Senior Associate Solicitor - Asbestos & Occupational Disease (6462)

Irwin Mitchell; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Bank holidays

Bonus review

Health & wellbeing

Pension

Volunteer days

Employee discounts

Job summary

Irwin Mitchell in Cambridge is seeking a Senior Associate to lead asbestos and occupational disease claims within our respected AOD team. You will manage a varied caseload, supervise junior colleagues and assist Partners on high-value matters, delivering expert legal advice and compassionate client service.

You will engage with clients and families during challenging times, support business development efforts and strengthen referrer relationships while upholding the firm's commitment to trust,

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor/Legal Executive with 8+ years PQE in Industrial Disease litigation.
• Experience managing a litigated caseload of complex, high-value claims.
• Ability to work with empathy, professionalism and integrity for clients and families.
• Experience assisting Partners and senior team members on technically challenging cases.
• Strong business development skills and ability to build client/referrer relationships.
• Willingness to mentor junior team members.
• 25 days holiday rising to 28 days plus bank holidays and the option to purchase additional leave.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of multitrack disease claims, including high-value matters.
• Provide technical supervision and support to Partners and senior colleagues.
• Support business development initiatives and strengthen referrer relationships.
• Raise the profile of the team across the region and contribute to growth.
• Independently manage complex litigated matters while collaborating with the wider team.

Skills

Empathy & professionalism

Excellent communication

Business development

Mentoring junior staff

Client relationship building

Litigation supervision

Education

Qualified Solicitor/Legal Executive

Job description

As one of the UK's leading law firms, we are here for the people and businesses who rely on us at life's important moments - made possible by our colleagues who bring the expertise, judgement and care that makes the difference.

Our colleagues bring Irwin Mitchell to life every day, so it matters that you feel valued from the very first day and are trusted with the responsibility, in the right culture, to do the best work of your careers. Everyone's path here is different, but we share a desire to help our business make a real impact.

Where possible we will support our colleagues to work in a way that works for them, for us and most importantly our clients. Please speak to a member of our Recruitment and Onboarding team for more information.

We have an exciting opportunity for a dedicated Senior Associate to join our Asbestos and Occupational Disease (AOD) team in Cambridge. Occupational diseases and asbestos-related illnesses can have a devastating impact on individuals and their families, often arising many years after exposure. At Irwin Mitchell, our specialist AOD team goes beyond securing compensation; we work closely with clients and their loved ones to provide expert legal advice, access to support and guidance throughout the claims process. Acting for clients diagnosed with conditions such as mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural thickening, occupational asthma and other workplace-related illnesses, we are committed to securing the best possible outcomes while helping clients and their families navigate challenging circumstances with confidence and dignity.

This role is based out of our Cambridge office and sits within our Asbestos and Occupational Disease Team, part of one of the UK's leading specialist disease practices.

You’ll join a highly respected team working with clients diagnosed with a wide spectrum of asbestos-related and other occupational respiratory conditions. This includes mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural thickening, occupational asthma, silicosis and other occupationally-induced respiratory illnesses.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Associate to further develop their expertise while taking responsibility for investigating a varied caseload of multitrack disease claims. You’ll also play a key role in supporting Partners and senior colleagues on complex, high-value matters, providing technical supervision and contributing to the continued growth and success of the team.

You’ll work closely with clients and their families during some of the most challenging periods of their lives, ensuring they receive exceptional legal advice, support and representation throughout their claim. Alongside your casework, you’ll have opportunities to contribute to business development initiatives, strengthen referrer relationships and raise the profile of the team across the region.

You’ll be passionate about delivering exceptional client service and achieving the best possible outcomes for clients. You’ll have the confidence to manage complex litigated matters independently while also supporting and collaborating with colleagues across the wider team.

We’re looking for someone with:

• Qualified Solicitor/ Legal Executive, ideally with 8+ years PQE gained within Industrial Disease litigation.
• Strong experience managing a litigated caseload of complex and high-value claims.
• Experience managing your own caseload of litigated claims, including complex or high-value matters.
• The ability to work with empathy, professionalism and integrity when supporting clients and their families.
• Experience assisting Partners and senior team members on technically challenging cases.
• A genuine enthusiasm for asbestos and occupational disease work, with a commitment to securing the best outcomes for clients.
• Strong business development skills and a passion for building relationships with clients, referrers and professional contacts.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including high-quality drafting, advocacy and detailed legal research.
• The ability to supervise, mentor and support more junior team members where required.
• 25 days' holiday as standard, rising to 28 days depending on role level, plus bank holidays and the option to purchase additional leave.
• Opportunities to share in our success through annual pay and bonus review processes for eligible colleagues.
• Health and wellbeing support, including Westfield Health and Digital GP access.
• Competitive pension arrangements to help you plan for the future.
• Two paid volunteering days every year to support causes that matter to you.
• Access to a range of colleague discounts and lifestyle benefits to support you both inside and outside of work.

We also offer a wide range of well-being initiatives to encourage positive mental health both in and out of the workplace and to make sure you’re fully supported.

In 2026, Irwin Mitchell was recognised in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work guide and was the only law firm included in the 'Very Big' organisation category

Our responsible business programmes are fundamental to who we are and our purpose. We’re committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace where our colleagues can flourish, and we have established a number of inclusion network groups across our business to support this aim.

Our commitment to Social Responsibility, community investment activity and tackling climate change is a fundamental part of who we are. It’s made up of four strands: Our People, Our Community, Our Environment and Our Pro Bono.

We want every candidate to have a positive, fair and transparent recruitment experience. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please speak to a member of our Recruitment & Onboarding team or contact [e-mail]

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly common part of modern working life. If you choose to use AI tools as part of your application or interview preparation, please review our AI in Recruitment Candidate Guidance https://careers.irwinmitchell.com/file/downloadfile/AIcandidate/PDF

As part of joining the Irwin Mitchell Group, all successful applicants are required to complete our employment screening process. We carry out pre employment screening to establish your eligibility to work in the UK, and understand any criminal records or adverse financial history.

Our onboarding processes are designed to help us maintain the high standards of trust, integrity and professionalism expected by our colleagues, to protect the interests of the Group, clients, partners and other stakeholders.

Checks are conducted by trusted 3rd parties and the employment screening process will fully comply with Data Protection and other applicable laws.

Irwin Mitchell LLP is an equal opportunity employer.