Police Claims Solicitor

School of Creative Thinking; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading law firm recognized for its commitment to equality and diversity. As a Solicitor in the Casualty Police Claims team, you will manage a diverse caseload, specializing in civil actions against the police. This role offers a unique opportunity to work with various police forces, providing legal expertise in high-profile cases. Enjoy a supportive environment with a focus on professional development and a flexible working culture. With competitive benefits, including healthcare cover and a hybrid working model, this position is ideal for those looking to make a significant impact in the legal field.

Benefits

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Hybrid working with home office equipment

Healthcare cover/Medicash

Pension plan

Life Insurance (4x salary)

Interest-free travel loan scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounted gym and dental schemes

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in defending civil claims preferred; claimant experience considered.
• Ability to undertake advocacy as required.
• Knowledge of police law desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of pre-litigated and litigated civil claims.
• Attend court hearings and conduct advocacy where appropriate.
• Support and mentor junior team members.

Skills

Defending civil claims

Advocacy

Knowledge of CPR and litigation

Excellent organization skills

Time management

Communication skills

IT skills

Ability to work independently

Teamwork

Flexible approach to work

Education

Qualified solicitor or legal executive

Job description

About your new role

Our Emergency Services team is one of the largest in the UK. Our approach is focused on solving our client's legal problems as quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively as possible. We are brand leaders in services for police forces, with in-depth expertise in all types of claims, operational advice, inquests, and court advocacy. We have considerable experience in handling sensitive and/or high-profile claims and are skilled in managing media attention that these cases sometimes attract. Our specialist practitioners act exclusively for the police service, representing a diverse range of forces across England and Wales. As the largest dedicated police legal team in the country, our lawyers have been involved in some of the most high-profile and significant cases involving the police service over the last 15 years.

We are recruiting for a Solicitor 0-3YR PQE to join our national Casualty Police Claims team in Leicester, Liverpool, or Manchester.

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

Main duties and responsibilities

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

This list is not exhaustive; you will be expected to perform other duties within the wider remit of the role and ensure compliance with Weightmans and client policies and procedures, working in accordance with our values.

About You

You will be a qualified solicitor or legal executive, with the following preferred attributes:

1. Experience in defending civil claims is preferred; however, candidates with claimant experience will also be considered.
2. Ability to undertake advocacy as required.
3. Knowledge of the CPR and litigation.
4. Knowledge of police law (desirable but not essential).
5. Excellent organisation, time management, communication, and IT skills.
6. Ability to work to strict deadlines and targets.
7. Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
8. Flexible approach to work and willingness to travel.

If you meet our criteria and are eager to learn, we look forward to your application.

Please Note

In addition to employment screening, the successful candidate will be required to complete Police Vetting before employment begins. Candidates must meet the Police Vetting Criteria, including Residency Criteria. For details, please review the Vetting 2021 criteria.

Why work for us

Weightmans is a Top 40 law firm with offices across the UK, recognized as a leading legal employer and awarded at Britain's Top Employers 2024, with high rankings in Chambers UK.

We are an accredited living wage employer and foster a culture of equality and diversity. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and provide reasonable adjustments during the application process. Please note your preferred pronouns in your application.

We offer a wide range of benefits, including:

• 28 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rated for part-time).
• Hybrid working with home office equipment.
• Healthcare cover/Medicash.
• Pension plan.
• Life Insurance (4x salary).
• Interest-free travel loan scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Discounted gym and dental schemes.
• Cycle to work scheme and other discounts.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and are open to part-time or job share arrangements. The successful candidate will undergo standard background checks, and employment is contingent upon successful completion.

We do not accept unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies outside our PSL. Eligibility to work in the UK will be verified at the final stage; candidates must have the right to work or be eligible for sponsorship.