Craig has been on the MASS Management Committee since 2018 and is MASS Regional Co-ordinator for the South and West area. We asked Craig our standard questions to find out more about him.

Why MASS?

I have spent most of  my career working at member firms who have had a very close relationship with MASS.  Regional meetings (certainly back when they happened face to face) were a great chance to meet my colleagues at other firms and share tips, updates and information in a supportive and collaborative way – unfettered by commercial sensitivities and egos!

Why the Law?

Frankly, I really had no idea what else I wanted to do.  I enjoyed taking Law A Level.  I fell into a Law degree and (back when things like that could happen) got a training contract on my first and only application.   Now, I still love meeting new clients and, in some of the most challenging cases, being part of their family support network for what might be a number of years.  It’s a privilege to be allowed into the lives of such courageous people.

Best win in Court/most important win to date?

It sounds a bit cliché, but in dealing with a predominantly fatal injury caseload, there are never “winners”.  Satisfaction comes in supporting someone after a sudden bereavement and helping them get to a point where they can plan and move forward with their lives again.

Thoughts on the implications of the Civil Liability Act

Another exercise in smashing the Claimant legal profession for reasons founded on untruths about fraudulent claimants, baseless statistics, and premium promises from insurers that will never be fulfilled.  A ham-fisted and unfinished system that is now seemingly offending insurers as much as Claimant lawyers and which is clearly presenting some very real issues as to access to justice.

What 3 items would you take to a desert island?

• Running shoes
• Good gin
• Netflix

What’s your claim to fame?

I’m quite a good juggler.

What’s the best and worst piece of advice you have ever received?

Best – Never go up or downstairs without something in your hands.  You’ve always got something to take/put somewhere. I am trying to train my daughters this… and failing.

Worst – the MiniDisc audio format is definitely the way forward.

What would be your first question after waking up from being cryogenically frozen for 100 years?

Do people still run for fun?

Superstitions?

Many including:

• Greeting single magpies
• No new shoes on a table
• Don’t pass on the stairs

Best ever holiday or place you have visited?

Sydney – just a brilliant place.

First car?

A navy blue Renault 5 with white bumpers and alloys.  It had a leaking sunroof  and the passenger footwell was rusted through – so the water that leaked in from the top, drained out the bottom.

Favourite song/artist?

Eleanor Rigby by The Beatles.

Favourite book?

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – and sequels

Best TV boxset or movie?

In recent times – “Ozark”.

Favourite drink?

Exeter Gin or Bumbu Spiced rum – it’s very close.

Favourite food?

Massive, shell on, prawns drowned in garlic butter (crusty bread for butter soaking).

What is the first thing you like to do with your free time?

Run – unsurprisingly.

What annoys you?

People who don’t pick up their dog poo.

What advice would you give your younger self ?

Run more.

This article first appeared in the MASS Insight Magazine,  Spring 2022

Craig Butler is a Senior Associate at Wolferstans Solicitors in Plymouth and a Solicitor in their Serious Injury Team.

Our Mission Statement