The personal injury specialist calls for an end to costs budgeting
Hugh James has appointed Paul Kitson as consultant in its growing claimant division.
What was your route into the profession?
I took the traditional route into the profession. This included a law degree from University of Essex, Solicitor`s Finals at the College of Law Chester, and then Articled at Prettys in Ipswich. From there I joined the London office of Russell Jones & Walker (RJW) in 1987.
My parents encouraged me to study law at university and to enter the legal profession. My father was a senior police officer and my mother a nurse. A senior legal executive (who was a war veteran) at Prettys recommended that I apply to RJW. In the first half of my career at RJW I primarily represented police officers and nurses which pleased my parents.
What has been your biggest career challenge so far?
My biggest challenge to date were the appeals arising out of the 'multiplier cases', collectively known as Wells v Wells. I represented two of the three appellants. I was acutely aware of the importance that the appeals had to personal injury claimants and in particular to my clients. Prior to Wells v Wells, injured people were grossly undercompensated through inadequately calculated multipliers and excessive discounts for contingencies.
Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?
I have been fortunate to have worked with many inspirational hard-working lawyers throughout my career at Prettys, RJW (now part of Slater & Gordon) and at Hugh James. I have also worked with many outstanding barristers. The key people who have inspired me would be embarrassed if I mention them here. My wife, Liz Dux—who is a lawyer—would be cross if I did not mention her.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?
I greatly admire engineers and architects who leave a visible legacy which outlives them. Every morning I cycle past a statute of Isambard Kingdom Brunel (the Brunel Monument on Victoria Embankment) and I marvel at what he achieved in his short life—he died at the age of just 53.
Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?
I guess it would be Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird. He has to the perfect fictional role model for lawyers. I also greatly admire juror #8 in 12 Angry Men played brilliantly by Henry Fonda. He was not a lawyer but he behaved like one with intelligence and powers of persuasion.
What change would you make to the profession?
The changes to the Civil Rights Procedure (CPR) have done little or nothing to reduce costs or speed up the process. Costs budgeting has been a flop and should be scrapped.
How do you relax?
I enjoy cycling, running and playing tennis. I am also a very keen skier. I enjoy reading, mainly history books. My wife, sons and I are keen travellers. We have visited America on many occasions. Closer to home my favorite destination is Italy and I have been trying to learn Italian for many years.
