Specialising in traumatic brain injuries and remote working

I started working at Minster in January 2022 as an associate and am now a Partner remote working in the serious injury team at Minster Law, specialising in traumatic brain injury cases. I lead a small team that includes two assistant fee earners and a paralegal. We work collaboratively to achieve the best outcomes for our clients. I also take mentoring seriously, aiming to support my team in reaching their potential and career goals.

I have been with Minster Law for four years and have been working remotely for the same period. Initially, I attended the office for some inductions, but now I mainly work remotely from Northumberland due to living a distance from the office. However, I regularly attend for team meetings, training, and business development, as maintaining face-to-face contact remains important for reaffirming relationships, strengthening team bonds and sharing knowledge

I primarily use Microsoft Teams for remote work, which allows me to connect with colleagues, experts, and clients in a personal and efficient manner. Teams’ chats are also valuable for quick communication and maintaining an office-like environment remotely. Minster Law also excels in maintaining remote connectivity with regular team meetings, technical discussions, and monthly check-ins.

One of the main challenges during the transition to remote work was the loss of social interaction typically experienced in an office environment. With remote working continuing to be the norm since Covid, it is important to find ways to replace this informal learning and interaction. This makes structured mentoring even more important, ensuring the next level of talent is supported and developed through regular discussion, explanation and shared understanding of decision-making and priorities.

Working remotely has increased my efficiency. The time saved from commuting can be utilised more effectively on file work. I maintain productivity by having a designated home office, planning my day effectively, and meeting set targets. I have received positive feedback from managers about my performance and achievement of targets, including my increased time recording whilst working from home.

Furthermore, remote work has positively impacted my work-life balance. It offers greater flexibility in work hours without the stress of commuting, while having a designated home office helps me to separate work from my personal life effectively.

I start my day similarly to an office routine but benefit from a shorter commute. I structure my day around checking and responding to incoming emails, planned work on files, and checking and adhering to deadlines, taking breaks to ensure productivity and a clear separation between work and personal life. I ensure I take a lunch break and will usually walk my dogs which moves me away from my desk and clears my mind.

I maintain a healthy work environment by closing my office door to the rest of my house which minimises distractions. Though there have been occasional technical issues, they are generally resolved quickly through an online reporting system and IT helpline. Minster Law provides training modules on remote working to support effective remote work practices.

I advise new remote workers to engage as much as possible with colleagues, attend team meetings, and participate in events to get to know people. Ensure you have clear boundaries and structure your day. Take a break, grab a cup of tea, and ensure you have a lunch break as this allows you to remain focused. Asking to be allocated a work buddy can also provide an instant connection and broader social network.

Minster Law’s serious injury team is one of the largest in the UK, with specialists in head and brain injuries, spinal injuries, and injuries resulting in amputation and limb damage. Take a look at our available opportunities on our vacancies page.