Associate EL/PL & Complex Injury (Defendant)

Cape Clarke; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading national defendant firm in Birmingham is seeking an experienced Associate to join their team. You will manage a complex caseload of defendant EL/PL and sensitive public-sector claims, including abuse and misconduct-related cases. This role offers up to £65,000 in salary, a competitive bonus, and a supportive culture with clear progression paths. Hybrid working model allows flexibility with office visits approximately two days a week.

Benefits

Competitive bonus and benefits package

Supportive, collegiate culture

Clear progression and training

Qualifications

• Ideally 5+ PQE; all levels considered.
• Proven experience in defendant EL/PL and/or highways claims.
• Experience handling complex or sensitive matters.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of defendant EL/PL and sensitive public-sector claims.
• Balance various complex claims including stress and abuse-related cases.
• Defend claims against public authorities and educational institutions.

Skills

Excellent analytical skills

Drafting skills

Client care skills

Strong communication skills

Detail-oriented

Job description

Associate – EL/PL & Complex Injury (Defendant)

Location: Birmingham (Hybrid) | Salary: Up to £65,000 D.O.E + benefits

We’re working with a leading national defendant firm seeking an experienced Associate to join their Birmingham office. This is a fantastic opportunity to manage a technically complex, high-value caseload of defendant EL/PL and sensitive public‑sector claims – including stress, abuse and misconduct‑related cases on behalf of local authorities, emergency services and other public bodies.

The Role

You’ll handle a varied and intellectually challenging caseload, balancing EL/PL, highways and complex stress/abuse cases. Many matters involve sensitive circumstances, often defending claims against public authorities, police forces and educational institutions.

This role suits someone who enjoys technical, investigative and sensitive defence work and wants to develop in a respected, well‑structured national team.

Clients

• Local authorities and other public bodies
• Emergency and blue‑light services
• Major insurers and claims intermediaries
• Large self‑insured organisations

Typical Work

• Employers’ liability and public liability (including highways)
• Complex stress, harassment and abuse‑related claims
• Claims involving educational rights, police misconduct and boundary disputes
• Multi‑track, sensitive litigation requiring careful client management and judgment

About You

• Ideally 5+ PQE (guideline only – all levels considered) both Defendant & Claimant experience considered
• Proven experience in defendant EL/PL and/or highways claims
• Comfortable handling complex or sensitive matters involving public‑sector or emergency‑service clients
• Excellent analytical, drafting and client‑care skills
• Strong communicator, calm under pressure, and detail‑oriented

What’s on Offer

• Salary up to £60,000 DOE
• Competitive bonus and benefits package
• Hybrid working (typically 2 office / 3 home)
• Exposure to high‑profile, complex and meaningful work
• Supportive, collegiate culture with clear progression and training

For more details, please contact Stephen Hunt at:

📞 07502 103476

📩 [e-mail] (Ref: SH-2725)