An espresso interview with…Tim Hodgetts of Bevan Brittan LLP

What is the focus of your practice?

Clinical negligence and medical malpractice litigation for the NHSLA, NHS Trusts and Insurers. 

How did you get into clinical negligence work?

I qualified into a Defendant PI role at a national firm. They were then appointed to the NHSLA panel in 2001 and I was asked to have a go at it. Fifteen years later I am still having a go.

What is the best thing about your job? And the worst?

Taking a view on a case when it first comes in and ultimately being proved right at trial is always fun, though it doesn't always work out like that… I don't think there is a worst, though some meetings I go to could be shorter.

What do you think the near future holds for the industry?

Lots more change: technology, flexible working, alternative billing and fee arrangements. I am sure it will all be good clean fun.

What’s the most interesting recent case you’ve been involved in?

Actually, what I still find interesting is that every case has a human story at its heart, waiting to be revealed.  Those small details and bits of the history intrigue me, though I suspect I might just be a bit nosey.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given as a lawyer?

I can't think of any one piece of advice that is especially earth shattering – however, I have been lucky enough to work with some very talented senior lawyers.  I have picked up bits and pieces from all of them and attempted to aggregate those marginal gains.

Outside the law, what do you like doing?

I play a few musical instruments very badly and socialise.     

Tim Hodgetts has been a partner in Bevan Brittan since 2007 and leads a team of 15 solicitors working across three offices.