Clinical Negligence Principal Associate

Weightmans; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in Liverpool is seeking a highly motivated Solicitor to manage clinical negligence claims, emphasizing a flexible working culture and strong advocacy skills. Ideal candidates will have 4+ years of PQE and experience in healthcare sectors, aiming for excellent outcomes for clients. The firm boasts excellent development opportunities and is recognized as a top employer.

Benefits

Excellent development opportunities

Supportive and flexible working culture

Qualifications

• Experience defending high value and complex litigated clinical negligence claims.
• Demonstrated experience in the healthcare sector.
• Ability to adhere to client protocols.

Responsibilities

• Manage defendant clinical negligence claims.
• Liaise with various parties such as claimants and their solicitors.
• Draft various documents including SLA reports and pleadings.

Skills

Excellent technical ability and knowledge of CPR

Strong and effective communication skills

Disciplined time management and organisational skills

Capacity to rigorously investigate and analyse evidence

Ability to multi-task and prioritise

Education

Qualified Solicitor 4+ PQE

Job description

About your new role

Our specialist Clinical Negligence team covers all aspects of healthcare and related areas of law and practice, including child law, clinical negligence, clinical governance, consent to treatment, healthcare advisory and mental health. We provide a supportive, proactive service based on a deep understanding of NHS procedures and the social/political background of public healthcare. Our expert team includes doctors and nurses among other health professionals, all with specialist medical knowledge in key areas.

The ethos of the team is to work hard for our clients so that we secure the right outcome for them. In so doing we improve our technical skills and enhance our ability to meet the clients’ needs as they evolve.

The healthcare sector is fast moving and the challenge of working for our clients provides very interesting work.

The successful candidate will be highly motivated to develop their own and our teams’ practices.

We provide a supportive environment in which to work hard.

We pride ourselves on having excellent development opportunities for progression alongside a flexible working culture and are looking for NHS Resolution experienced talent to increase our offering across all aspects of Clinical Negligence / healthcare law.

Main duties and responsibilities

Solicitor (or equivalent) to manage defendant clinical negligence claims. Applicants from a claimant background will also be considered.

• Specialise in acting on behalf of NHS Litigation Authority and NHS Trusts, protecting their interests
• Manage a case load of litigated and pre‑litigated clinical negligence cases
• Conduct relevant investigations in order to repudiate and/or conclude the claim
• Liaise with various parties such as claimants and their solicitors, clients, counsel, experts etc.
• Achieve financial and chargeable targets
• Demonstrate strong advocacy skills, and have the necessary flexibility to offer support in the handling of civil claims
• Assist the Team Manager and other team members with their cases, client development, client training, networking and potentially public speaking where required
• Control Case Manager diary, key dates and action lists
• Draft various documents to include SLA reports and pleadings
• Perform billing duties
• Satisfy standards of client care in accordance with client SLA and Team manager guidelines and directions
• Complete Client MI procedures
• Comply with relevant rules, policies and procedures
• Keep up to date with legal developments
• Contribute to profile‑raising and business development initiatives

This list is not intended to be exhaustive and you will be expected to perform other duties and have other responsibilities that fall within the wider remit of the role.

About You

• Qualified Solicitor 4+ PQE
• Experience of defending high value and complex litigated and pre‑lit clinical negligence claims, preferably involving experience of working for the NHS and/or private healthcare sector
• Demonstrable experience in the healthcare sector
• Excellent technical ability and knowledge of CPR
• Strong and effective communication skills
• Disciplined time management and organisational skills
• Capacity to rigorously investigate and analyse evidence
• Ability to multi‑task and prioritise
• Ability to work to strict deadlines and targets
• Ability to adhere to client protocols
• Ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative
• Flexible approach
• Experience of training, supervising and developing junior team members

If you meet our criteria and think this is a job where you could bring enthusiasm and commitment, then we look forward to receiving your application.

Why work for us

Come and join our award‑winning organisation and team. Weightmans has been recognised as a leading employer for the 18th consecutive year at Britain’s Top Employers awards 2025, and ranking 5th in the list, the firm has also secured top positions in Chambers UK.

Embark on this journey with Weightmans towards becoming one of the Top 30 UK Law firms.

Why work for us? Take a look: Work for Weightmans: voted a top employer | Weightmans

This link contains information regarding Culture, Benefits, D&I, Recruitment Agency PSL/Non PSL and Eligibility to work in the UK information.

Work for a firm where people matter – work for Weightmans

Eligibility to work in the UK

Eligibility to work in the UK will be verified in the final stages of the selection process. All candidates must either already have a right to work in the UK before commencing employment or meet the Home Office criteria for Visa sponsorship. Candidates who require sponsorship should evaluate the Home Office eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker visa before applying.

PLEASE NOTE

The opportunities available are Legal positions. Candidates applying should possess relevant experience in the legal industry. Candidates are encouraged to reach out directly. For inquiries or more details, feel free to contact us. Our recruitment team members are here to assist.