Where are they now?

Name:

Nick Parsons

Position then (1987):

Trainee solicitor

Position now (2007):

Head of the firm's insurance and public risk department

Nick began his career after qualifying as a personal injury lawyer, defending the many and various claims brought against local authorities and their insurers.

'At an early stage I became involved in some groundbreaking litigation involving hundreds of claims against the Social Services departments of some local authorities. I was fortunate to work with a partner in the firm who gave me much headroom on my cases so that I could make most of my own decisions. I learnt a lot and quickly, often as a result of my own mistakes! Crucially, my boss was always willing to give me advice and support me if I strayed out of my depth.'

Nick became a partner within four years of qualifying and went on to become head of the firm's insurance and public risk department.

'The buzz of leading a department is invigorating. You have to be adept in people leadership and have business acumen whilst at the same time keeping your clients happy and your own technical skills in shape.'

A few years ago Nick was also asked to join a foray into health law and medical negligence work.

'I was fortunate to be able to call upon an enthusiastic group of people to help me with this. It is very satisfying to break into a new area of practice and to develop a stronger business off the back of it.'

Fact file:

Nick is an expert in handling large-scale litigation and his experience includes:

• Defending numerous multi-claimant actions fought against local authorities in respect of negligence within their social services department. 
• Representing local authorities in claims arising out of alleged failure to educate (dyslexia) and bullying at school. 
• Handling many stress at work claims together with a wide variety of other employers liability and public liability actions. 
• Representing the local authority insurers at the public inquiry into children's homes in North Wales (The Waterhouse Inquiry). 
• Representing a consortium of NHS Trusts in North Yorkshire at the Kerr/Haslam Inquiry in 2004/05. 

He is also the client contact partner on several key accounts working with those clients to provide strategic portfolio management.

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