Stevens gets the best of both worlds as the lead partner of the firm's medical negligence practice
Doctor or lawyer? This was the conflict Adam Stevens faced when he was younger. He eventually went to law school, where he cultivated a curiosity for the Australian legal system.
Stevens found the happy medium in focusing on medical negligence law, and over an illustrious career has worked with various medical practitioners, representing them in court. Recently, he joined Rigby Cooke to lead its new medical negligence practice.
In the first half of this interview, Stevens gives Australasian Lawyer the details on the firm’s new practice and his plans for the team.
I initially chose to be a lawyer as it offered a career that was stable and impactful. I attended the University of Melbourne Law School, at which time I developed a strong curiosity for the law and the Australian legal system.
As my career progressed, I gained experience working on a broad spectrum of cases ranging from large drug litigation for international pharmaceutical companies to locally based medical malpractice litigation for local doctors. Throughout that time, the most interesting aspect of my job has tended to be the “strategic thinking and planning” involved in obtaining the best possible outcome for a client. I find that aspect of my job particularly rewarding.
I have always had an interest in medicine. Indeed, before starting my career in law, I would often have an internal dialogue about whether to be a lawyer or a doctor. My parents were also divided on this – mum always wanted a doctor in the family; whereas dad always considered the law was likely to be a more interesting pursuit. Ultimately, I found a compromise in focusing on medical negligence.
Early in my career, I was given the opportunity to be exposed to medical malpractice litigation. I quickly realised that that type of law allowed the best of both worlds. I still very much enjoy the process of understanding the medicine behind a particular aspect of a legal case.
Rigby Cooke’s medical negligence practice is focused on helping medical practitioners and medical service providers by providing support to defend claims so that they can continue providing medical services to the community. I am particularly keen to ensure that, in a space that is characterised by complexity and detail, the team provides outcome-based and pragmatic legal assistance. That, I am confident, will translate to an exceptional experience for clients.
As Legal Team Manager – VIC Civil at Avant Law, I gained a considerable amount of experience and expertise acting for medical professionals. That role has equipped me with a deep understanding of the Victorian medical negligence jurisdiction. That role has allowed me to quickly identify issues and then provide robust, strategic, and pragmatic assistance to navigate those issues. I offer a detailed knowledge of health law and a demonstrated history of handling complex medical-legal issues.
Next week, Stevens shares his thoughts on AI’s impact on medicine and the business of law, as well as what he believes is the key to career advancement.
