ILC ARTICLE

Rising Star interview with Oliver Harper, Scottish Operations Manager – Carpenters Group

27th October 2021

1. Tell us about your role. What do you do, and what do you find most interesting about it?

I am the Scottish Operations Manager and also a qualified Scottish Solicitor. I started with Carpenters Group as a Solicitor in 2017 and have progressed to Scottish Operations Manager. I am part of the management team in Scotland and I assist Calum MacGregor, Head of Scottish Operations in the daily running of the Glasgow office. Calum has provided guidance and great support during my time with the firm. In addition to assisting with running the office, I also deal with cases involving personal injury on a daily basis.   I enjoy the fast-paced environment and the fact that everyday is different. The work can be challenging and demanding but is rewarding when you see results.

2. What made you want to work in this industry? 

At university, whilst studying law, I enjoyed delict and civil court practice. On graduating, I opted to undertake a legal traineeship focusing purely on personal injury law and civil court work. I was attracted to personal injury work inparticular as I felt that I was able to make a real difference to people’s lives by helping them through a difficult time.

3. What do you see as the biggest challenge to your industry in the next year?

The introduction of QOCS in Scotland will mean that the landscape MAY change somewhat in terms of how cases are pursued at court. This may mean that insurers behaviour will alter when considering risk. This will be challenging as we will require to tailor our own approach as to how we deal with each individual case dependent on how the courts interpret QOCS. Whilst this will be a challenge moving forward, I see this as a positive step from the perspective of pursuing cases.  

4. How would you like to see the industry improved next year / 5 years / by the time you retire? 

Moving forward, I would like to see the courts adopt an online system for all types of litigation where court papers can be uploaded to court for processing. The more streamlined the system, the quicker the process and can be.  

5. If you could give your 16-year-old self a piece of advice, what would it be?

Try and formulate your own opinion on things but never discount someone else’s views without considering everything. Also start a savings account and stick to it!