Man who suffered horrific injuries set to achieve dream of becoming a barrister

Simon Arnold

A 36-year-old who ended up tetraplegic after a horrific road traffic accident is to achieve his long-held ambition of becoming a barrister.

Simon Arnold has been offered a place on an innovative scheme run by a North West law firm and barristers’ Chambers.

Simon was involved in a traffic accident in 2006, which left him tetraplegic.

His condition affects all four limbs while he also suffers from the neurological symptoms of his paralysis.

He is confined to a power chair, unable to walk and has very limited use of his hands.

Just twelve-months after his accident, having undergone intensive treatment and rehabilitation, Simon set himself the goal of qualifying as a barrister and enrolled on a law degree.

He has now accepted a pupillage at Hilary Meredith Solicitors in Wilmslow – a firm specialising in serious injury claims for military service personnel and veterans.

Simon will complete the first six months non-practising stage of the process with barristers at Exchange Chambers in Manchester, which is headed by personal injury specialist Bill Braithwaite.

In the years after his accident, he completed the Bar Professional Training Course and was called to the Bar by Gray’s Inn in 2012.

Simon then successfully completed a Masters in International Law and Human Rights.

Simon secured funding to enable him to employ a personal assistant as well as equipment, particularly IT, to help him work

He received an award from Jesse Jackson for overcoming exceptional circumstances.

Simon was also selected for a scholarship, which was personally granted by Lord Snowdon and became an ambassador for Edge Hill University.

Hilary Meredith, chair of Hilary Meredith Solicitors, praised Simon’s “remarkable” achievements.

She said: “As a firm of solicitors, we don’t ordinarily offer pupillages but Simon is a truly inspirational individual who has blown us away with his ability, determination and positive outlook.

“Despite being severely disabled, Simon has overcome adversity and hurdles that would have overwhelmed many. His dedication to the law and true ability to adapt and think beyond his physical limitations has allowed him to excel and overcome the odds.

Simon said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be starting a pupillage. It’s been a long journey and there have been difficult times along the way but so many people have supported me. I want to make them all proud.

“I am always careful not to assume that I automatically understand how a person with a serious injury feels.

“However, I do believe that I can relate to someone with a serious and catastrophic injury, and moreover have some idea of the processes and equipment that they might have to endure or require in the future.

“I believe it is important to know what to prioritise and focus on, in order to secure the best outcome.

“I think it’s essential in the early days of injury to have someone that can plan ahead, because when you are first injured you have no idea of your own abilities or what you might need in the future.”

Will Waldron QC from Exchange Chambers said: “I first met Simon not long after his accident and knew of his ambition to become a barrister.

“I had the pleasure of seeing him take a major step along the way when he was called to the Bar by Gray’s Inn, after which I had the privilege of getting to know him well.

“I have followed his progress closely, helping where I could, and

“I am absolutely delighted that Hilary Meredith and Exchange Chambers have been able to assist him in achieving the goal he set himself when fate altered the course of his life.

“In a world in which superlatives are often over-used, I have no hesitation in describing him as inspirational. He richly deserves his success.”

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