Biography
I’m a Solicitor in the Abuse Litigation and Clinical Negligence Team. I’ve worked at Irwin Mitchell since 2017, qualifying as a legal executive in 2020. I qualified as a solicitor in 2022.
Abuse Litigation
I act for Claimants who’ve suffered physical, sexual and other forms of abuse at the hands of carers/foster carers and other adults in a position of trust, such as teachers, social workers, employers and nurses/doctors. I have worked on a vast number of child sex exploitation/sex trafficking claims and taken part in many discussions around this over the years with the media.
I act for individuals who have suffered abuse in the sport industry, whether this be at the hands of trainers/coaches or who have suffered personal injury as a result of negligent practice. For example, I have been instructed on behalf of footballers, gymnasts, swimmers and other athletes.
I act for individuals and/or their families who have suffered abuse whilst in the care system, whether this be abuse at the hands of carers/nurses or failures to identify appropriate risks to residents (for example, those at risk of falling, using improper equipment and experienced abuse at the hands of other residents). I act for many protected/disabled individuals who have experienced abuse whilst in respite/day care settings (for example, inappropriate restraints, threats of violence and manhandling).
Clinical Negligence
I act for Claimants in a range of clinical negligence cases, including:
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Delays in diagnosis of cancer (for example, cervical cancer, breast cancer, prostrate cancer, bladder cancer)
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Orthopaedic cases (for example, delay in diagnosis of hip dysplasia, substandard knee/hip replacements)
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Gynaecology cases (for example, negligently performed hysterectomies, perineal tears suffered post-delivery, injuries sustained during birth)
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Urology cases (for example, testicular torsions, substandard catheter care, post-surgical infection, substandard removal of kidney stones)
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Spinal cord injuries (for example, cauda equina, spinal stroke, misdiagnosed fractures/breaks, errors in spinal surgery)
What do you like about working at Irwin Mitchell?
The best things about working at Irwin Mitchell are working in a team who’re experts in their field and delivering outstanding results for clients. I'm very fortunate to have a community around me who are constantly striving to be leaders in the industry and drive change forward.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
I love meeting some truly exceptional clients and being able to achieve a sum of compensation that accurately reflects the unthinkable experiences they have been through.
What inspired you to get into law?
I was inspired to get into law because I wanted to pursue a career where I could use my problem-solving and client care skills to help and support others in seeking justice. I love my job and thrive on the variety of cases and workload I have every day.
What do you do away from the office?
When time allows, I enjoy skiing (in the winter months) and spending time in the garden (in the summer months, when we're lucky enough to enjoy some warm weather!).
Spending time with and walking my golden retriever is also important for me and really helps me to decompress, unwind and remember life is about the little pleasures.
Testimonials
"I have been working with Jemma and Chris in the compensation department for nearly three years. In that time, they have done everything they possibly can to get me justice. They have gone above and beyond what any solicitor would do. They even travelled from Birmingham to Blackburn just to meet me. Extremely pleased with the result and I would highly recommend." - 5* Trustpilot review
“From beginning to end I felt special as a client. When I called and wanted information, I was always given good advice and I never felt like I was a nuisance. Jemma small and Chris were absolutely superb whereas I mostly dealt with Jemma she’s a kind and considerate young lady and I would totally recommend Irwin Mitchell to anybody who needed them.” - 5* Trustpilot review
“Time given by Christopher Hurlston and Jemma Small (Birmingham branch) was always given, with balanced perspective and experienced counsel, and notably with patience and empathy. I felt that I was treated as an individual and that my tragic experience was never forgotten or taken for granted as the legal processes ran their course. Their sensitivity throughout the case was outstanding; every time they asked me to provide further information they were acutely aware of the painful memories that I was having to revisit and acknowledged this with compassion.”- 5* Trustpilot review
“I was provided with a team of dedicated professionals for whom acted throughout for me, my best interest. Mr Hulston, Miss Small, Mr Daniel’s are an absolute credit and asset to Irwin Mitchell Solicitor’s. They treat you fairly, openly and actually listen, I know that been said is repetitive however I have had my fair share of legal representatives, and I had never experienced professionalism like what was bestowed upon me, my case.” - 5* Trustpilot review
“I began my claim back in 2016 and Christopher Hurlston and Jemma Small helped me a lot to successfully win my case. When my case began we had another solicitor but she left and we got Chris. He dealt with the case in a very professional manner and Jemma helped us a lot too. They both did an amazing job on getting a successful claim for me alongside the barrister Patricia Leonard. Thank you Chris and Jemma for your great work in order to help me.” - 5* Trustpilot review
