As part of our Spotlight On series to learn about the people behind the firm’s successes, we caught up with Tanzeela Aslam, Senior Medical Negligence Lawyer in our Manchester office. Tanzeela has recently been elected as the joint coordinator for the APIL Clinical Negligence Special Interest Group (SIG).
Congratulations on being elected as the joint coordinator for the APIL Clinical Negligence Special Interest Group (SIG). What motivated you to take on this role?
Thank you! I have always admired APIL’s mission to promote justice for those harmed by negligence, and through the joint coordinator role, I’m eager to contribute to their objectives and further their cause.
Can you tell us about your background and what you specialise in?
I am dedicated to helping clients who have suffered severe, life-changing injuries due to avoidable negligence. My expertise includes high-value claims such as brain and spinal cord injuries, as well as birth injury cases. I am passionate about supporting individuals and families to rebuild their lives after these devastating events.
You’re also a member of Thompsons’ national mesh team. Can you elaborate on your role there?
Yes, being part of the national mesh team has been incredibly rewarding. We’ve played a pivotal role in national mesh litigation, advocating for hundreds of individuals who have suffered due to negligent medical treatment involving mesh implants. My focus has been on handling complex claims and ensuring victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
What are some of the key initiatives you plan to undertake as a joint coordinator of the SIG?
One of my main goals is to leverage the Special Interest Group meetings to encourage engagement across different firms within the sector. I believe in promoting the sharing of ideas and collaborative efforts to support APIL’s campaigns. This is particularly important given the ongoing lobbying by insurance companies and the government’s proposed reforms in clinical negligence claims. By working together under APIL’s umbrella, we can effectively lobby for the rights of injured individuals.
How do you see your role evolving within APIL, and what impact do you hope to make?
I aim to enhance membership engagement and organise content that is both informative and inspiring for our group. I’m committed to using the SIG platform to raise awareness and support for APIL’s campaigns, fostering a united front to tackle issues affecting the clinical negligence claims sector. I’m also passionate about driving home the importance of accreditation in helping signpost those who have suffered devastating injuries towards true clinical negligence specialists who are best placed to help them.
Why is accreditation so important in your field?
Accreditation is crucial as it helps individuals distinguish between specialists and inexperienced lawyers. I hold a Law Society accreditation as a clinical negligence specialist, a prestigious accolade awarded only to those who meet the highest standards of technical expertise and quality of client service. Additionally, my APIL accreditation serves as a benchmark for excellence in this complex area of law. Promoting accreditation helps guide people to the best legal advice available, ensuring they receive the support they need during difficult and emotional times.
Finally, what drives your passion for this field of work?
My passion lies in advocating for individuals who have sustained injuries or lost loved ones due to medical negligence. It’s about securing the highest quality care for the injured and ensuring timely interim payments to address the many questions and needs of affected families. Helping clients rebuild their lives after severe and life-changing injuries is what drives me every day.
It's not just about achieving justice for individuals, but also educating society about clinical negligence. By dispelling myths surrounding the claims culture and highlighting avoidable mistakes, we can ensure that patient safety prevails. It is through this understanding and accountability that we can foster a safer healthcare environment for everyone.