Associate – Inquiries & Investigations (1–3 PQE)

Sellick Partnership; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Dental & health

Retirement planning

Pro bono opportunities

Job summary

Sellick Partnership is supporting a leading global law firm to recruit an Associate in Inquiries & Investigations with 1–3 years' PQE. You will handle public inquiries and large-scale disclosures, work closely with clients across public and private sectors, and support substantial evidence reviews.

Based in Manchester, Birmingham or Cardiff, the role requires on-site work with a requirement to travel and initially work five days per week on London client premises, with future location

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor in England & Wales with 1–3 years' PQE.
• Experience in public inquiries or advising Core Participants.
• Experience in private practice, government, regulatory or public sector environments.

Responsibilities

• Act as Solicitors to statutory and non-statutory public inquiries.
• Represent Core Participants in inquiries and internal investigations.
• Undertake internal investigations and independent reviews.
• Interview witnesses and manage statements.
• Review and analyse evidence using document management and review platforms.
• Support large-scale disclosure projects and document reviews.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Organisational skills

Commercial awareness

Education

Solicitor in England & Wales

Tools

Document review tools

Job description

NOW RECRUITING | Associate - Inquiries & Investigations | 1-3 PQE

Manchester, Birmingham or Cardiff

We're currently working on an exciting opportunity with a leading global law firm, which is looking to recruit an Associate with 1-3 years' post-qualification experience to join its established Inquiries & Investigations team.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a qualified solicitor with public inquiries and investigations experience to work on high-profile, complex and sensitive matters of significant public interest, supporting public sector clients and working alongside an experienced team.

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Inquiries & Investigations team advises clients across both the public and private sectors. The team has extensive experience acting as Solicitors to statutory and non-statutory inquiries, representing Core Participants and conducting confidential investigations and independent reviews.

Its notable work includes:

• Acting as Solicitors to the Angiolini Inquiry.
• Acting as Solicitors to the Independent Inquiry relating to Afghanistan.
• Representing Core Participants in the Southport Inquiry and Post Office Horizon Inquiry.
• Acting for Core Participants in the Infected Blood Inquiry and Grenfell Tower Inquiry.
• Supporting witnesses and disclosure providers in the Covid Inquiry.
• Working on the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA).
• Advising on the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry, the Leveson Inquiry and other significant public inquiries.
• Assisting Birmingham City Council with the Trojan Horse investigation.

THE ROLE & KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

You will be involved in a varied and challenging caseload, including:

• Acting as Solicitors to statutory and non-statutory public inquiries.
• Representing Core Participants in public and non-statutory inquiries.
• Undertaking internal investigations and independent reviews.
• Liaising with, interviewing and taking statements from a wide range of witnesses.
• Reviewing and analysing evidence using document management and review platforms.
• Supporting large-scale disclosure projects and document review exercises.
• Reviewing and redacting sensitive and confidential information.
• Managing, analysing and reporting on substantial volumes of evidence.
• Attending hearings on behalf of clients.
• Assisting with media handling.
• Advising on inquiry procedures, document management, evidence collection and review, witness evidence, fair process and the powers and duties of inquiries.
• Advising on privilege, freedom of information, data protection, judicial review and reputation management.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

The successful candidate will have:

• Qualification as a solicitor in England & Wales, with 1-3 years' PQE.
• Experience of public inquiries, either acting as Solicitor to an Inquiry or supporting a Core Participant.
• Experience gained in private practice, government, regulatory or public sector environments.
• Previous experience of large-scale disclosure or document review exercises.
• Strong analytical skills and excellent attention to detail, particularly when handling sensitive information.
• Good commercial awareness and financial acumen.
• The ability to exercise independent judgment and work collaboratively with colleagues, clients and Counsel.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills.
• The ability to work under pressure and deliver high-quality, cost-effective work within agreed deadlines.
• The flexibility to travel as required and work on-site at client premises in central London five days per week initially, with flexibility thereafter depending on future instructions.
• Existing UK security clearance, or the ability to obtain the required level of clearance.

WHAT'S ON OFFER?

The firm offers a range of benefits and opportunities, including:

• Structured professional development, training and mentoring.
• Flexible, agile and hybrid working arrangements, subject to the requirements of the role.
• Dental, healthcare and wellbeing support.
• Retirement planning, insurance and assurance benefits.
• Opportunities for international and cross-functional exposure.
• Pro bono work and community engagement.
• A commitment to diversity, inclusion and supporting individual career ambitions.
• A culture that values collaboration, individual contribution and professional development.

LOCATION & WORKING ARRANGEMENTS

The role is intended to be based in Birmingham, Cardiff or Manchester in the longer term. Candidates must, however, be comfortable working on-site at client premises in central London five days per week initially, with travel and location requirements adapting to future instructions.