Marine Personal Injury Paralegal / CILEX - Defendant Litigation

ZipRecruiter; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK law firm is seeking a Marine Personal Injury Paralegal / CILEX to support its defendant-side litigation practice. The role involves handling high-profile marine casualties, drafting key legal documentation, and participating in accident investigations. This position offers excellent career development opportunities within a collaborative culture, supported by a structured training framework and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Private Healthcare (BUPA)

Profit share bonus scheme

Scottish Widows pension (5% employer / 5% employee)

Life Assurance (4x salary)

Permanent Health Insurance

Electric car scheme

Enhanced parental leave

Subsidised gym membership

Flexible working policies

Qualifications

• Previous experience in defendant personal injury role.
• Strong interest/involvement in marine or shipping litigation desired.
• Solid understanding of PL/EL claims, Athens Convention, Admiralty Court.

Responsibilities

• Handle mixed caseload of defendant personal injury matters.
• Draft legal documentation including defences and witness statements.
• Participate in accident investigations and liaise with clients.

Skills

Legal drafting

Legal research

Client liaison

Teamwork

Education

CILEX qualification

Paralegal experience

Tools

Claims Portal

Job description

Job Description

Marine Personal Injury Paralegal / CILEX – Defendant Litigation

The Opportunity

We have been instructed by a leading UK Top 50 law firm renowned for its deep-rooted heritage and reach. With over 700 legal professionals operating across major regional hubs, this full-service practice is celebrated for its market-leading expertise in shipping, international trade, and marine casualty matters.

Their award-winning Shipping & International Trade team is growing and now seeks an experienced Paralegal or CILEX qualified professional to support its defendant-side marine personal injury litigation practice. You will work on high-profile claims relating to marine casualties, including Athens Convention claims, complex PI litigation involving seafarers and passengers, and rapid-response accident investigations.

This is a career-building role with outstanding development potential in a team known for its collegiate culture and high-calibre caseload.

Key Responsibilities

• Handle a mixed caseload of defendant personal injury matters, including fast-track, intermediate, and multi-track claims.

• Draft legal documentation such as defences, witness statements, instructions to counsel, and court applications.

• Participate in the accident investigation process – some UK travel and occasional weekend work may be required.

• Liaise confidently with clients, insurers, witnesses, and external parties throughout the litigation lifecycle.

• Conduct legal research, prepare case summaries, and assist senior solicitors on complex and high-value marine injury claims.

• Operate effectively within the Claims Portal and liaise with the DWP on CRU certificates.

• Support court hearing preparation and attend case conferences and proceedings when required.

• Ensure procedural compliance with CPR rules and manage case records using the firm’s legal tech systems.

Requirements

• Previous experience in a defendant personal injury role (paralegal or CILEX-qualified).

• Strong interest or prior involvement in marine or shipping litigation is highly desirable.

• Solid understanding of PL/EL claims, the Athens Convention, and Admiralty Court procedure is advantageous.

• Experience using the Claims Portal and managing CRU processes.

• Willingness to travel across the UK for investigations (including occasional weekends).

• Excellent drafting skills and legal research ability.

• Team player with a proactive, confident, and professional manner.

Why Apply?

• Join a Top 5-ranked UK law firm for employee satisfaction (RollOnFriday 2024).

• Be part of a respected team handling international marine disputes and casualties.

• Access a clear and transparent career development framework.

• Enjoy a genuinely supportive culture with mentoring, buddy systems, and career coaching.

• Hybrid/agile working with flexibility built into the role from day one.

• Benefits
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays

• Private Healthcare (BUPA)

• Profit share bonus scheme

• Scottish Widows pension (5% employer / 5% employee)

• Life Assurance (4x salary) & Permanent Health Insurance

• Electric car scheme

• Enhanced parental leave

• Subsidised gym membership

• Dress for your Day & Agile Working policies

Equal Opportunities

Our client is an equal opportunity employer that fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace. Applications are welcome from all backgrounds, and selection is made based on merit alone.

Ready to Apply?

This is a standout opportunity for a marine PI paralegal or CILEX-qualified litigation specialist to develop their career in a highly respected, nationally recognised firm. If you're ready to take your career to the next level in an environment that values growth, flexibility, and real responsibility—we want to hear from you.

Apply now or contact our legal recruitment team in confidence to find out more.