Police Claims Solicitor Opportunities

Weightmans; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Weightmans is recruiting a Solicitor and a Senior Solicitor/Legal Executive to join the Casualty Police claims team. Based in Liverpool, Manchester, Leicester, Newcastle or Leeds, you will manage pre-litigated and litigated police claims including Data Protection Act matters.

You will support the team, mentor juniors and liaise with solicitors, insurers and clients while meeting diary, MI and financial targets in a values-driven firm.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor or legal executive with 0–3 years PQE or 3+ years PQE
• Experience handling Data Protection Act claims preferred
• Ability to undertake advocacy as required
• Knowledge of CPR and litigation processes
• Excellent communication and organisation skills
• Willingness to travel and work to deadlines

Responsibilities

• Defend civil actions on behalf of police forces, claims handlers and insurers
• Manage pre-litigated and litigated claims and related duties
• Assist Team Manager with client development and training
• Mentor junior team members and liaise with solicitors, insurers, experts and clients
• Attend court hearings and conduct advocacy where appropriate
• Ensure compliance with policies, procedures and professional standards
• Achieve financial and chargeable hours targets
• Keep up to date with legal developments and Weightmans’ values

Skills

Advocacy ability

Client liaison

Organisation

Time management

IT skills

Job description

About your new role

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 click here.

Why work for us

Come and join our award-winning organisation and be part of a team where people truly matter.

Weightmans is a Leading national law firm, with strong international capabilities.

Weightmans has been recognised as a leading employer for the 19th consecutive year at Britain's Top Employers awards, and ranking top 10 in the list, the firm has also secured top positions in Chambers UK.

Why work for us? Take a look: Work for Weightmans: voted a top employer | Weightmans

This link contains information regarding Culture, Benefits, D&I, Recruitment Agency PSL/Non PSL and Eligibility to work in the UK information.

Work for a firm where people matter – work for Weightmans

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, supported and able to reach their full potential. Our people-first culture is at the heart of everything we do, making Weightmans a place where you can develop your career and thrive.

Curious about what is it like to work at our firm? Visit our Life at Weightmans page for insights into our employee initiatives, responsible business commitments and much more!