After qualifying as a solicitor in 1994, Tami Frankel has gathered a broad range of clinical negligence experience, and has operated as a partner at Gadsby Wicks since 2007. Tami has a particular interest in helping secondary victims seek compensation where the law allows.
Why did you become a medical negligence solicitor?
Growing up, I wanted to be a doctor or a forensic scientist, and always had something to say about fairness and redress.
A career as a medical negligence solicitor married my interests in medicine and forensics, and gave me the privileged opportunity to help protect peoples’ rights by pursuing compensation in cases where individuals are let down by healthcare professionals.
It is not just the potential to make positive changes to victims’ lives that drew me to medical negligence. The ability to inspire improvements in the care that professionals administer, and help prevent similar outcomes in the future, continue to drive my passion.
What is your legal background?
I graduated from University College London, and qualified as a solicitor in 1994, following training at top firm Rowe and Maw (now Mayer Brown). From there, I started work at Foinette Quinn (now Woodfines Solicitors), undertaking all civil litigation other than family.
After a move to Essex I joined Grays CAB briefly, before a longer 4-year period at Gepp & Sons (now Gepp Solicitors), where I became head of department for personal injury claims for claimants.
In 2001, I joined Gadsby Wicks to further specialise in clinical negligence. I was then made partner in 2007, and have been responsible for helping clients pursue the understanding and compensation they so rightly deserve.
What motivated you to join Gadsby Wicks?
Gadsby Wicks is a true innovator in clinical negligence law. They were one of the first firms to focus exclusively on this area of law, and among the earliest to operate under a conditional fee agreement.
I had always been aware of the firm’s impressive reputation, and having the opportunity to shape this as a partner has been a privilege.
We are fully committed to helping our clients achieve the best outcome, but are careful to manage unrealistic expectations along the way.
Tami FrankelI am committed to working to get my clients the answers they seek and the compensation which they need when they have been through some of the toughest times in their lives.
What are your responsibilities at Gadsby Wicks?
As a partner, I am responsible for managing a full and varied caseload of clinical negligence claims, and providing the best service possible.
My day-to-day is incredibly varied. One day I could be assessing medical records, considering witness statements or drafting instructions to barristers. The next, I may have to meet with clients, explain the investigation process or attend court case management hearings.
Whatever it is I am doing, I am constantly assessing and reassessing the chances of success and the next steps ahead. New pieces of evidence or information have the potential to impact the value of a claim and the duration of a case.
I am methodical and detail-oriented, but never lose track of the big picture.
I am also a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers and The Law Society, where I hold the Clinical Negligence accreditation for both.
What do you find fulfilling about your role?
Protecting victims’ rights and helping those affected obtain the compensation they deserve make my role incredibly fulfilling. I have seen just how much the settlement awarded can change someone’s life for the better.
Making meaningful, positive changes to the way hospitals and GPs operate is another element of my role that gives me great satisfaction.
I have also found myself working on difficult cases for secondary victims. Pursuing recompense for these groups has its unique challenges, but has been incredibly insightful.
Ms LightfootI really valued the support of the whole team, especially Tami, who always treated me with dignity and respect.
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