Solicitor acting for women seeking to sue Worboys' motor insurer

Who? Richard Scorer, 44, head of serious injury at Manchester firm Pannone.

Why is he in the news? He is acting for eight women who were sexually assaulted by licensed taxi cab driver John Worboys and are now seeking to sue Worboys’ motor insurer on the grounds that the assaults were caused by, or arose out of, Worboys’ use of the vehicle. The High Court must decide how far, if at all, ­Warboys’ insurer is liable to pay damages to his victims under the terms of the Road Traffic Act 1988, which requires compulsory ­insurance cover for injuries caused by or arising from the use of a vehicle on a road. A ruling is expected in the next few weeks.

Thoughts on the case: ‘This case will not open the floodgates to similar claims. Such assaults are ­relatively rare and, anyway, it is fraud around whiplash claims that is forcing ­insurance ­premiums upwards, not cases like this. We are putting forward a decent, arguable point with the aim of winning justice for the victims.’

Route to the case: ‘I have spent 15 years handling assault cases and another firm referred this case to me.’

Why become a lawyer? ‘I worked as a paralegal in the US while a student and realised the law, in particular working for the vulnerable, was the career for me.’

Career high: ‘I worked on a case 12 years ago that set in motion the 2001 Nolan ­independent review of child abuse in the Catholic Church.’

Career low: ‘During the first week of my training ­contract, I was sent off to court with no papers and no advice from counsel. The ­hearing couldn’t proceed and the judge ordered costs against my firm.’