Eddie Hooper's Journey in Personal Injury Law: A Six-Month Training Experience
Released On 13th Mar 2025
Over the past six months, Eddie Hooper has been immersed in the world of Personal Injury law as a Trainee Solicitor in the department. From working on high-stakes cases involving burn victims and asbestosis claims to handling more complex matters such as fatal accidents, spinal fractures, and brain injuries, Eddie's journey so far has been both demanding and rewarding.
Despite the often grim and overwhelming nature of personal injury cases, Eddie has found the subject matter deeply interesting, particularly when it comes to understanding how personal injury claims are valued. His interest in this field was sparked during his time in the Dispute Resolution department, where he worked on a personal injury case that ended in a settlement worth over £4 million. Witnessing such a significant settlement firsthand ignited a curiosity in Eddie that would later shape his career path in the Personal Injury sector.
The last six months have been filled with learning experiences that have enriched Eddie’s knowledge, not just of personal injury claims, but also of the broader legal process, particularly the court procedures involved. Throughout this time, Eddie has had the opportunity to draft various key legal documents, such as Particulars of Claim, Witness Statements, and Instructions to Counsel. These tasks have honed his legal drafting skills and provided invaluable insight into the practicalities of law.
In addition to his drafting work, Eddie has also met clients and even conducted site visits, which have allowed him to understand the real-world impact of these cases. Visiting the scene of an accident or meeting with victims can be emotionally challenging, but it’s an important aspect of the work that has given him a deeper appreciation for the human side of personal injury law.
Alongside his day-to-day work, Eddie has been pursuing the SQE 1 and 2 LLM qualification. He sat for his SQE 1 exam in January, which included topics on Tort Law.
The combination of academic study and practical experience has proven to be mutually beneficial. The theory learned in his studies has helped him better understand the cases he’s worked on, while the practical experience has enhanced his grasp of legal concepts.
One of Eddie’s proudest achievements during this training period has been his work alongside Mr. Fawden, the head of the Personal Injury department, where he helped secure damages exceeding £500,000 for clients. In addition, Eddie successfully managed to settle one of his own cases, a milestone that has been incredibly rewarding in his development as a solicitor.
The past six months have provided Eddie with a unique and invaluable learning experience. The skills and knowledge he’s gained in Personal Injury law will no doubt serve as a solid foundation as he moves on to his next seat in the Private Client department. As he reflects on his time in the Personal Injury team, Eddie can look back with pride on how far he’s come and the lasting impact this experience will have on his career in law.
Looking ahead, Eddie is excited to apply the transferable skills he’s developed and continue growing in the legal profession. His time in the Personal Injury department has not only taught him about the law, but also about the importance of empathy, diligence, and resilience in the practice of law.
