Defendant Litigation Executive

CRA Legal; Leeds; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Pension contributions

Annual leave

Job summary

CRA Consulting is partnering with a leading defendant legal services organisation to recruit an experienced Defendant Litigation Executive in Leeds. You will manage defended motor damage claims, coordinating proceedings through to settlement while working with insurers, counsel, and internal teams in a technology-driven environment.

This role suits a Solicitor, CILEX, or equivalent experience, with strong drafting, negotiation, and case management skills.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) or CILEX, or equivalent experience.
• Experience handling defended civil claims independently.
• Exposure to defendant motor damage or insurance litigation is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of litigated defendant motor damage claims from receipt of proceedings through to conclusion.
• Review liability, evidence and quantum to develop effective litigation strategies.
• Draft pleadings, witness statements, applications and other legal documentation.
• Negotiate settlements where appropriate while identifying opportunities for favourable outcomes.
• Prepare matters for trial, including instructing counsel and coordinating evidence.
• Maintain regular communication with insurer clients and other key stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with client service standards, court timetables and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain case management systems and meet service level agreements.
• Share technical knowledge to support the wider litigation team.

Skills

Litigation management

Drafting

Negotiation

Case management

Education

Solicitor qualification or CILEX

Tools

Case management software

Legal drafting software

Job description

Role: Defendant Litigation Executive
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
Salary: £30,000 - £32,000
Contract: Full time, permanent, hybrid

Looking to develop your litigation career within a nationally recognised legal services provider? CRA Consulting is working in partnership with a leading defendant legal services organisation to recruit an experienced Defendant Litigation Executive to join its established Motor Litigation team in Leeds. This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of a varied caseload of litigated motor damage claims while working within a collaborative, technology-driven environment that genuinely supports career development. Whether you're an experienced Solicitor, Chartered Legal Executive or Litigation Fee Earner, you'll benefit from high-quality work, structured progression and the flexibility of hybrid working.

The Opportunity

You'll manage your own caseload of defended motor damage litigation from the point proceedings are issued through to settlement or final hearing. Working closely with insurers, counsel and internal colleagues, you'll develop effective litigation strategies, provide commercially focused legal advice and ensure each matter is progressed efficiently while delivering an excellent client experience.

What You'll Be Doing

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Managing a portfolio of litigated defendant motor damage claims from receipt of proceedings through to conclusion.


• Reviewing liability, evidence and quantum to develop effective litigation strategies.


• Drafting pleadings, witness statements, applications and other legal documentation.


• Negotiating settlements where appropriate while identifying opportunities to achieve commercially favourable outcomes.


• Preparing matters for trial, including instructing counsel and coordinating evidence.


• Maintaining regular communication with insurer clients and other key stakeholders.


• Ensuring compliance with client service standards, court timetables and regulatory requirements.


• Accurately maintaining case management systems and meeting agreed service level agreements.


• Supporting colleagues by sharing technical knowledge and contributing to the continued success of the wider litigation team.

About You

Applications are welcomed from legal professionals with experience handling defended civil litigation matters, particularly within motor or insurance litigation. You'll ideally have:

• Qualified Solicitor status (England & Wales), Chartered Legal Executive (CILEX), or equivalent experience as a Litigation Fee Earner.


• Experience managing litigated civil claims independently.


• Previous exposure to defendant motor damage litigation or insurance litigation would be advantageous.


• A solid understanding of the Civil Procedure Rules and the litigation process.


• Strong drafting, negotiation and case management skills.


• Commercial awareness and the ability to make sound strategic decisions.


• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.


• A proactive, collaborative approach with a commitment to delivering excellent client service.

What's On Offer?

Alongside a competitive salary, you'll receive an excellent benefits package designed to support both your professional development and personal wellbeing, including:

• Annual performance bonus.


• Competitive employer pension contributions.


• Hybrid working, with approximately 50% office-based.


• Generous annual leave entitlement.


• Flexible benefits, including optional private healthcare and dental cover.


• Employee share scheme.


• Retail discounts and cashback offers.


• Ongoing technical training and professional development.


• Clear opportunities for long-term career progression within a national legal services provider.

Why Join?

This is an opportunity to become part of a respected defendant litigation team that handles high-quality work for leading insurer clients. You'll enjoy genuine responsibility from day one, work alongside experienced litigation professionals and benefit from a supportive culture that encourages collaboration, continuous learning and career progression. If you're looking for your next move in defendant litigation and want to join an organisation where your expertise will be recognised and developed, we'd love to hear from you.