Want to know what it’s like to work for Farleys? Trainee solicitor Ariella Jones takes us through a typical day in the abuse department…
9:00-10:00: Farleys represents clients in applications to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (“CICA”). The CICA provides compensation to individuals who have been the victim of a violent crime in England and Wales. Where an individual’s application is refused, the matter is reviewed at an Appeal Hearing where I represent the client. To prepare for the same, I peruse the bundle of documents for use at the Appeal Hearing and prepare a skeleton argument. I telephone the client to explain the format and procedure of the Appeal Hearing, discuss the submissions I will make and address any concerns.
10:00-12:00: Farleys represents a Complainant Core Participant to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse investigation into abuse of children in the care of the Nottinghamshire Councils (the “Inquiry”). I take instructions to draft a witness statement for the client, liaise with Counsel and Client to arrange a conference in advance of the Inquiry. I also explain to client the procedure for giving live evidence at the Inquiry and draft their witness statement. I then review statements of other Core Participants and draft questions to put to them during their live evidence.
12:00-12:30: I contact solicitors for the Defendant on another matter to request a limitation moratorium. Under statute, claimants must bring a claim for personal injury by the age of 21 where they sustained the injury as a child or within three years of the date of the injury where the injury was sustained after the age of 18. Claims under the Human Rights Act 1998 must be brought within one year of the violation taking place. Claimants often have difficulty bringing claims within the time limits due to the psychological impact of the injuries. I spend a lot of time liaising with solicitors for Defendants to ensure that this does not prejudice our client in litigation.
12:30-13:00: I peruse recent news items relevant to the laws affecting victims of abuse and draft a blog on the same for publication on the Farleys website and on social media.
13:00-14:00 Lunch. I’m completing this seat at Farleys’ Manchester office which is based in the heart of the city centre. With an hour for my lunch, there are plenty of places to pick up a bite to eat, whatever I’m craving; or even just go for a walk.
14:00-16:00: Farleys frequently acts for clients seeking to make a claim against local authorities, schools, religious institutions, sports clubs and other bodies which may be responsible for abuse they suffered as children whilst in their care. I review the client’s social services records, school records, police records and medical records to draft Letter of Claim to the Defendant, detailing the background to the matter, the nature and duration of the abuse, the effect of the abuse on our client and asking the defendant to admit liability.
16:00-17:00: I draft a letter of instruction to a medical expert requesting that they assess our client with a view to preparing a report on the effect of the abuse on our client’s mental and/or physical health.
17:00: Leave the office. We’re encouraged to work hard at Farleys but they also allow for an excellent work/life balance. No one is required to stay in the office past five o’clock unless you feel you need to. This means I can spend my evening recharging ready for another busy day tomorrow!
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