My Minster Journey – Matthew Itson
At Minster Law, every journey matters. In this series, we’re spotlighting colleagues from across the business to share their stories, exploring the paths they’ve taken, the challenges they’ve overcome, and why they’ve chosen Minster Law as the place to build their careers.
This time, we’re speaking to Matthew Itson, Associate Solicitor in the Serious Injury team, whose journey from temp to Grade A solicitor is a testament to growth, grit, and the power of mentorship.
Why I chose Minster Law
“I joined Minster Law through a temping agency while halfway through my law conversion course. Initially, I hadn’t given much thought to personal injury law at this point. I was more focused on building my legal experience generally and supporting my family.
“But what started as a short-term gig quickly became something so much more. I found myself drawn to the work and the people, and when a paralegal role came up in the Serious Injury team, my manager encouraged me to apply. That was in March 2014, and I’ve never looked back.”
My experience
“I started as a paralegal supporting a solicitor who handled catastrophic injury claims, including brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. It was eye-opening to be exposed to some of the most complex and high-value cases at this early stage in my career. I got to visit clients, attend settlement meetings, and work closely with solicitors with 10, 15 or even 20 years’ experience, all while finishing my law conversion and studying for the LPC.”
“That hands-on experience was the best training I could’ve asked for. I learned how to gather the right information, how it all fits together to serve the client and the business, and how to work collaboratively to get the best possible outcome. It gave me a real-world understanding of personal injury law that I was able to apply to my studies.”
My role and responsibilities
“After securing a training contract (which was nerve-wracking, applying somewhere you already work!), I qualified in 2019 and returned to Serious Injury as a Grade C solicitor. I then moved to being an Assistant Fee Earner in 2021 and spent around two and a half years working back on high value, catastrophic claims as the associate’s assisting solicitors before being promoted to Grade A solicitor in October 2024.”
“Now, I lead some of the most complex cases we handle, supporting injured parties and their families through every stage of the process. I’ve had the chance to go to attend a crucial application hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice , build deep relationships with Counsel and rehabilitation providers, and see firsthand how advances in technology like prosthetics and orthotics are changing lives.”
The Minster way
“What really sets Minster Law apart is the culture of openness and collaboration and a deep sense of pride in growing their own. From day one, I’ve felt supported. People at every stage have taken the time out of their busy schedules to mentor me, to recognise the potential in me , and to put me with the right people to help me grow.”
“I think it’s rare to be at a firm where the senior leaders are so generous with their time and are rooting for you to succeed. I’ve never felt like I couldn’t pick up the phone and ask for help. That kind of accessibility and warmth is rare.”
Advice for others
“My advice is to be curious and observant. Take the time to understand what drives you and watch how others work: you’ll learn a lot just by paying attention and picking up on ‘soft skills’ they don’t teach at university but are crucial in managing relationships with Counsel, medical experts, clients and opponents. Minster Law is great at recognising potential and putting people in the right places to grow, but you’ve got to be open to learning and willing to put the work in.”
