Legal Matters Q&A: Helen Brown, Partner, Langleys

Apart from being allowed to wear trousers in court at the beginning of the 1990s, it has to be the introduction of alternative business structures for law firms and the dramatic impact this will have on how law firms are structured, managed and run in the future.

What law would you like to see changed?

As an insurance litigator specialising in stress and harassment claims, I would have to say The Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

Although a would-be claimant has to prove a course of conduct which amounts to harassment, thereafter all they need to prove is “anxiety” or “distress” for compensation to be awarded.

This legislation needs to be brought in line with the legal basis for stress claims so that claimants need to prove a recognisable psychiatric injury.

What is the most exciting work you’ve ever done?

Exposing a fraudulent claimant who feigned significant psychological and cognitive injuries as a result of tripping on a pavement.

It was suggested the injuries meant the claimant required round the clock care.

He was described as socially isolated with his cat being his best friend.

The claimant managed to convince my psychiatric expert that he was genuine.

We obtained undercover surveillance which painted a completely different picture. He was captured mowing his lawn, going down the pub and shopping.

Who in the legal world do you most admire?

Baroness Hale.

What advice would you give someone starting out in the profession?

Always remember you never stop learning as a lawyer!