work.
Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA) is an independent patient safety charity, providing advice and support to patients. It was through listening to the experiences of patients who had attempted to obtain redress and been badly let down by their legal advisors that led AvMA to pioneer the concept of clinical negligence as a separate specialism within legal practice. This led to the establishment of the
What made you apply for
AvMA Accreditation?
It has been high on my “to do” list for many a year, but heavy workloads and two children in the past five years interfered somewhat with getting the application completed...
first accreditation scheme for clinical negligence lawyers, the AvMA Specialist Clinical Negligence Panel.
Tell us about the
Accreditation process.
I suppose it can seem a little overwhelming to get off the ground
as there is a lot of detailed information to prepare and collate. However, the interview itself was a great opportunity to exchange thoughts and receive feedback.
How did you prepare your
application?
I definitely had to refresh my memory on my casework portfolio!
How did it feel on receiving
AvMA Accreditation?
It is certainly reassuring to know (after some detailed scrutiny) that you are doing a good job and to have that recognised.
What aspects of your
role do you find the most rewarding?
Most of my clients are children who
have suffered terrible brain injuries.The phenomenal strain it puts on families, no matter their circumstances, is palpable. Being able to alleviate that in some small way is hugely rewarding.
What aspects of your
role do you find most challenging?
Probably dealing with the Legal Aid Agency and their delightful “computer says no” portal and now vastly restricted funding options.
piece of advice to someone considering starting out, then what would that advice be?
Choose an area of law that genuinely interests you and for which you have a passion, otherwise it will be a long old slog!
If you could offer one
If you are approaching 4-5 years PQE and are considering specialist accreditation, contact policy@avma.org.uk to discuss preparing for panel membership. AvMA can advise you on the timing of your application, the type of experience they are looking for, and respond to any queries you might have about meeting the criteria. Don’t forget to contact PIC Magazine’s Editor to book in your interview once you receive accreditation!
www.pic.legal Autumn 2020
PARTNERS IN COSTS
AN INTERVIEW WITH...
Kerstin Scheel, clinical negligence partner at royds withy king.
PIC magazine caught up with Kerstin Scheel, Clinical Negligence Partner at Royds Withy King, to talk about where it all began and to discuss her recent accreditation to the AvMA Specialist Clinical Negligence Panel, an essential quality mark for those clinical negligence practitioners who place clients at the centre of their practice.
Who inspires you and why?
Working Mums who genuinely support other working mums, their wit, wisdom, tenacity and reassurance have enabled me to hold on to a full-time career and motherhood without losing my marbles!
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
Spending time with my two daughters (ideally on holiday in Cornwall) and the odd G&T (followed by a siesta whenever possible!). I also enjoy going back to the North West of Ireland to see my family.
If you weren’t in your current role, what would your dream job be?
It would probably be in production or research for television documentaries.
What does the future hold for you?
If only I knew! Life post the arrival of Covid-19 has a somewhat surreal quality to it at times and I think we have all had to learn to live a lot more in the moment
– lawyers with their need for fore-thought and planning, generally speaking, aren’t naturals at this.
If you would like to know how you can support AvMA the Charity visit https://www.avma.org.uk/support-us/ for details
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