MARK HIPKIN Partner/Head of Civil and Personal Injury Litigation - Alderson Law LLP
What did you set out to achieve this year?
I set out to give my clients the best service possible in complex injury claim cases mainly for motorcyclists, scooter riders and cyclists; grow our business and make more clients, old and new, aware of what we can offer and enjoy more time out on one of my bikes.
Has everything gone according to plan?
Yes and no. I thought the first two years following Covid in March 2020 were busy but 2022 has been even busier than that! This has been the same for most professional people in my experience, both inside and outside of the law. I always think that service to your clients and raising the firm’s profile are cultural/ second nature characteristics rather than being intentionally or consciously striven for. Getting on my bike however has very much taken, “a back seat” (sorry!) although I did have some life affirming runouts especially to the Scottish Borders several times this year, sometimes when it was even too hot to get on the bike. Can you remember that time?!
How has the ongoing Covid crisis affected your business and how have you mitigated this?
When you look back at those awful times from March 2020, no one really knew what the outcome was going to be. Most professional people adapt to any changes in society/the law and Solicitors are no different. The current uncertainty, nationally and internationally, is always seen by the media as a worry but our day jobs still need to be done to the best of our ability. During Covid there were many challenges in terms of accessibility to the courts and in being able to process cases but I found that mostly settlement agreements were better able to be negotiated if everyone was realistic. After everything has returned “to normal”, there have been different problems in everyone trying to catch up with delays in court and expert’s availability but I what do know is that we have never been busier!
What are you most proud of this year?
Bringing two of the most complex, challenging and seemingly insoluble cases to a head, through patience and perseverance. One particular biker case involved four different court jurisdictions. My client’s comment to me after having settled the case, two days before Trial, that he could “hold his head high”, made it all worthwhile.
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve received this year?
“Stick to your principles” and “Never give up”.
What have you learnt about yourself this year?
An ability to balance the bigger picture with the detail needed to get there.
What has been the most enjoyable business social event you have attended?
A Law Society Dinner at the Savoy in London when I was The Newcastle Law Society President. The Speaker was Clive Anderson. A hoot!
Describe 2022 in three words…
Intense. Insightful. Successful.
What does the remainder of the year hold?
That depends. Lawyers’ answer! I can have the most well thought out plans for a case or project which could be changed next time I receive a letter, call or email. Hopefully no such “challenges” and then a restful Christmas & New Year with my family.