Solicitor - Police, Care & Justice

DWF; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

DWF in Manchester is seeking a Solicitor to join its Police Malfeasance Civil Claims sub-team, handling civil claims on behalf of police forces across the UK. You will manage a varied caseload and assist senior solicitors on high-profile matters, with a focus on data protection and human rights issues.

The role is hybrid, based in Manchester with 1–2 days in the office and occasional travel to London for meetings and hearings.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor or CILEX equivalent with Police, Care and Justice experience.
• Civil litigation experience with CPR rules and procedures.
• Ability to manage a varied caseload with supervision and clear deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with good written/verbal communication.
• Proactive, collaborative approach and willingness to train and develop expertise.
• Desirable exposure to police claims or data protection litigation.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of civil claims on behalf of police forces across the UK.
• Assist senior solicitors on complex, sensitive and high-profile matters.
• Defend a broad range of claims (EL/PL, personal injury, false imprisonment, negligence).
• Support on cases involving data protection, the Equality Act and Human Rights Act, plus judicial review.
• Contribute to preparation and handling of complex Article 2 inquests and public inquiries.
• Work as part of the Police, Care and Justice team to deliver high-quality services.
• Maintain high standard of client service with a diverse client base.
• Ensure work is handled efficiently and in line with client expectations.
• Actively engage in training and development to build expertise.
• Contribute to growth and success of the team.

Skills

Civil litigation

CPR rules

Strong communication

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Job description

Why join us?

Our nationally recognised Police, Care & Justice team is looking for a Solicitor to join the team.

The team specialises in a range of niche areas, including Civil Litigation, Healthcare Advisory, and representation at Inquests and Public Inquiries.

The position is within our Police Malfeasance Civil Claims sub-team, handling claims on behalf of police forces across the UK.

This role offers the opportunity to work on sensitive and often high‑profile matters, within a team that has seen sustained success and growth over the past 12 years. It presents excellent scope for development within a unique and highly specialised area of law.

You’ll handle a varied caseload of sensitive and often high‑profile civil claims, including personal injury, false imprisonment, assault, negligence, EL/PL, and claims involving data protection, the Equality Act and Human Rights Act.

The role is based in our Manchester office and offered on a hybrid basis, with attendance required 1–2 days per week. There will also be occasional travel to London and nationally for client meetings, court hearings and other business‑related activities.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of civil claims on behalf of police forces across the UK.
• Assist senior solicitors on complex, sensitive and high‑profile matters.
• Defend a broad range of claims, including employer’s liability (EL), public liability (PL), personal injury, false imprisonment, assault and negligence.
• Support on cases involving data protection, the Equality Act, the Human Rights Act and judicial review.
• Contribute to the preparation and handling of complex Article 2 inquests and public inquiries.
• Work collaboratively as part of the wider Police, Care and Justice team to deliver high‑quality legal services to public and private sector clients.
• Maintain a high standard of client service when working with a diverse client base.
• Ensure all work is handled efficiently and in line with client expectations, particularly where matters are sensitive or high profile.
• Actively engage in training and development opportunities to build expertise within this specialist area of litigation.
• Contribute to the continued growth and success of a well‑established and expanding team.

What will help you succeed in this role?

Essential;

• A qualified solicitor, or CILEX equivalent, experience within Police, Care and Justice managing a caseload of civil claims on behalf of police forces across the UK.
• Demonstrable experience in civil litigation, with a strong understanding of the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR).
• Ability to manage a varied caseload with appropriate supervision, while supporting senior colleagues on more complex matters.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise effectively and meet strict deadlines.
• Excellent attention to detail and a high standard of written and verbal communication.
• A proactive and collaborative approach, with the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Confidence to use own initiative and take ownership of tasks.
• A genuine enthusiasm for litigation and a willingness to develop technical expertise through ongoing training and support.

Desirable;

• An interest in, or exposure to, police claims work (desirable, not essential as full training will be provided).
• Experience in the field of data protection litigation.

What we offer?

We are committed to ensuring that each member of our team feels valued and duly rewarded during their time at DWF.

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.

About us

DWF is a leading global provider of integrated legal and business services. Our approach delivers efficiency, price certainty and transparency for our clients across the world without compromising on quality or service. Our purpose is to deliver positive outcomes with our colleagues, clients and communities and we foster a culture that places our colleagues at the centre of all that we do.