Spotlight on
Scott Haslam
Solicitor
Medical Negligence
Lives: Wombwell, Barnsley
Education: Law degree at Sheffield Hallam University and a post-graduate diploma in Legal Practice from the University of Sheffield
Work History: I started at Wake Smith in March 2016. Prior to that I had worked at Raleys Solicitors. I started as a as a paralegal with the medical negligence team in July 2010, commenced my training contract the following year and qualified as a solicitor in December 2012.
What was your first job?
I worked for the Co-operative from the age of 16 until starting with Raleys in 2010. I worked on the checkouts and stacked the shelves.
What did you think you would be when you grew up?
When I was four, I wanted to be an ice-cream man. Once I realised I would be eating the profits I decided to look for an alternative career.
Where is the best place to go for office gossip?
At your desk. The office is open plan so it’s a case of sitting at your desk and eavesdropping.
What is the best thing about your job?
As a medical negligence solicitor it would have to be successfully recovering compensation for clients. Over the length of the claim you really get to know your client and it is great to see compensation giving them their independence back after a life-changing injury.
What is the worst thing about your job?
Without hesitation I would say it was sorting through medical records. There are often vast quantities of them and they are usually mixed up. The sooner they are all computerised, the better.
What and where is your favourite restaurant?
My mum’s house. It’s free and you can’t beat her Sunday lunch.
What book are you reading?
Role of Honour by John Gardener. It’s a James Bond novel from the early 1980s so it’s interesting to see how Gardener adapted the character for more modern times. He tries to cut down on the cigarettes and drives a Saab!
If you were stranded on a desert island, which two luxury items would you take?
A satellite phone to contact someone with a boat and, as I’m losing my hair, a hat.
If a film was being made of your life, who would you want to play you and why?
It would ideally need to be someone who understands what it is like to work in the law. Maybe George Clooney because he’s married to a barrister, or Gerrard Butler who I am reliably informed did start to train as a lawyer.
Who would you least like to be stuck in a lift with?
Nigel Farage. It’s not a political thing, I just find him irritating.
Which 3 celebrities would you invite to your perfect dinner party (alive or dead)?
Good question. I want an entertaining evening so I’d probably opt for Freddie Mercury to provide the music and Robin Williams for a bit of humour. Dynamo would be my third choice because he could do a bit of table magic and then I’d show him my favourite trick… making the wine disappear.
What do you enjoy in your spare time?
At the moment my spare time is spent preparing for our first child which is due in October. When I’m not doing I can be found walking in the Peak District with my wife or, if the weather isn’t very good, in a pub in the Peak District with my wife.
Who is your hero and why?
My grandfather is my hero. He was a scout attached to the Royal Artillery during the second world war and received a letter from Field Marshall Montgomery for bravery. He also accidently shot himself
