Burnley solicitor celebrates three decades in the profession

Lesley Wilkinson works for Smith Jones Solicitors, a specialist litigation firm, representing clients from all parts of England and Wales that have been injured through the fault of others.

Graduating from Nottingham Trent University in 1985, Lesley qualified as a solicitor in 1990. Undertaking her initial training at a high street general practice in Accrington, Lesley’s focus turned to civil litigation.

Throughout her expansive career in personal injury litigation, Lesley has seen many changes to law and practice including the demise of legal aid and the introduction of ‘no win no fee’ agreements, the introduction of fixed fees and the introduction of a portal system for the lower value cases.

She has held various workshops and spoken at many events and has enjoyed various senior management positions including her roles as partner and Head of Personal Injury.

Speaking about her upcoming anniversary, Lesley said: " The law relating to personal injury cases has changed significantly in the last 30 years and, in my opinion, to the detriment of the injured party.

"The victims of other people’s negligent actions are often treated unfairly by the insurance industry and the judiciary.

"Injured parties are treated with suspicion, put under unnecessary scrutiny and claimants are often viewed as ‘fraudsters looking for financial gain' and a high settlement is often seen as a 'win' but there are no winners when someone’s independence, livelihood and mobility are taken from them by

an act or omission of someone else.

"It really makes me angry. Sadly with the new reforms planned by the Government to further streamline the claims process will only serve to undermine victims rights further whilst lining the pockets of the insurance companies and their shareholders.

"I hope to continue to act for the innocent victims and secure the compensation they fairly deserve.”

Lesley joined Smith Jones in 2015 with a wealth of experience in representing personal injury claimants. She now runs a mixed caseload of high value claims including those involving serious head Injuries and complex orthopaedic injuries. Her clients include a number of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and children.

Lesley added: "The medical side of the personal injury process intrigues me, with everything from medical examinations to arranging treatment for the people who need it. We often liaise with medical treatment providers to get the best treatment possible for our clients.

" I enjoy the challenge of claiming against the big companies and insurers and actually getting compensation for the people who deserve it."

Lesley has conducted many high value cases with significant settlements including four cases in excess of £1M and a case which was settled in excess of £2M in favour of the claimant.

Married with two children, Lesley enjoys watching football, travelling around Europe, theatre trips and photography.