APIL has welcomed a second layperson on to its executive committee among new officers elected at the association’s annual general meeting.
Musa Garba, who has an accomplished career as an architect, suffered major leg injuries in a car crash 12 years ago. He joins fellow lay-member Victoria LeBrec who was appointed in January.
APIL chief executive Mike Benner said: “It’s an exciting time on our executive committee, as we now have people who have direct experience of needless injuries at board level, working together with our lawyer executive committee members. We’re all looking forward to working closely with Musa”.
“I congratulate APIL for including people who have experienced car accident trauma in their decision-making process,” said Musa.
“My injuries dramatically changed my life. My family and I were greatly assisted by the solicitors who dealt with my case. They were extremely patient, considerate and always strove to achieve results with my best interests at heart.
“I fully support APIL’s aims and objectives and will be honoured to help further them. As an architect I’ve been involved in diversity and inclusion issues within the profession for over 20 years. I hope my experience can help APIL achieve their aims in this area too.”
Musa joins the APIL board amid other changes to the executive committee line up, following elections and the annual general meeting on 11 May.
John McQuater has taken the reins as APIL president. John is partner and clinical negligence specialist at Doncaster firm Atherton Godfrey, and is well-known as a presenter of APIL training courses. Suzanne Trask, an accredited brain injury specialist and partner at Bolt Burden Kemp, has stepped up to the role of vice president. Brett Dixon, also a prominent trainer for the association and a solicitor at Scott-Moncrieff & Associates, becomes APIL secretary. Barrister Stephen Glynn, from 9 Gough Square Chambers has been elected as an additional officer.