Meet our Solicitor and Partner Joanne Thompson!

March 2, 2020

Name: Joanne Thompson

Job Title: Partner

1. What is your role at Tayntons?

I am a Partner in the Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence department. I am responsible for claiming compensation on behalf of people injured in road traffic accidents, accidents at work or in the street. We also deal with claims for compensation for the victims of negligent medical treatment both through the NHS and on a private basis.

2. How long have you worked at Tayntons?

23 years

3. What led you to this career?

I took a degree in English at the university of York and then decided to do the conversion course to Law. I had worked for BUPA in the summer holidays and became interested in the legal aspects of their work. I applied for a training contract in Worcester, where I now live, and ended up in the Personal Injury department, mainly because no one else wanted to do it and I had always enjoyed the Law of Tort at college. I then applied for a role at Tayntons and stayed.

4. What training have you undertaken in your role?

I had to complete the Law society Finals and two years in training as a Trainee Solicitor before qualifying. Each year we undertake courses to keep up to date with current law decisions and changes to the Civil procedure Rules.

5. What is a typical day in the life of a Personal Injury Solicitor at Tayntons?

There is no typical day in PI as you could come into the office expecting to work on one file and then a new client comes in or a court order drops on your desk that requires immediate attention. On a day to day basis, we check emails that come in, deal with post and calls throughout the day as well as working on the files to progress the claims. As a partner I also have other responsibilities across the firm which can impact on the time spent fee earning.

6. What do you enjoy most about your job?

Getting the defendants to admit liability and achieving the appropriate settlement for the client. Sometimes the figures we achieve are life changing and mean an injured person will be able to get the care and assistance they need.

7. What’s a work related accomplishment that you are really proud of?

Settling a contested claim for full liability and getting the client an award in excess of 1.25 million, which meant he could get all the help that he needed. Also, getting liability in a claim for a brain injured client where the defendants had denied liability throughout meaning a settlement will now be possible to ensure he gets the full time care he needs.

8. What is your biggest work pet peeve?

Constant emails.

9. What is your go to productivity trick?

Have a cup of tea and come back to it.

10. What advice would you give to someone looking to become a Solicitor?

Make sure you are committed, adaptable to change, flexible in your approach and remember the devil is in the detail.

11. How do you unwind after a busy day at work?

I have two 17 year old boys and a husband – unwinding is not usually an option!

12. If you could add one thing to the office, what would it be?

A Gin bar.