Jonathan Pidduck’s career has been about mastering the legal sector, specifically in injury law.
Starting straight from school in 1984, he embarked on a journey that would see him become a legal executive and later a solicitor in 1996. His early years were marked by a rigorous process of self-improvement and education, “I studied in the evenings and worked during the day,” he recalls.
Jonathan’s career saw him move from a small practice in Ramsgate to a larger one in Margate, before eventually settling in Folkestone for seven years. It was during this time that the firm he was with was acquired, leading him to join Girlings Personal Injury Claims Solicitors, where he has been for the last 17 years. In 2011, he played a pivotal role in the strategic decision to set up the personal injury department as a separate entity, Girlings Personal Injury Claims Limited, which has since “gone from strength to strength.”
The legal profession has not been without its trials, with constant changes and challenges over the last 13 years. Yet, under his leadership, the firm has not only weathered these storms but has thrived and nearly quadrupled in size at a time when many personal injury firms have been downsizing or closing.
Jonathan's personal areas of expertise have evolved significantly, with a focus on brain injury work, which he finds particularly fulfilling. “A very high percentage of my work is brain injury work, which I enjoy doing,” he says. This dedication stems from a personal connection, as his best friend sustained a brain injury in the 1990s, inspiring him to specialise in this area.
He takes pride in not just securing compensation for his clients but also in ensuring they receive the necessary care and support, which provides him with a profound sense of job satisfaction. In his own words, “It gives an extra sense of job satisfaction if I know that I’m positively affecting them on a day-to-day basis, often helping them for the rest of their lives.”
Another niche area of his practice is hypermobility syndromes, a condition that is often overlooked and misunderstood. With personal experience in this area, as three members of his family have the condition, Jonathan offers a unique perspective and expertise that draws clients to his firm.
The Evolution of Work and Technology at Girlings
Alongside growing expertise, Jonathan has overseen significant changes in how the work itself is conducted, particularly in how his team operates and manages cases. “Two main differences,” he points out, “One from the point of view of the team and one for the point of view of the cases that we deal with.”
From the team’s perspective, the shift towards hybrid working has been monumental. The traditional five-day office week has transformed into a flexible arrangement where employees spend two days in the office and three days working from home. Jonathan expresses satisfaction with this new model, “I’m both pleased and relieved to say that it worked out incredibly well.” He believes that this approach has improved the quality of life for the team, allowing them to avoid long commutes and enjoy a better work-life balance while maintaining the same level of service to their clients.
On the technological front, Jonathan has witnessed a dramatic increase in the use of video conferences and remote communication tools. “The use of technology on this front has seen a big uptake,” he says, referring to the shift from in-person court hearings and meetings to virtual ones.
This change has not only made the firm more tech-savvy but also more efficient, as it eliminates the need for time-consuming travel. “It saves time,” Jonathan notes. And whilst the changes have been driven by necessity and innovation, they have ultimately allowed Girlings Personal Injury Claims to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving legal landscape.
Fostering Unity: Jonathan’s Approach to Leadership at Girlings
When it comes to leadership, Jonathan champions the philosophy of teamwork and mutual support. “It’s the same as any other area,” he asserts, emphasising the importance of trust and autonomy within the team. “If you try to micromanage your colleagues, you’re not going to get the best out of them,” he explains, advocating for a balance between oversight and empowerment.
Jonathan's leadership style is one that encourages a happy and productive office environment. He believes in the value of fostering relationships among colleagues, which he sees as crucial to a cohesive team dynamic. “I think it is very helpful to have working relationships with colleagues,” he says, acknowledging the potential isolation of complete remote work.
Drawing parallels from his readings on history and cricket, Jonathan finds affirmation for his leadership approach in the wisdom of figures like Ben Stokes and Donald Bradman. He reflects on the evolution of workplace culture, noting the shift from formal titles to a more egalitarian atmosphere. “We’re all in the same boat and on the same team,” he remarks, highlighting the outdated nature of hierarchical divides.
As the conversation draws to a close, Jonathan reflects on his vision for leadership. He echoes his position as being that creates a supportive environment where everyone pulls together, making management not just easier but more effective. With a strong team at Girlings, he navigates the complexities of leadership with a focus on unity and collaboration, ensuring that the firm sails smoothly through the challenges of the legal industry.
