Job Title

Solicitor

About Shona

Shona previously worked as a secretary in a local government legal department, but she decided to leave this to return to university. She completed the LLB and Diploma at the University of Strathclyde, working part-time for a criminal law firm throughout, before beginning her traineeship with Thompsons in January 2016. Initially, she worked on industrial injuries and disease cases only, but her work expanded during her traineeship to include asbestos-related disease claims. She qualified in January 2018 and moved to the Survivors Team, working exclusively on historic child abuse cases.

Expertise

Since commencing her employment with Thompsons, Shona has been a case handler for industrial injury (such as noise-induced hearing loss, Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome, occupational asthma, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and silicosis), asbestos-related disease and child abuse claims. The files and case management systems she works on can vary and are all at different stages. For instance, she can receive files which have just been opened, where a lot of preparatory work has to be done, as well as cases which have been raised in either the Court of Session or the Specialist Personal Injury Court, where very specific rules apply.

One constant throughout all of these cases is the level of client care required. Shona works closely with the clients throughout the duration of their case to ensure that they are comfortable giving and receiving information, and are fully aware of what their options are.

Shona also assists the rest of the Survivors Team in arranging and attending campaigning events, raising awareness of the issue of child abuse and encouraging survivors to come forward.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Laws, University of Strathclyde (2013)

Diploma in Professional Legal Practice, University of Strathclyde (2014)