NQ or Paralegal - Professional Negligence

DWF; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

DWF's Financial and Professional Risks team in Leeds and Manchester is seeking a Solicitor or Associate to advise insurers and defend professionals in professional negligence matters. You will handle your own caseload and collaborate with senior team members on complex files.

The role can be based in Leeds or Manchester with a minimum of two days in the office. The firm emphasises a supportive, collaborative culture and opportunities for development.

Qualifications

• Previous experience managing Financial and Professional Risks, Professional Negligence or Professional Indemnity claims.
• 1–5 years PQE experience of commercial litigation and professional negligence claims.
• NQ Solicitor, Trainee Solicitor or Paralegal with relevant experience considered.
• At least a 2:1 law degree or a 2:1 non-law degree with PGDL.

Responsibilities

• Progress the defence of multiple pre-action and litigated claims under supervision.
• Liaise with clients, third parties and opponents.
• Carry out disclosure review, prepare costs budgets and instructions to counsel and experts.
• Perform legal research including liability and claim value analysis.
• Prepare court documents including Claim Forms, Defences and Bundles.
• Review clients' documents and draft reports and advice for clients.
• Build strong working relationships with colleagues and clients.
• Aim for 1,500 chargeable hours and manage WIP and invoices within terms.
• Develop technical and commercial knowledge through training and supervision.
• Demonstrate the firm's Winning Behaviours and CSR commitments.

Job description

Why join us?

As a result of our continued growth, the DWF Financial and Professional Risks team in Leeds and Manchester are looking for an Solicitor or Associate to work in the team advising insurers and defending professionals in respect of allegations of professional negligence.

We are one of the largest defendant professional liability teams outside of London and continue to grow.

You would have your own caseload and you will also get to experience working and developing alongside any of the 20+ senior members of the team supporting their files as needs be.

The role can be based from Leeds or Manchester, depending upon preferred location, with a minimum of 2 days working in the office. The team are extremely supportive, collaborative and a social bunch.

Responsibilities

• Under the supervision of partners, to progress the defence of multiple pre-action and litigated claims, including liaising with clients, third parties and opponents.
• Be responsible for carrying out disclosure review, preparation of costs budgets and instructions to counsel and experts.
• Legal research including as to liability and the value of claims.
• Ensure compliance with court deadlines and client requirements.
• Be responsible for the preparation of court documents including Claim Forms, Defences, Allocation Questionnaires, Lists of Documents, Pre-Trial Checklists, bundles for hearings, Application Notices and others.
• Carry out reviews of clients' documents, factual and legal analysis and produce first draft reports and advices to clients.
• Build good working relationships with colleagues and clients.
• Achieve time recording target of 1,500 chargeable hours in the financial year and engage in various business development initiatives.
• Manage work-in-progress and debt on allocated files to ensure that invoices are raised and payments are made within agreed terms.
• Develop technical and commercial knowledge through training and/or supervised working.
• Demonstrate the firm's Winning Behaviours and committing to its values and CSR agenda.

What will help you succeed in this role?

Preferred Criteria

• Previous experience managing Financial and Professional Risks, Professional Negligence or Professional Indemnity claims is ideal.
• Ideally, 1-5 years PQE experience of commercial litigation and professional negligence claims.
• We would also consider NQ Solicitor, Trainee Solicitor or Paralegal's that have the relevant specific experience.
• At least a 2:1 law degree or a 2:1 non-law degree and PGDL*.

Desirable Criteria

• Excellent attention to detail and diligence to be able to carefully analyse information.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills and sound judgments, including review of data and other types of business information, trends and drawing supported conclusion based on the data.
• Flexibility and adaptability in your attitude and approach and strong organisational skills.
• Motivation and a demonstrable work ethic. An ability to work proactively and demonstrate initiative, without constant direction, albeit under close supervision.
• Strong technical skills and a thorough grasp of principles, case law and Civil Procedure Rules.
• Ability to operate in a collaborative environment yet independently manage a portfolio of claims.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• If you have not achieved the required standard of academic qualifications, we welcome your application and it will be reviewed in full, considering any relevant mitigating circumstances.

What we offer?

We are an equal opportunities employer that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We aim to create a positive experience for all candidates and offer any adjustments or additional support needed. If you're excited about the opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all the requirements, please apply anyway. You may be the right candidate for the role or others across the wider team.

Our recruitment process upholds the highest standards of fairness and engagement. It includes comprehensive interviews and, at times, a written assessment, an assessment day, or presentation. We aim to create a positive experience for all candidates and offer any adjustments or additional support.

About Us

DWF is a leading global provider of integrated legal and business services. We empower people to be themselves within an inclusive and supportive environment, enabling everyone to achieve their full potential in line with their abilities and career aspirations.