A tech-first mindset that helps us make the human difference
A tech-first mindset has always been at the forefront of Optimal Solicitors, with digital transformation driving our service enhancements rather than being something that we scramble to adopt. That’s what separates Optimal from many others in the sector, and it’s why our Information Technology Team Lead, Wojciech Iwo Duda, was a perfect fit for our firm.
From his first day at Optimal 10 years ago, Wojciech’s infectious passion for development and data has pushed us ahead of the digital curve – with new possibilities in client services, management culture, and so much more. For Wojciech and our team, it’s about tackling historic problems that are faced by legal practices and enabling our fantastic people to make the human difference to our clients.
Discover how Wojciech and the team have kept Optimal at the cutting edge when it comes to technology, balancing traditional ways of working and deploying transformative solutions. And keep reading for all the latest happenings at HQ and the wider legal world over the month of November!
Legal briefing
Are personal injury claims falling because they’re ‘too difficult’?
New data shows a decrease in road traffic accident personal injury claims in the third quarter of 2025, reflecting a more long-term downward trend. The Executive Director of The Association of Consumer Support Organisations suggests the trend could mean “that injured people are not claiming because it’s too difficult [and] too time consuming.”
If you’ve been injured, your priority should be getting better. Starting the compensation process can feel daunting. With the NHS under greater pressure than ever, Optimal can help you access the right medical support quickly, including private treatment and rehabilitation where NHS options aren’t available or the wait is long. From arranging physiotherapy and diagnostics to coordinating specialist appointments, we handle the practicalities so you can focus on your health.
Number of marriages continues to fall
Marriages and civil partnerships have been on a downward trend since the 1970s, and new data indicates that they continued to fall from 2022 to 2023 by just under 9%. Of these marriages and civil partnerships, opposite-sex marriages were the most common. This shows how family life has changed in the last five years or so. Couples now tend to be older when they’re getting married, showing that younger people are slower to take that step than perhaps they were previously. This research reiterates the importance of the government addressing the rights of those who choose to cohabit. This is something that has been on their agenda for some time. In the meantime, obtaining appropriate legal advice remains crucial.
Our expert family law solicitors support cohabiting couples to secure their relationships via a division of assets, funds, and financial responsibilities. We take a bespoke approach to each living situation, delivering a thorough and smooth service that combines practicality and sensitivity.
The Optimal pulse
- Jacek demonstrated his commitment to both coffee and kindness this month, taking orders from the entire team before collecting potentially the biggest coffee pickup ever recorded at Optimal! It was all in aid of World Kindness Day – celebrating small acts that put smiles on faces! ☕😁
- Edyta, Jacek, and Natalia are driving support for a local community centre and cheering on our colleague Ryszarda, who teaches at the Polish school, leads ZHP cubs and helps at the parish. We donated walkie-talkies (an early Christmas gift) plus office chairs and equipment, and spent a joyful afternoon singing and learning scout greetings. Community thrives when people give back – we’re proud to play a small part!
Employee of the month
Congratulations to our November Employee of the Month, Charlotte Porter 🎉
Charlotte is our Accounts and Operations Manager whose exceptional hard work has rightly been appreciated with this month’s award. She is always around to help with a variety of issues, going above and beyond to support whoever she can. Colleagues and managers alike all go to Charlotte for guidance, and her constant and reliable support makes her an integral asset and all-round great human in the business. Thank you, Charlotte!
It was a close one this month, with many of the team receiving more than one vote and mentions for new recruits too! Here’s a quick roundup of their feedback:
- Ricky Jones – always kind and helpful during an extra busy month for his team.
- Tracie Thomas – ready to assist and remains calm when the pressure is on.
- Jayne Linaker-Smith – always going out of her way to help.
- Katarzyna Gryszun – a team player, always providing support when called upon.
- Walter Coupe – funny, kind, and always hard working.
- Stephanie Matthews – extremely helpful and a delight to be around.
- Weronika Bojarska – always cheerful, willing to help, and eager to learn new skills.
- Sana Asghar – a great job covering colleagues across departments.
- Jakub Wisniewski – always really helpful and pragmatic.
- Mark Thomason – consistently keeps projects moving with impactful practical ideas.
- Ewelina Kaminska – always willing to help and has been a great asset to the team.
Another month, another chance to celebrate our Optimal dream team!
Work anniversaries
Well done to these four Optimal team members who celebrated milestones this month – we appreciate all the hard work you’ve done for us over the years!
🎉 Edyta Sliwinska – 12 years
🎉 Wojciech Iwo Duda – 10 years
🎉 Stephanie Matthews – 7 years
🎉 Karolina Giejgalo – 4 years
Latest blog: The Importance Of Clinical Negligence Claims – A Q&A With Mark Thomason
The emotional and physical trauma that often follows clinical negligence can be crippling for those who have suffered. That’s why, when Optimal Solicitors support clients with cases of this nature, we approach it with absolute care and empathy. Our aim is to not just find a path forward for our client, but to drive policy and process change within the NHS – helping prevent others from suffering similar negligent incidents in the future.
Our Head of Personal Injury, Mark Thomason, is accredited as a specialist in clinical negligence by The Law Society and as a senior litigator by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers. In this insightful blog, he breaks down the importance of these cases.
Introducing… Wojciech Iwo Duda
Wojciech Iwo Duda is the driving force behind Optimal Solicitors’ digital evolution. As IT and Digital Transformation Lead, he has spent the past decade designing and refining the systems that make our firm one of the most forward-thinking in the UK legal sector.
He joined Optimal in 2015, and within his first month, he developed and launched our first fully automated process. Since then, Wojciech has led with vision, precision, and creativity – overseeing everything from system architecture and product development to automation, research, and AI integration. Beyond his technical expertise, Wojciech is a natural leader, mentor, and culture setter within his team.
Outside the office, Wojciech brings the same energy and focus to his personal passions. He loves cooking and is a keen motorcyclist, a devoted dog owner, a committed multi-disciplined athlete, and an author in the making! Is there anything he can’t do?!
As Wojciech celebrates 10 years at our firm, we want to take this moment to celebrate a man who embodies the spirit of Optimal Solicitors: forward-thinking, human-centred, and always striving for excellence 👏
“Professionalism and top-notch service”
When everyday people are faced with unique challenges, be that through injury or family circumstance, we endeavour to provide a level of support that builds trust – trust that their interests and future are truly cared for. That trust was recognised by our client Krzysztof, who returned to Optimal and found the same professional, transparent service he experienced the first time around. Thanks for the kind words!
Legal support you can trust
Legal processes can feel daunting without the right support. That’s why, at Optimal, we invest in both exceptional people and technology. Together they combine to make the human difference that our clients need to feel supported as they seek justice and move forward with their lives.
To find out how we can help you work towards your optimal outcome, get in touch with our team today by calling 0161 250 7771 or completing our online contact form.
