Associate - Medical Negligence

Irwin Mitchell LLP; Nottingham, Sheffield; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Annual bonus review

Westfield Health and Digital GP

Pension arrangements

Volunteering days

Employee discounts

Job summary

Irwin Mitchell LLP in the UK is seeking a motivated medical negligence lawyer to manage your own caseload while supporting Partners on high-value cases. You will provide clear advice to clients and secure interim payments where possible to aid rehabilitation and care.

Based in Sheffield or Nottingham, the role requires around 4–6 years' PQE in medical negligence, strong analytical and organisational skills, excellent client care and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Qualifications

• Around 4-6 years' PQE gained within a claimant or defendant medical negligence practice.
• Experience managing your own caseload of clinical negligence matters.
• Strong technical and analytical skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Commercial awareness and a proactive approach to case management.
• The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise competing demands in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Managing your own caseload of medical negligence matters with appropriate supervision.
• Taking instructions from clients and providing clear, practical legal advice.
• Building strong relationships with clients and delivering an exceptional client experience.
• Assisting Partners and senior team members on complex and high-value cases.
• Reviewing cases and legal strategy with supervisors to ensure the highest standards of client service and legal excellence.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the wider team to achieve the best possible outcomes for clients.

Skills

caseload management

analytical skills

commercial awareness

teamwork

client communication

Job description

As one of the UK’s leading law firms, we’re here for the people and businesses who rely on us at life’s important moments - made possible by our colleagues who bring the expertise, judgement and care that makes the difference.

Our colleagues bring Irwin Mitchell to life every day, so it matters that you feel valued from the very first day and aretrusted with the responsibility, in the right culture, to do the best work of your careers. Everyone’s path here is different, but we share a desire to help our business make a real impact.

Where possible we will support our colleagues to work in a way that works for them, for us and most importantly our clients. Please speak to a member of our Recruitment and Onboarding team for more information.

The Team

Our Medical Negligence team is recognised as one of the leading clinical negligence practices in the UK. We support individuals and families through some of the most challenging periods of their lives, helping them secure answers, accountability, and access to the compensation and support they need to rebuild their future.

Our award-winning team acts on a broad range of complex and high-value claims arising from all areas of healthcare, including obstetric, neonatal, anaesthetic, neurosurgical, cardiac and psychiatric care. We have particular expertise in cases involving birth injuries, cancer misdiagnosis, GP negligence, Accident & Emergency claims and cerebral palsy matters.

Working alongside nationally recognised specialists, you'll have the opportunity to make a genuine difference to clients while developing your expertise in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Your Role and What You'll Be Doing

Joining our team in either Sheffield or Nottingham, you'll manage your own caseload of clinical negligence matters whilst also supporting Partners and senior lawyers on complex, high-value cases.

You'll provide high-quality legal advice to clients from the outset of their claim, helping them navigate sensitive and often life-changing circumstances. A key part of the role will involve securing interim payments wherever possible, enabling access to rehabilitation, specialist care, housing adaptations and other vital support before a claim concludes.

The work is varied and intellectually stimulating, with exposure to matters including:

• Fatal claims
• Delayed diagnosis of cancer
• Surgical injury claims
• Spinal injury cases
• Orthopaedic negligence claims
• Birth injury and neonatal claims

Key Responsibilities

• Managing your own caseload of medical negligence matters with appropriate supervision.
• Taking instructions from clients and providing clear, practical legal advice.
• Building strong relationships with clients and delivering an exceptional client experience.
• Assisting Partners and senior team members on complex and high-value cases.
• Reviewing cases and legal strategy with supervisors to ensure the highest standards of client service and legal excellence.

Working collaboratively with colleagues across the wider team to achieve the best possible outcomes for clients.

About You

We're looking for a motivated and compassionate lawyer who is passionate about delivering excellent client outcomes.

You'll ideally have:

• Around 4-6 years' PQE gained within a claimant or defendant medical negligence practice.
• Experience managing your own caseload of clinical negligence matters.
• Strong technical and analytical skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Commercial awareness and a proactive approach to case management.
• The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise competing demands in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and client care skills, with a genuine commitment to supporting clients through difficult and often sensitive situations.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a market-leading team working on high-quality, meaningful work that genuinely changes lives.

Our Approach to Reward and Wellbeing

• 25 days' holiday as standard, rising to 28 days depending on role level, plus bank holidays and the option to purchase additional leave.
• Opportunities to share in our success through annual pay and bonus review processes for eligible colleagues.
• Health and wellbeing support, including Westfield Health and Digital GP access.
• Competitive pension arrangements to help you plan for the future.
• Two paid volunteering days every year to support causes that matter to you.
• Access to a range of colleague discounts and lifestyle benefits to support you both inside and outside of work.

We also offer a wide range of well-being initiatives to encourage positive mental health both in and out of the workplace and to make sure you’re fully supported.

In 2026, Irwin Mitchell was recognised in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work guide and was the only law firm included in the 'Very Big' organisation category

Our responsible business programmes are fundamental to who we are and our purpose. We’re committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace where our colleagues can flourish, and we have established a number of inclusion network groups across our business to support this aim.

Our commitment to Social Responsibility, community investment activity and tackling climate change is a fundamental part of who we are. It’s made up of four strands: Our People, Our Community, Our Environment and Our Pro Bono.

Applying to Irwin Mitchell

We want every candidate to have a positive, fair and transparent recruitment experience. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please speak to a member of our Recruitment & Onboarding team or contact [e-mail]

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly common part of modern working life. If you choose to use AI tools as part of your application or interview preparation, please review our AI in Recruitment Candidate Guidance AI Candidate Guidance

As part of joining the Irwin Mitchell Group, all successful applicants are required to complete our employment screening process. We carry out pre employment screening to establish your eligibility to work in the UK, and understand any criminal records or adverse financial history.

Our onboarding processes are designed to help us maintain the high standards of trust, integrity and professionalism expected by our colleagues, to protect the interests of the Group, clients, partners and other stakeholders.

Checks are conducted by trusted 3rd parties and the employment screening process will fully comply with Data Protection and other applicable laws.

Irwin Mitchell LLP is an equal opportunity employer.