Local Government Solicitor

Weightmans; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Weightmans is seeking a Solicitor to join our Local Government Team based in Birmingham or Leicester. You will manage a caseload of predominantly fast track claims (and multi-track depending on experience), liaising with clients, opponents, court and witnesses, and undertaking liability investigations.

You will handle EL/PL files, attend client meetings and court hearings, and contribute to business development while meeting targets and deadlines in a collaborative team.

Qualifications

• Experience handling EL/PL files and casualty claims.
• Proactive and forward-thinking mindset.
• Willingness to engage with the whole team.
• Experience managing own caseload.
• Strong drafting skills.
• Good influencing and communication abilities.
• Strong interpersonal and team-working skills.
• Solid IT skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to multi-task and meet strict deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Handle or assist on predominantly PI including EL, PL and Highways claims.
• Assist senior fee earners with case management, legal research, drafting statements and court prep.
• Attend client meetings and court hearings.
• Respond to correspondence from clients and other parties promptly and accurately.
• Achieve financial and chargeable targets.
• Support the team’s business development activities.

Skills

EL/PL claims experience

Casualty claims experience

Client liaison

Drafting skills

Communication skills

Time management

Team collaboration

IT skills

Education

Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales)

Job description

About Your New Role

Our Market Leading Local Government team provides a full, expert service in defending public (PL) and employers' liability (EL) claims across the public sector.

We operate on a national basis with dedicated commercial insurance and Local Government teams and as part of our wider specialism we have a dedicated Casualty Fraud team.

We are currently recruiting for a Solicitor to join our Local Government Team based in either Birmingham or Leicester.

We seek a Solicitor with experience of handling a caseload of predominantly fast track claims (and/or multi-track depending on experience). You will be responsible for running the day to day of your cases including liaising with clients, opponents, court, witnesses and undertaking your own liability investigations.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Handling or assisting on predominantly PI including EL, PL and Highways and also potentially property damage, social care and data protection claims.
• Assisting senior fee earners with various tasks including general case management, legal research, drafting of witness statements, reports to clients and preparation for court hearings.
• Attending client meetings and court hearings.
• Responding promptly and accurately to correspondence and telephone enquiries from clients and other parties, with or without supervision.
• Achieving set financial and chargeable targets.
• Supporting the team’s business development activities.

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

You will have experience handling or assisting on EL/PL files, or previous experience of handling casualty claims, and a genuine, demonstrable interest in the work.

Requirements

• Experience of handing PL, EL, Highways claims.
• A proactive and forward-thinking mindset.
• A willingness to ask questions and engage with the whole team.
• Experience of handling own caseload.
• Good drafting skills.
• Good influencing skills.
• Good communication skills.
• Good interpersonal and team working skills.
• Good IT skills.
• Good written and communication skills.
• Good time management and organisation skills.
• Good attention to detail and concentration.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritise.
• Ability to work to strict deadlines.
• Ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative.
• Knowledge of CPR procedure with proven technical ability.