Page 20 - PIC-Magazine-Issue-22-Spring-Summer

An Interview with
I also find supervising and assisting the junior members of the team rewarding as I enjoy helping others learn and progress in their careers.
What aspects of your role do you find most challenging?
Advising clients that there are no prospects of succeeding with their claim. This is tough, because most of the time they have been subjected to an appalling standard of care, but there just isn’t the evidence we need to meet the legal tests. In addition, some cases are very difficult to bring now due to government reforms to rules regarding proportionality and it can be hard to advise clients that this is the case.
If you could offer one piece of advice to someone considering
starting out, then what would
that advice be?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions
and learn from those in more senior positions. It’s better to ask lots of questions than to struggle and make mistakes.
What inspires
you and why?
My clients – they have
been through the most harrowing experiences that most people would not even be able to imagine. They conduct themselves with great dignity even when their patience is being tested.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I am an avid rugby league fan and watch Warrington Wolves on a regular basis. I also love going to music festivals and concerts.
If you weren’t in your current role, what would your dream job be?
When I was younger, I wanted to be a marine biologist - I am glad that I settled on the career I did though!
What does the future hold for you? Continuing to provide
an excellent service for my clients, obtaining the answers they are looking for, and helping to nurture the younger members of the legal profession.
Jodie Miller
Partner at JMW Solicitors LLP
and now accredited to the AvMA Specialist Clinical Negligence Panel
To view Jodie's work profile visit:
www.jmw.co.uk/people/jodie-miller
Tell us a little about your career to date.
I started work as a paralegal
for Pannone LLP in February 2010, having completed my degree in 2007 and my Legal Practice Course in 2009. Prior to working in the legal sector,
I worked for the NHS assisting with assessment of GP practices.
I commenced my training contract
in September 2011 and qualified into the medical negligence department
at Pannone in March 2013, where I continued to work until they were taken over by Slater & Gordon in 2014. I worked at Slater & Gordon for a number of years, being promoted to associate in 2016.
I moved to the medical negligence department at JMW in August 2017 and was promoted to partner in May 2023.
What made you apply of AvMA Accreditation? I have been aware of the
great work that AvMA do for a number of years, having worked on their helpline when I was a paralegal/trainee. At the point of application, I felt I had built the necessary skills to become accredited and assist those seeking help from AvMA. I also strongly believe that people who’ve been harmed by poor medical care should be represented
by specialist solicitors. The AvMA accreditation helps people to find solicitors who are very experienced in this area.
Tell us about the Accreditation Process. The initial part of the
accreditation process involves preparing an application form and a
number of case reports. These are
then assessed by AvMA, who determine whether the applicant can move to
the interview stage. An interview of around 2.5 hours then takes place
with two panel members, who then discuss the applicant with other panel members before advising the applicant of the outcome.
How did you prepare your Application?
I prepared my written
application over a number of weeks, using examples from cases I had worked on, referencing training I had attended over recent years and reviewing/discussing my application with my head of department.
How did it feel on receiving AvMA Accreditation?
I felt proud and excited to work to support those seeking assistance from AvMA. AvMA is a well-respected organisation that advocates for improved patient safety so it’s a privilege to be recognised by them.
What aspects of your role do you find most rewarding?
Achieving good outcomes for my clients and finding the answers
they are looking for. When a client comes to me, they can be at one of
the lowest points in their life and often don’t feel like things can ever get better. Securing compensation for them
can be life-changing and provide the support they need to move forward. Finally knowing what went wrong
and why can also help them to heal mentally.
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