Trainee in group action against 13 cosmetic surgery clinics
Who? Kevin Timms, 24, trainee solicitor at Hertfordshire personal injury firm Garden House.
Why is he in the news? He is acting in a group action against 13 cosmetic surgery clinics accused of fitting women with defective silicone breast implants manufactured by French company PIP. PIP went into liquidation in March 2010 and has no insurer outside France.
Timms has also set up a national PIP breast implant register, which to date has received almost 300 enquiries from worried women. The clinics deny liability, saying they bought the products in good faith.
Thoughts on the case: ‘Some of the clinics we are pursuing do not have adequate insurance and others have gone into liquidation, so we are concerned that potentially thousands of women may not be able to claim compensation – which seems incredibly unjust. It was for this reason I set up the register so that we can establish in what ways women in the UK are being affected by this defective product and encourage the UK authorities to protect consumers more effectively in future.’
Dealing with the media: ‘I can’t get any of my real work done. I’ve been in the national newspapers and on the TV and radio. I’ve even had Irish and US journalists wanting to talk to me. It is all great for raising awareness of the case. I just wish I could spend a few more hours at my desk.’
Why become a lawyer? ‘I have always found the contentious nature of litigation fascinating.’
Career high: ‘Being at the forefront of this unique and high-profile group action, knowing that what we achieve will benefit thousands.’
Career low: ‘Having to prepare to serve proceedings against 10 defendants at short notice while suffering from a severe dose of flu.’
