Police Claims Solicitor

Weightmans; Leeds; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Weightmans is seeking a Solicitor or Senior Solicitor/Legal Executive to join the Casualty Police claims team in Leeds or other locations. You will manage pre-litigated and litigated claims, including Data Protection Act matters, for police forces and insurers, and assist with client development while mentoring junior colleagues.

The role requires advocacy where appropriate, excellent organisation, and the ability to meet tight deadlines.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor or legal executive with 0–3 or 3+ years PQE.
• Experience in police claims or civil defence is preferred.
• Ability to advocate in court when required.
• Knowledge of CPR and litigation.
• Familiarity with police law desirable.
• Strong organisation, time management and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Defend civil actions against the police for various forces.
• Manage pre-litigated and litigated civil claims including the Data Protection Act.
• Assist Team Manager with client development and training.
• Mentor junior team members.
• Liaise with solicitors, insurers, experts and clients.
• Attend court hearings and conduct advocacy when needed.
• Meet client care standards and chargeable hour targets.

Skills

Organisational skills

Time management

Communication

IT skills

Deadline-driven

Team player / independent

Willingness to travel

Education

Qualified solicitor or Legal Executive

PQE range 0–3 or 3+ years

Job description

We have an opportunity for a Solicitor & a Senior Solicitor/Legal Executive to join our Casualty Police claims team in based in either Liverpool/Manchester/Leicester/Newcastle or Leeds.

Acting on behalf of various police forces you will effectively manage and run a caseload of pre-litigated and litigated claims, including claims under the Data Protection Act as well as assisting other fee earners.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Specialise in acting on behalf of various police forces, claims handlers and insurers in the defence of civil actions against the police.
• Manage a caseload of pre-litigated and litigated civil claims under the Data Protection Act and other police ‘malfeasance’ claims (such as false imprisonment, trespass, malicious prosecution, and Human Rights Act claims) as well as employer’s liability claims.
• Assist the Team Manager and other team members with client development, client training and networking.
• Support and mentor junior members of the team.
• Liaise with various parties such as other solicitors, insurers, experts, counsel and clients.
• Control diary and action lists and complete client MI procedures.
• Attend court hearings, including conducting your own advocacy where appropriate.
• Satisfy standards of client care in accordance with guidelines and directions.
• Achieve financial and chargeable hours targets.
• Comply with relevant rules, policies and procedures.
• Keep up to date with legal developments.
• Work in accordance with Weightmans’ values.

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. You will also ensure that you comply with the relevant Weightmans and client policies and procedures, and consistently work in accordance with our values.

About You

You will be a qualified solicitor or legal executive, 0-3 years PQE or 3+ years PQE. We also require you to have:

• Preferably experienced in dealing with claims under the Data Protection Act
• Preferably experienced in defending civil claims but candidates who have claimant claims experience will also be considered
• Ability to undertake advocacy as required
• Knowledge of the CPR and litigation
• Knowledge of police law desirable but not essential
• Excellent organisation skills
• Excellent time management skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent IT skills
• Ability to work to strict deadlines and targets
• Ability to work as part of a team or on own initiative
• Flexible approach to work and a willingness to travel

Please Note

In addition to the Employment screening (stated below) the successful candidate will be required to complete a Police Vetting before commencing employment.

Candidates must meet the Police Vetting Criteria, including the Residency Criteria (7.6.4). This is essential to enable us to proceed with employment.

To review the criteria ofAPP on Vetting 2021please clickhere.