Balancing a Career in Serious Injury with Chronic Illness

Living with Crohn’s disease while building a career in serious injury is not something I ever expected to navigate, but it is now a defining part of my professional journey.

When I joined Minster Law as an Assistant Fee Earner, I knew the role would be demanding. Balancing that with my ongoing treatment, flare-ups, and regular hospital appointments added another layer of complexity. What has made the difference, however, is the level of understanding and flexibility I have received at Minster. I am able to attend monthly hospital appointments without issue, and there is a genuine appreciation of the need to prioritise health alongside work.

Being able to manage my health without fear or difficulty has given me to the capacity on developing in my role. Having previously worked on fast-track and multi-track cases at other firms, stepping into a serious injury environment has been an eye-opener. Working alongside some of the most experienced serious injury lawyers in the country has reshaped my understanding of how these cases should be handled. At Minster Law, the focus is on quality over quantity, with smaller caseloads and a team-based approach that ensures clients receive the attention they deserve.

My role is varied and rewarding. It can involve attending clients in hospital or at home, participating in conferences with counsel and Joint Settlement Meetings, and preparing detailed documents such as witness statements and schedules of loss. I have also been involved in multi-disciplinary team meetings with rehabilitation case managers, therapists, and defendant representatives, all working collaboratively to achieve the best possible outcomes for clients.

Alongside managing my role and health, I have also been able to progress within the firm. Minster Law provides a clear pathway for development, which was reflected in my promotion to a Grade B Assistant Fee Earner at the end of 2025. This was an important milestone and reinforced that progression is achievable, even when managing challenges outside of work.

The firm also encourages staff to give back to the charity that is close to their hearts. Through its CSR initiative, I have been able to spend time at the hospital contributing to an IBD bioresearch study, something that is personally very important to me.

For me, this role has been a turning point in my career. It has shown that, with the right support and environment, it is entirely possible to build a rewarding career in serious injury law whilst managing a chronic condition. Feeling supported has not only enabled me to stay well, but to grow, contribute and progress with confidence.

Interested to join Minster? Check out our vacancies page here