Biography
I am a Partner in the Serious Injury department at Irwin Mitchell’s Newcastle office. I work with children and adults who have sustained serious brain, spinal cord and amputation injuries. As a Serious Injury Solicitor, I often support clients who have sustained life changing injuries and are in need of financial support and rehabilitation. I work closely with family members and a variety of professionals including Case Managers, Support Workers and treating Therapists in order to ensure our clients receive a tailored rehabilitation package as early as possible. My team work hard to obtain early interim payments and maximum compensation for all of our clients.
I also work closely with other legal departments to ensure my clients receive a full service approach to ensure all legal needs are met. This includes working with the Court of Protection team (Deputyships, Professional Trusts, Personal Injury Trusts), Public Law and Human Rights (Welfare, Statutory and Local Authority Funding, Best Interest Decisions, Deprivation of Liberty), Family, Employment, Conveyancing and Tax, Trusts and Estates
What Inspired You To Get Into Law?
I originally studied English Literature at university. Although I found the course interesting, I knew that it wasn’t for me. Instead of just reading books and writing essays, I wanted to get involved in something challenging and worthwhile. I converted to law as soon as I finished my English Literature degree and haven’t looked back since! I knew that I wanted to work in an area of law that would really make a difference to individual people and so personal injury and in particular, catastrophic injury, seemed like an ideal area.
What Is The Most Rewarding Aspect Of Your Role?
Unfortunately, the clients I work with have almost always suffered life changing injuries. Their lives and the lives of their family and friends have subsequently changed forever. I am fortunate enough to be able to support those clients and family members to adjust to the changes in their lives by securing early interim payments to fund rehabilitation packages. Without a doubt, the most rewarding aspect of my job is improving my clients’ quality of life and knowing that I have been able to make a difference to their future.
What Do You Like About Working At Irwin Mitchell?
My colleagues are what make Irwin Mitchell the experienced, friendly firm that it is. I work alongside people who are not afraid to challenge decisions or fight for our clients. Without my colleagues, I would not have the experience and knowledge that I have and I would not feel as strongly as I do about getting the best for each and every client we have.
What Do You Do Away From The Office?
Away from the office I’m usually attempting to cook, jogging along the River Tyne or catching up with friends and family.
Testimonials
"Of particular note are the managing partner, Fran Mayes, who has a huge amount of experience and knowledge and an up and coming star, Laura Mcilduff, who is tenacious and brilliant." - Legal 500, 2023
"Laura is a rising star who has an excellent approach with clients and experts. She is an outstanding performer." - Chambers & Partners, 2022 (Associate to Watch)
"She has fantastic attention to detail and will leave no stone unturned for her clients. "Laura has a very person-centred approach and is able to work flexibly to meet clients' needs. She is very rehabilitation-focused and has the client's best interests at the heart of all she does." - Chambers & Partners, 2021 (Associate to Watch)
"Totally committed to her clients and gets excellent results" - Legal 500, 2018/19
“As soon as I met them, I felt comfortable with them. I had never been in this situation before but I felt I could trust them. They keep me up to date and explain everything. They always ask how I am and there is a human touch I didn’t associate with solicitors before this experience with Irwin Mitchell.” - AB, client
“Laura Mcilduff, you were never too far away to speak your mind and to always give no nonsense advice. Without the professionalism and honesty throughout I would have not seen the case through.” – KB, former client
“They made the whole process so straight forward with their knowledge and experience. Aside from being great professionals, they were simply great people, very personable.” – AF, former client
"I contacted Irwin Mitchell after suffering life changing injuries in a road traffic accident. My case was immediately assigned to Laura Mcilduff and her team Claire Jowett, Emma Jolly and more recently Bethany Pearson. Making a legal claim is a long and daunting process but Laura and her team have worked tirelessly, always explaining each stage clearly and keeping me up to date with developments. They have managed to secure funding for the equipment and adaptations I now need and for a comprehensive rehabilitation programme. They are professional yet friendly and despite my unfortunate circumstances I know I am not alone and Laura and her team will ensure I have access to everything I need to still live a meaningful and fulfilling life." - 5* Trustpilot review
"My experience with Irwin Mitchell and the team who supported my case was nothing but amazing. The staff team who supported me made the stressful time much for easy to cope with by putting everything into place and helping me understand what was happening. I couldn't thank Laura Mcilduff, Francesca Mayes, lee Simpson and the team enough! Would definitely recommended Irwin Mitchell Solicitors if you want, friendly, reliable, and very professional individuals to take over your case" - 5* Trustpilot review
"I cannot fault the service me and my family have received from Irwin Mitchell. I felt My solicitor Laura Mcilduff went above and beyond my expectations and became more than a solicitor but someone I could rely on. Laura took a great deal of time explaining everything to me throughout, to ensure I understood and could make informed choices. Overall, the key point for my experience was the personal touch I felt I received, that was so important. The amazing support she provided, down to the informal friendly chats that were needed of reassurance, understanding and patience was priceless and something I will always be grateful for." - 5* Trustpilot review
"Whilst out cycling one sunny afternoon I was hit by a car at speed, almost died and was left with life-changing injuries. Following surgery and discharge from the major trauma unit in hospital, Laura Mcilduff and her outstanding legal team including Claire Jowett, Emma Jolly, Bethany Pearson and Harriet Blayney, helped guide my rehabilitation which changed my life. They instructed a first class group of rehabilitation experts, consisting of a case manager, physiotherapist, neuropsychologist and occupational therapist. Over a four year period (and ongoing) the care I received without a doubt changed my outcome following the accident. In addition my legal team helped me receive compensation for all of my losses including an inability to return to work. I will be forever grateful for the expertise, reassurance and professional support my family and I received throughout the most challenging time of my life. Thank you." - 5* Trustpilot review
"From the outset to the settlement they worked efficiently and diligently, explaining clearly each step of the process. They have always been friendly and supportive and l now emerge at the end knowing they have achieved the best possible settlement which will allow me to live a secure and fulfilling life." - 5* Trustpilot review
“Laura Mcilduff (Newcastle) and her team Adele, Zoe & Bethany took over my personal injury legal case after three & a half years with another solicitor… The Irwin Mitchell team were professional, helpful, friendly and had my interests at heart. They chose the right barrister for my case, and accessed the right rehabilitation for me with a fantastic MDT team. The communication was excellent between Irwin Mitchell, myself and the MDT team. They demonstrated to me how a personal injury case and rehabilitation should be, and I will always be grateful." - 5* Trustpilot review
