Gildeas Solicitors Celebrate Staff Long Service

We recently celebrated the landmark anniversaries of several employees who together have provided a combined 80 years of service to the firm.

At Gildeas, we’ve stayed firm in our belief of making personal injury personal. Key to that mission is the commitment, confidence, and hard work from our incredible staff who go above and beyond to support our clients.

To mark their anniversaries, we sat down with members from across the firm to reflect on their experiences. Read below to hear from Claims Handlers Rajan and Chelsea, Senior Paralegal and Assistant Team Leader Deonne, Head Cashier Rajani, Senior Claims Manager Danny, Director and Solicitor Advocate Fergus, and Director Emma.

How have things changed for you at Gildeas Solicitors since you first started? 

Danny: In July 2015, Deonne, Emma, and I started within a couple of months of each other and the three of us made up the newly formed Gildeas Credit Hire Litigation unit. This eventually transformed into a personal injury litigation unit of 10 staff members which I’m still responsible for, amongst my other duties. My role has evolved in line with the business. I was initially hired as a credit hire team manager. My current role still covers those claims management responsibilities, although I’m also involved in ongoing change projects, together with IT development and support. This role is incredibly rewarding and affords me the opportunity to broaden my skillset, and help the business evolve and respond to an ever-changing and competitive market. 

Rajan: I started 10 years ago in 2015, so my hair and waistline have certainly changed, but I’m proud of the firm and its achievements, particularly surviving covid as it felt like we got through it all together as a family.

Fergus: The team has grown quite a bit, but it still has the same family feel which impressed me when I started. The change to hybrid working with some time in the office and some working from home has been quite a difference, but I think it works well with the trusted staff we have.

Emma: My time at Gildeas has spanned most of my career. I started as an Assistant Solicitor, 1 year qualified and have progressed up to Director.

Chelsea: Well, I initially started in the First Response Unit (FRU), but I moved to [our sister firm] Fulton’s Solicitors for a short period in May 2022. I then realised my passion was in personal injury and returned in February 2023. I’ve since advanced in my career and began litigating on cases, which is challenging but rewarding. I really enjoy my role – especially when I can secure an effective settlement for our clients. Something that does come to mind is how much our technology has improved over the years. For example, when I was in FRU, we printed off all our files and they were allocated by hand – now we allocate them all digitally.

Rajani: Yes, since I first started, the firm has definitely evolved. We’ve moved towards more digital which has also made a huge difference in how we manage Cashroom.

Deonne: When I first started, I applied to be in First Response Unit. At the interview, the Directors suggested I take on a role in the Claims team as I have a law degree – which was initially a credit hire recovery team. Very quickly, I started on personal injury claims, then I was litigating, and within a couple of years, I was in a supporting role to my Team Leader. Since then, I’ve gained accreditation from the Law Society and now assist in running a team with one of our Directors. There has been a lot of change in 10 years, but I think the thing I’m most proud of is my own development.

Danny: Gildeas has evolved significantly over the last ten years, although the core values of the firm have always remained the same. The business has seen huge leaps forward in terms of how we apply technology in order to keep pace with the modern claims environment. These changes have been vital in ensuring that we continue to meet customer expectations along with our own high standards. 

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received during your time at Gildeas?

Rajani: Always take the time to double-check – accuracy is key. In my role as Head Cashier, that advice has been especially valuable. It’s helped me stay focussed on precision and attention to details, which are so important when dealing with financial transactions or other daily Cashroom duties. It’ s a simple reminder, but it reflects the firm’s standards.

Fergus: Being told about six months ago that the main office printer which had been there many years had a built-in stapler I found life changing!

Chelsea: To always treat clients the way you would want to be treated and remember the impact the accident has had on them. Also being told to read correspondence thoroughly and pick up the phone to get a quicker and more detailed response. Finally, always ask for help – there are no stupid questions.

Deonne: The best advice I’ve received is to stop and take a step back. I think there’s an expectation sometimes to react immediately to an issue or change. Sometimes, there’s merit in taking a breather, looking at the bigger picture, and then deciding how to move forward.

Rajan: For me, it’s that if you don’t ask, you don’t get!

And finally, do you have any memorable moments through the years? Maybe a particular case – or that trip to Ibiza!

Rajani: Yes, there have definitely been a few! One of my most memorable moments was being promoted to Head Cashier. It was a really proud moment for me – not just because of the new title, but because it felt like a real recognition of the hard work and trust I’d built up over time. It gave me a boost of confidence and made me feel more invested in the firm. Another memorable moment was the Ibiza trip – such a brilliant experience! It was great to spend time with everyone outside of work, and it really brought the team together. Definitely one of those trips that sticks with you forever!

Chelsea: It has to be the trip to Ibiza!

Emma: That trip to Ibiza was pretty amazing! Being appointed as a Director a couple of weeks before my 40^th birthday was an especially proud moment for myself and my close family.

Danny: That trip to Ibiza was definitely a high point and was once of the best holiday weekends I have had. More recently, the staff conference in 2024 was a huge success as it offered the staff the opportunity to come together and celebrate the success of the business after what had been a very challenging year for the firm. 

Deonne: The most memorable moments for me have been all of the times we’re able to down tools and let our hair down. It’s always good to be celebrating someone outside of office hours, whether it’s been baby showers, weddings, or special birthdays. Christmas nights are always a good time – the bus home the next day, not so much!

Rajan: For me, I’ve enjoyed supporting colleagues at charity events such as Tough Mudder – particularly the post event BBQs and drinks to celebrate. Christmas parties are usually memorable – in that I don’t quite remember them!

Fergus: It is always satisfying when I have achieved settlements where clients are awarded life changing sums of money for the very significant injuries they have suffered. Leading the team of a sing song through the beachside streets of Ibiza was great fun and not something I would have experienced with any other law firm. The team all pulling together for the recent Tough Mudder fund raising effort for such an important cause so close to our hearts was also a real highlight.

Thank you all for taking the time to share your stories, and for setting such a fantastic example for us all. Here’s to the next 80 years!