Laura Daly

Laura Daly is senior associate solicitor at Irwin Mitchell LLP, and is also director of the Birmingham Law Society. Irwin Mitchell is a multi-service law firm offering a broad range of legal services to national and international organisations and institutions, small and medium-sized businesses and private individuals.

EXPLAIN A TYPICAL WEEK IN YOUR WORKING LIFE: 

I work in medical negligence so a typical week would see me attend court at least two or three times and I often meet with medical experts. At least once a week I will attend the Birmingham Law Society office.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING YOUR INDUSTRY RIGHT NOW? 

The constant law reforms facing personal injury and my area of medical negligence specifically.

AND WHAT ARE THE BIG OPPORTUNITIES? 

The constant law reforms facing personal injury and my area of medical negligence specifically.

HOW DO YOU GET THE BEST OUT OF YOUR STAFF? 

By ensuring they have the freedom to run the cases they want to run and by recognising that not everyone works in the same way as I do.

WHAT WAS YOUR LAST MEETING ABOUT, HOW LONG DID IT LAST, AND WAS IT PRODUCTIVE?

I took part in a round table settlement meeting yesterday – in effect, all of the parties gathered around one table in order to negotiate a settlement of the case where possible.

HOW MANY EMAILS DO YOU GET IN A DAY, AND HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU HAVE TO READ THEM? 

I receive over 150 emails a day. I make time to read them all. Being able to prioritise effectively is the most important skill a busy lawyer needs!  

 DO YOU ANSWER WORK CALLS OR EMAILS AT HOME? WHAT’S THE RIGHT WORK-LIFE BALANCE? 

When I am at work, my clients and colleagues have 100% of my attention. When I am at home, my family and friends have it.

HOW DO YOU HOPE YOUR COLLEAGUES WOULD DESCRIBE YOU? 

Approachable, caring, a great lawyer, and a tenacious negotiator.

HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR?

Being appointed as a director of the Birmingham Law Society. It was a great honour to have the legal community’s trust placed in me.

ANY PARTICULAR FAUX PAS OR EMBARRASSING MOMENTS IN YOUR CAREER YOU WOULD PREFER TO FORGET? 

When I was a trainee I got stuck in the office lift with one of my colleagues. Two hours later, I was rescued looking very bedraggled with tear marks down my face!

PET HATES? 

People who get moody and bring that moodiness into the workplace.

IF YOU COULD GO BACK AND GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF SOME WISE ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE? 

That I should set up a friend finding website, where you can share posts and photos and where people can follow others on a news feed - and maybe call it Facebook!

HOW DO YOU RELAX AWAY FROM WORK? 

I exercise… frequently! I go to the gym at least four times a week and play tennis twice a week.

WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS SPECIAL ABOUT THE BIRMINGHAM BUSINESS COMMUNITY? 

Birmingham is one of the youngest cities in Europe and comprises of a melting pot of people and companies. It is exciting to be part of a community that is so vibrant and varied.

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT MOST PEOPLE PROBABLY WOULDN’T KNOW. 

I have two house rabbits, called Belle and Bo.

YOU CAN TAKE ONE BOOK, ONE FILM AND ONE CD ONTO A DESERT ISLAND – WHAT WOULD THEY BE? 

Book: How to Thrive on a Tropical Deserted Island: A primer for the Shipwrecked Sailor by Mike Riley 

Film: When Harry met Sally 

CD: The Classic 80s Collection … because that was definitely the best musical era!

YOUR FIVE DREAM DINNER PARTY GUESTS, DEAD OR ALIVE? 

Barack Obama, Donald Trump, the Queen and my parents.

WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE TO EAT FOR YOUR LAST SUPPER? 

A sunday roast – with triple Yorkshire puddings and easy on the veg!