Louisa is dual qualified in dentistry and law. She was called to the Bar and commenced pupillage in 2018, and commenced tenancy in 2019.
Louisa practised as a dental surgeon for over a decade, both within the NHS and privately. As well as treating patients, she assisted with the running of a busy NHS practice and helped staff to prepare for CQC inspections.
Given her professional background, Louisa accepts instructions from both Claimants and Defendants in all aspects of Clinical Negligence work, bringing her experience to bear. She can readily understand the terminology used in medical and dental records. Louisa has recently written the book, "A Practical Guide to Dental Negligence Litigation”, published in April 2023.
Louisa has extensive experience in matters involving expert witnesses, including holding conferences with experts, and cross-examines expert witnesses as part of their assessment with the Expert Witness Institute. She has successfully argued Daniels v Walker at trial.
Her experience includes the following:
-failure to diagnose a fracture which resulted in an amputation;
-failure to diagnose sepsis which resulted in death;
-failure to properly manage labour, resulting in stillbirth;
-negligently performed gastric surgery;
-dental negligence (for both Claimant and Defendant).
She was also junior to Henry Pitchers KC in a complex brain injury case involving multiple experts.
As a dental surgeon, Louisa was praised for her attention to detail and sensitivity when working with anxious patients. She is therefore well placed to work with clients who are understandably feeling anxious when facing the prospect of litigation.
Louisa carried out further training with the Royal College of Surgeons of England, London, and following additional training with an internationally renowned dental surgeon, developed a private practice involving cosmetic dentistry, invisible orthodontics and facial aesthetics. She also did some work for a nation-wide facial aesthetics company.
Throughout her legal training, Louisa received numerous awards, including the Lord Denning scholarship from Lincoln’s Inn. She regularly provides lectures to dental surgeons, experts and dental nurses on relevant legal matters as part of their Continuing Professional Development.
Louisa is also qualified as an international civil-commercial mediator and can conduct mediations, both in person and online, as well as represent clients in mediations.
Awards
Lord Denning Scholarship, Lincoln’s Inn
Cholmeley Studentship Pupillage Award, Lincoln’s Inn
BPP Excellence Award, Leeds BPP University
Award for Outstanding Pro Bono work, Leeds BPP University
Ben Hoare Bell Award, Northumbria University
Memberships
Denning Society, Lincoln’s Inn
Joint Dental Faculties of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, London
North of England Medicolegal Society
Qualifications
Bar Vocational Course, Leeds BPP (Very Competent) [2018]
Graduate Diploma in Law, Northumbria University (Distinction) [2016]
Diploma, Royal College of Surgeons of England, London (MJDF RCS (Eng)) [2009]
Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Newcastle University (BDS) [2006]
