Life at Switalskis

People stories

In conversation with Laura Cates: Promoted as part of the Swits Career Programme

By Laura Cates

Published In: People Stories

We caught up with Laura Cates, associate solicitor in our medical negligence team. Laura's work placement led to a training contacts and subsequent promotion on the Swits Career Development Programme.

"I enjoy hybrid working. When I am in the office, I use this as time to speak with colleagues about their thoughts on cases and anything relevant within the news for example, a judgment. When I am at home, I use this time to complete detailed pieces of work without the distraction of the office. I’m also able to get out on a lunch time to walk my Sproodle!"

Question:

Have you always wanted to be a lawyer?

Answer:

I always thought I'd become a teacher growing up but during secondary school I became more interested in law due to personal circumstances. At A Level, I chose subjects which complimented the law - Law, Psychology and Philosophy and Ethics. I then found the degree at Northumbria University that also taught you practically how things work in the real world.

Question:

What's been your career story so far?

Answer:

I attended Northumbria University between 2012 and 2016 and received a Masters in Law. In April 2014, during my second year of university, I completed a one-week work experience placement at Pryers Solicitors (now Switalskis) in York. I worked on various ongoing cases in the firm, attended a telephone hearing and I had the opportunity to look at and discuss various court documents which later helped with my assessment for Tort, Litigation and Evidence.

In August 2016, after graduating, I joined Pryers on a permanent basis. I started in the firm as a paralegal working in the New Enquiry team which involved being the first point of contact for those thinking about making a clinical negligence claim, discussing funding agreements and reviewing investigation reports and medical records.

In November 2017, I moved into Carmel Walsh's team working on my own caseload while assisting senior members of the team with claims involving complex issues, including birth injuries.

In January 2019, I started my training contract and qualified as a solicitor in July 2020.

In January 2023, I was promoted to an Associate Solicitor as part of the Switalskis Career Development Programme.

Question:

Tell us about your typical day

Answer:

No two days are the same! I usually start by going through my emails, dealing with anything urgent before starting on the tasks I need to do for that particular day.

The area of medical negligence is really interesting, combining both medicine and the law. I think it's really important seeking answers for those who are bringing a claim for themselves or a loved one. It's also really rewarding seeing how compensation can help them moving forward once a claim has settled.

I enjoy hybrid working. When I am in the office, I use this as time to speak with colleagues about their thoughts on cases and anything relevant within the news for example, a judgment. When I am at home, I use this time to complete detailed pieces of work without the distraction of the office. I’m also able to get out on a lunch time to walk my Sproodle!

 

 




 

Back to News & Blog
Share this post
Photo of Laura Cates

Laura qualified as a Solicitor in 2020 and has over seven years' experience. She is an Associate Solicitor in our Medical Negligence team.

Associate Solicitor

News, views and information from us and the industry

Related posts

February 01, 2023
photo of Rhiannon Moore

"If I was asked 10 years ago when I left university about where I thought I would be at this point of my life, I never would have guessed that I would be living in Leeds and training to be a solicitor. I’m proud to be part of the apprenticeship scheme, and think it’s important that people are aware that there are many ways to qualify as a lawyer and that there’s likely to be a scheme that can work for you."

Contact us