MDDUS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Joint Deputy Head of Legal ( London )
Adam qualified as a solicitor in 2012 having trained at Wilkins Beaumont Suckling. Following qualification, he joined Kennedys Law LLP in September 2012, specialising in healthcare law and representing NHS Trusts and private insurers in clinical negligence claims (including complex and high-value claims) and inquests. Adam joined MDDUS in 2016 and specialises in regulatory law, claims and inquests.
Alexandra has specialised in healthcare law since qualifying as a solicitor in 2008. She trained and qualified at Barlow Lyde & Gilbert (now Clyde & Co) and subsequently joined DAC Beachcroft in 2011. She joined MDDUS in-house legal team in 2014, bringing with her extensive experience of defending complex, high-value clinical negligence claims for a range of healthcare clients across both the public and private sectors. In addition to defending civil litigation claims, she also provides advice and support to healthcare professionals involved in coroner's inquests and regulatory matters. Alexandra has a degree in Law from the University of Manchester and studied the LPC at the College of Law in Guildford.
Sara qualified as a solicitor in 2006. She trained at Bevan Brittan LLP where she gained experience of NHS claims, inquests, professional regulation, mental health and general health law. She obtained a degree in English Literature from Oxford University. Sara joined the MDDUS in October 2006.
Blessing began her career as a Legal Apprentice earning a Business Administration qualification. During this time, she gained experience in property law and litigation focusing on family and property disputes. She also served as the general overseer (Accountant) in charge of the financial accounts and transactions of the firm, where she worked closely with the managing partner. Subsequently, she joined Slater and Gordon Lawyers in the clinical negligence team, as a Legal Assistant, where she gained invaluable experience in clinical negligence and personal injury cases from the claimant's perspective. Blessing is currently studying LLB (Hons) Part-time at the University of Law.
Chris Kenny, Chief Executive, said: "This vote of confidence by the government in the mutual sector and its distinctive democratic and member-focused ethos is very welcome."
MDDUS Chief Executive, Chris Kenny, said: "This commitment to zero-tolerance directly addresses one of the five key asks for the new government we published last month."
MDDUS Chief Executive, Chris Kenny, said: "There is no excuse or justification for what has been happening on our streets. All healthcare workers deserve to go to work in safety and without fear of abuse or attack."
Clare has specialised in healthcare law since she qualified in 2005. She trained at Bevan Brittan and worked at Kennedys before joining the MDDUS in 2009. Clare is experienced in defending healthcare professionals, private hospitals and NHS Trusts in clinical negligence claims as well as advising on inquests and other aspects of healthcare law including capacity and mental health law. Clare has a degree in English from the University of Sheffield and studied law at the College of Law, London.
Connie obtained a degree in management from The University of Nottingham in 2021 before going on to complete the Graduate Diploma in Law at BPP University Law School in 2022. She joined MDDUS as a paralegal in October 2022.
Daryl read law at the University of Hertfordshire before completing the Legal Practice Course at the Oxford Institute of Legal Practice in 2011. Daryl joined the MDDUS legal department in 2014, working as a Paralegal and Case Assistant before qualifying as a Solicitor in May 2022. Daryl practices in clinical negligence, professional regulation and coroner's inquests.
Job Titles:
- Hons ), Notary Public / Team Leader and Senior Lawyer
Denise qualified as a solicitor in 2005. She graduated with a law degree from the University of Glasgow in 2002 and trained at Shepherd and Wedderburn. Since qualifying, she has specialised in medico-legal work and has experience in defending high value, complex clinical negligence actions in the Court of Session, representing doctors and dentists in disciplinary proceedings before NHS tribunals and the General Medical and General Dental Councils, and representing doctors in fatal accident inquiries and public inquiries. Denise is also a Notary Public. Denise joined the MDDUS in May 2008.
Dr Naeem Nazem, head of medical at MDDUS, said: "Our own research shines a light on the harsh reality of working life for many doctors, particularly those who qualified overseas and now work in the NHS."
Dr Naeem Nazem, head of medical at MDDUS, said: "By investing in our colleagues, we've developed an expert team ready to provide advice to our growing membership."
Job Titles:
- Director of Professional Services and General Counsel
MDDUS Director of Professional Services and General Counsel, Emma Parfitt said: "This case provides a clear reference point for medical defence, setting a precedent that will be referenced for years to come."
Emma has 25 years' experience in healthcare law and in addition to her law degree has a French Diploma of Law from Universite de Picardie Jules Vernes in Amiens, France. She has advised and represented medical and dental organisations, private hospital groups and insurance companies on a range of healthcare issues including a significant number of high value complex clinical negligence cases in a range of fields including cerebral palsy cases. She also has extensive experience in representing both doctors and dentists in a wide variety of areas including regulatory, inquests and military inquiries. In her role as General Counsel she deals with a range of corporate, strategy and policy issues. Emma joined the MDDUS in October 2006 and was appointed Director of Professional Services and General Counsel in 2016. (Appointed to the Board in 2019).
James qualified as a solicitor in 2006 having trained at London based law firm Anthony Gold where he gained experience in a wide variety of clinical negligence claims, including both medical and dental. James read physiology and medical sciences at Edinburgh University before studying law. He joined the MDDUS in 2008.
Jane qualified as a solicitor in 2015 having trained at Edinburgh-based law firm Anderson Strathern, where she gained experience in a wide variety of clinical negligence claims, fatal accident inquiries, professional regulation and general health law. Jane read neuroscience at the University of Glasgow before studying law and is also a notary public. She joined MDDUS in 2015.
Jennie read History at Plymouth University before studying Law at Bristol and qualified in 2015. Jennie has extensive experience in Healthcare Law, acting on behalf of both Claimants and Defendants and has experience working in Private Practice and for the NHS on a range of healthcare issues including high value complex clinical negligence cases, inquests, and court of protection cases.
Jeremy qualified as a solicitor in March 2009 having trained at Kennedys Law LLP, where he gained substantial experience in defending a wide range of clinical negligence claims, including complex and high-value claims. He has represented NHS Trusts, GPs, dentists and private hospitals/consultants and also acted for NHS Trusts at coroner's inquests. Jeremy obtained a degree in History and Politics at Warwick University. He then studied law at Kingston University and the LPC at the College of Law in Guildford. He joined MDDUS in February 2017.
Joana read Law at the University of Kent, Canterbury, graduating in 2015. She completed her LPC MSc in Law, Business and Management at the University of Law in 2016. Joana joined the MDDUS in 2016 and gained experience in clinical negligence claims, regulatory matters and coroner's inquests. Joana qualified into the Legal Department of the MDDUS in May 2022.
Job Titles:
- Senior Independent Director
- Vice - Chair
Job Titles:
- Senior Lawyer and Practice Development Manager
Joanna graduated with a law degree from the University of Glasgow in 2004 and qualified as a solicitor in Scots Law in 2007, following a traineeship with Shepherd & Wedderburn. After qualification, she specialised in professional indemnity insurance litigation in Dundas and Wilson, before joining MDDUS in 2011. Joanna has considerable experience in defending complex regulatory and clinical negligence cases.
Johanna read Law at the University of Edinburgh and graduated in 2011 with a 1st class medical law dissertation. She then completed the Graduate Diploma in Law and the Legal Practice Course at BPP in London. Johanna then worked as a police station representative at Hollingsworth Edwards Solicitors followed by two years working as a medical/dental law paralegal at the Medical Defence Union. Johanna joined the MDDUS in December 2016 and has experience of clinical negligence claims, regulatory law and inquests.
Kalani joined MDDUS in August 2022. She obtained a degree in Biomedical Sciences BSc from St George's University of London in 2014 and completed the Graduate LLB and LPC at BPP London. She qualified as a solicitor in 2021, having trained at Hempsons in London, where she gained experience in employment law, clinical negligence claims, inquests and regulatory matters. Prior to qualifying as a solicitor, Kalani worked as a paralegal at the Medical Defence Union and at RadcliffesLeBrasseur in their healthcare department, broadening her claims experience by representing individual doctors and dentists in complex and high-value matters.
Katy has specialised in healthcare law since she qualified as a solicitor in 2012. She trained at Barlow Lyde & Gilbert (now Clyde & Co) and subsequently joined Capsticks LLP in 2012. Katy has experience of defending complex, high-value clinical negligence claims against NHS Trusts, private doctors and other healthcare professionals. Katy also has experience of advising medical malpractice insurers on indemnity issues. Katy has a degree in law from the University of Leeds and studied the LPC at the College of Law in Moorgate. She joined MDDUS in August 2016.
Kim Johnstone, Director of People and Corporate Services, said: "This award is a testament to the outstanding people at MDDUS who make it a brilliant place to work."
Lauren obtained her Law degree from Aberystwyth University in 2010, and a Masters degree in Legal Aspects of Medical Practice from Cardiff University in 2012. She qualified in 2017.
Prior to joining MDDUS in 2021, Lauren worked in-house at the GDC for 8 years where she gained extensive experience in regulatory / disciplinary proceedings. Lauren specialises in regulatory law, inquests, and clinical negligence claims.
Job Titles:
- Hons ), Dip LP, Notary Public / Deputy Head of Legal ( Scotland )
Lindsey graduated from the University of Aberdeen in 1992 and qualified as a solicitor in Scots Law in 1994. She then pursued a career with UK Law firm Shepherd & Wedderburn specialising in personal injury and family law. Lindsey developed an interest in medical law and over the course of the last 20 years has specialised in this area. She has considerable experience in defending high value and complex negligence claims in the Court of Session. She also advises and represents members before the GMC and GDC and undertakes fatal accident inquiries and public inquiries. Lindsey is also a notary public. She joined MDDUS in April 2009.
Louise graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2015. After graduating she worked at the Scottish Law Commission and in South Korea for a couple of years. She completed her traineeship at Balfour+Manson LLP qualifying as a solicitor in 2020 before moving to Clyde & Co to specialise in defending healthcare litigation. Louise has experience in both pursuing and defending high value, complex clinical negligence claims, pre-litigation, in the sheriff courts and the Court of Session. She has experience in regulatory work including before the General Medical and General Dental Councils, and representing doctors in public inquiries. Louise joined MDDUS in January 2023.
Lucy obtained a degree in geography at the University of Birmingham. She then completed a Graduate Diploma in Law and the Legal Practice Course at BBP Law School. Following this Lucy worked as a paralegal for a claimant clinical negligence law firm. Prior to joining the MDDUS Lucy worked in the Legal Department of a large NHS Trust. Lucy joined the MDDUS in May 2015 and has experience of clinical negligence claims, regulatory law and inquests.
Job Titles:
- Dip LP, Notary Public / Senior Lawyer
Lyn graduated with a law degree from the University of Edinburgh in 1986 and qualified as a solicitor in 1989. She pursued a career with UK law firm Dundas & Wilson specialising in indemnity/insurance litigation before moving to Balfour & Manson as a partner in 1999. From 2003 she was a partner at niche insurance litigation firm HBM Sayers before joining MDDUS in January 2012. She has a wealth of experience of defending clients in complex negligence claims in the Court of Session, the Sheriff Courts and at fatal accident inquiries and public inquiries. She is a trained mediator and a notary public.
Maissa read law at the University of Durham and completed both her LLB and Master of Laws there. She began working as a paralegal at MDDUS in February 2023. Maissa currently assists the solicitors within the legal services department with private medical and dental negligence claims as well as coroner's inquests.
Mark graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2009, before obtaining a Master's Degree in Medical Law in 2012. He trained at Peacock Johnston Solicitors, and qualified as a solicitor in 2011. Since qualifying, he has pursued a career specialising in healthcare litigation with both NHS Central Legal Office and Medical Protection Society, before joining MDDUS. Mark has experience in both pursuing and defending high value, complex clinical negligence claims, pre-litigation, in the Sheriff Courts and the Court of Session. He also has experience in representing doctors and health boards at GMC and GDC Hearings, Fatal Accident Inquiries, and is also a Notary Public. Mark joined MDDUS in November 2019 as a medical practice adviser, before moving to the legal team in January 2022.
Job Titles:
- Team Leader and Senior Lawyer
Nicola trained and qualified as a solicitor in 2008 at Nabarro. She subsequently joined Fishburns (now DWF) where she specialised in healthcare law. Nicola has experience of defending a wide variety of clinical and dental negligence claims. She also has extensive experience of representing doctors and dentists at fitness to practice proceedings and at Inquests. Nicola obtained a degree in politics at Durham University and then studied law at BPP in London. She joined MDDUS in February 2014.
Olivia graduated in Politics and International Studies from Warwick University in 2019, before going on to complete the Graduate Diploma in Law at BPP University Law School in Waterloo in 2020. She joined MDDUS as a paralegal in March 2022.
Job Titles:
- Team Leader and Senior Lawyer
Rebecca read Law at the University of Cardiff and graduated in 2009. She then completed the Legal Practice Course at the College of Law in Guildford and worked as a paralegal at Capsticks Solicitors where she dealt with a variety of clinical negligence claims for the NHS Litigation Authority. Rebecca joined MDDUS in December 2013 as a case assistant, became a trainee solicitor in November 2015 and qualified into the legal department in July 2017.
Sarah qualified as a solicitor in 2015, having trained at BLM in London. Here she gained experience in clinical negligence claims, inquests and regulatory matters, representing healthcare professionals at the GMC, GDC and GOC. Sarah subsequently joined Clyde and Co, broadening her claims experience by representing NHS Trusts, GPs, dentists and private insurers, often in complex and high-value matters. She obtained a degree in Law and Criminology from the University of Sheffield and studied the LPC at the College of Law, London. Sarah joined MDDUS in January 2023.
Sevi read International Relations with French at the University of Birmingham before completing a law conversion. He has gone on to complete the LPC and joined MDDUS as a paralegal in October 2022.
Sharon has a wealth of experience in defending and pursuing personal injury and public liability claims, having worked as a claims handler for major insurance companies since 1990. Sharon joined MDDUS in December 2006 and graduated from Strathclyde University in 2011 with a Specialist Paralegal Qualification in Civil Court Practice. Since joining MDDUS, she has gained considerable experience in defending dental negligence and medical negligence claims, pre-litigation, in the Sheriff Courts and the Court of Session.
Sophie read Government and Law BA Hons at the University of Manchester and graduated in 2002. Sophie completed her LPC at the College of Law in London in 2003. Sophie worked as paralegal at RadcliffesLeBrassur in their Healthcare Department where she gained experience assisting on GMC and GDC cases, clinical negligence claims and inquests. Sophie then completed her training contract with RadlcliffesLeBrassur and qualified as a solicitor in 2008. Sophie has worked for a number of law firms including Charles Russell Speechly, advising on pharmacy law and regulation, and Irwin Mitchell, acting on behalf of claimants in clinical negligence claims and inquests. Sophie joined the MDDUS in May 2016.
Job Titles:
- Joint Deputy Head of Legal ( London )