A Day in the Life of a Personal Injury Solicitor at Hopkins Solicitors

When people ask me what it’s like to work in personal injury at Hopkins Solicitors, my answer is usually: “Every day is different, but that’s what makes it exciting.” There’s variety, yes, but there’s also a balance of autonomy, support, and the satisfaction of seeing your work make a tangible difference for clients. Here’s a detailed look at what a typical day in my role as an Associate Solicitor in the Personal Injury and Medical Negligence team looks like.

Flexible Hours and Autonomy

At Hopkins, we are encouraged to structure our workdays to suit both professional and personal commitments. My typical week is Monday to Thursday where I start work at 8 am.

This flexibility is fantastic for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Some colleagues work from home a few days a week, depending on circumstances. For me, I prefer to come into the office daily, as I live locally and enjoy the energy of the team and the office environment. It’s nice to be surrounded by colleagues, access shared resources easily, and collaborate in person when needed, while still knowing that remote working is an option if life requires it.

7:50 am- Arrival and Morning Routine

I usually arrive around 7:50 am, a little before the official start. My first task is going through emails, checking for urgent correspondence, court directions, or client queries. This quiet pre-office period allows me to plan my day thoughtfully. I also review my task list and prioritise work according to deadlines, court dates, and client needs.

Once the urgent matters are flagged, I start tackling them in order. I like to work methodically through tasks, whether it’s reviewing a medical report, drafting letters, or preparing court documents. Hopkins gives us ownership of our caseload, meaning I can structure my workflow in a way that works best for me while still meeting all client and court requirements.

8:30 am- Reviewing Case Files

By 8:30 am, I’m usually fully immersed in my caseload. Depending on the day, this might involve:

• Reviewing new claimant personal injury files, including accident reports and witness statements
• Assessing liability and advising clients on potential outcomes
• Reviewing and analysing expert medical reports in clinical negligence matters
• Preparing case notes and planning strategy for upcoming negotiations or hearings

Because Hopkins is predominantly a client-facing, local firm, much of our work revolves around real people and their stories. Many of our clients prefer face-to-face meetings, and being able to meet them locally allows me to build strong relationships and truly understand their needs. I find this aspect of the work extremely rewarding, it’s not just about managing files; it’s about helping people navigate what can be a stressful or life-changing situation.

10:00 am- Prioritising Deadlines and Court Directions

Once I have reviewed ongoing cases, I focus on any upcoming deadlines or court directions. For example, I may need to draft statements, lodge applications, or liaise with counsel for advice. Managing deadlines independently is one of the aspects of my job I value most. At Hopkins, solicitors are trusted to manage their own cases and calendars, without micromanagement, which fosters confidence and responsibility.

Some days involve more complex strategising, such as reviewing multiple defendants in an employer’s liability case or analysing causation issues in a medical negligence claim. These tasks require careful thought, attention to detail, and sometimes collaboration with colleagues to ensure the best possible outcome for clients.

11:15 am- Client Calls and Meetings

Mid-morning is often reserved for client calls or face-to-face meetings. These interactions are the part of my day I find most rewarding. Many clients are navigating difficult circumstances, perhaps recovering from an accident or coping with the implications of medical negligence. My role is to provide clear, empathetic guidance and manage expectations.

During these calls, I explain the process, discuss potential outcomes, and outline the steps ahead. Because we meet clients in person whenever possible, I can build rapport and reassure them in a way that phone calls alone cannot achieve. It’s deeply satisfying to see the relief and confidence a client feels after receiving thorough, clear advice.

12:30 pm- Lunch and Informal Collaboration

Lunch is usually around 12:30 pm. I often take this time to catch up with colleagues, exchange insights on cases, or just take a short walk. The culture at Hopkins encourages healthy work-life balance, and lunch breaks are respected, not skipped or rushed. This time away from the desk allows me to reset and return to the afternoon’s tasks with focus.

1:00 pm- Marketing and Promoting the Team

Part of my role at Hopkins also involves supporting the team with marketing and promotion.

This could include:

• Reviewing or drafting content for the website or social media
• Highlighting recent client successes or case studies
• Identifying ways to improve visibility for our Personal Injury and Medical Negligence services in the local community

Since Hopkins is a predominantly client-facing firm, this marketing work is essential. It allows us to connect with potential clients, showcase our expertise, and help the team grow. I enjoy being involved in this aspect because it combines legal insight with creative thinking and lets me contribute to the firm beyond my caseload.

2:00 pm- Detailed Casework and Expert Liaison

The early afternoon is typically devoted to detailed casework, such as:

• Reviewing medical reports or accident documentation
• Drafting letters of advice
• Coordinating with medical or technical experts
• Preparing evidence for court hearings, settlement negotiations, or client meetings

Because Hopkins encourages independence, I can take ownership of each case from start to finish. Yet, if I encounter a particularly complex issue, colleagues and supervisors are always approachable for guidance. This balance of autonomy and support is one of the firm’s strongest features and something that really helps in building confidence and professional growth.

3:00 pm- Preparing for Tomorrow

Towards the end of the day, I dedicate time to preparing for upcoming tasks or meetings.

This may involve:

• Reviewing case files for the following day
• Preparing notes for client or expert meetings
• Organising documentation or evidence
• Scheduling follow-ups

This preparation ensures that the next day runs smoothly and that deadlines are met without unnecessary stress. It also helps me leave the office feeling organised and clear about priorities.

3:30 pm / 4:00 pm- Wrapping Up

Depending on the day, I finish between 3 pm and 4 pm. Hopkins’ flexible working approach allows me to complete my work effectively while respecting personal time. Unlike some firms where late nights are expected, the culture here prioritises quality over quantity, focusing on getting the job done well, not simply logging hours.

Before leaving, I ensure my task list is updated, emails are managed, and anything urgent for the following day is flagged. This helps maintain a sense of control and prevents issues from carrying over unnecessarily.

The Culture Difference

A day in the life at Hopkins is busy, varied, and rewarding. What sets the firm apart is the culture of trust, support, and flexibility. We are trusted to manage our own caseloads and diary, supported when guidance is needed, and encouraged to grow professionally.

The client-facing nature of the work, combined with the autonomy to structure my day, makes the role both challenging and satisfying. I can focus on meaningful cases, assist in promoting our team, and contribute to the local community, all while being part of a supportive, collaborative environment.

Opportunities for Growth

Since joining Hopkins in 2020, I’ve had the opportunity to expand my caseload from claimant personal injury to defendant personal injury and medical negligence matters. I was promoted to Associate in 2024 and became an APIL Accredited Litigator, milestones achieved in a culture that encourages progression at a pace that suits the individual.

Hopkins supports solicitors who want to specialise, develop litigation experience, and take on complex cases. There is room to grow, with mentorship and guidance available without pressure or micromanagement.

Why I Love Working at Hopkins

At the end of the day, the combination of autonomy, support, meaningful work, and flexibility makes this firm unique. I manage my caseload, work closely with clients, contribute to team marketing initiatives, and prepare strategically for the next day, all in an environment that respects well-being and encourages growth.

If you are a personal injury or medical negligence solicitor looking for a firm where you can thrive professionally, make a real difference for clients, and enjoy a balanced working life, Hopkins offers the perfect environment to do so.