Solicitor - Specialist Liability

DAC Beachcroft; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

DAC Beachcroft is seeking a Solicitor to handle civil claims against the Police and other public bodies within the Specialist Liability team in Birmingham. The role involves managing a mix of pre-litigated and litigated claims, delivering timely, commercially aware advice, and supporting the team in various capacities.

The ideal candidate will have 1–8 years PQE, solid litigation experience, and the ability to work flexibly in a hybrid setup with both in-office and remote work options across

Qualifications

• 1-8 years PQE in solicitorship
• Experience handling civil claims against the Police and public bodies
• Strong litigation background with ability to manage complex cases
• Hybrid working capability with flexibility to be in-office or remote

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of pre-litigated and litigated claims
• Provide timely, commercially aware and well-drafted advice to clients
• Attend conferences and trials with Counsel
• Proof witnesses and prepare disclosure of sensitive documentation
• Draft Court documents and manage routine litigation steps
• Achieve a minimum of 1,440 chargeable hours per year
• Support business development and marketing within the team
• Maintain and develop technical knowledge through training and publications

Skills

Police claims

Litigation

Case management

Collaboration

Job description

Department: CSG - Strategic (Advocacy / Costs / Safety, Health and Environment / Criminal / Abuse / Travel)

Location: Birmingham

Description

DAC Beachcroft is recruiting for a Solicitor with experience handling civil claims against the Police and other public bodies to join their Specialist Liability team. Our growing team handles complex claims against the police and other organisations for false imprisonment, assault, misconduct, Human Rights breaches and more. The work is complex and fascinating, with scope to branch out into other areas of the team's work, including abuse, discrimination, deprivations of liberty, misfeasance and inquests.

We welcome applications from candidates based anywhere in England & Wales. Our team operates both in-office and remotely across locations in London, Manchester, Birmingham & Newport. You are assured of interesting cases, as much responsibility as you can handle, and plenty of challenging work.

What you will do?

• You will be handling a caseload of claims, comprising a mixture of pre-litigated and litigated claims
• The work comprises giving timely, astute, commercially aware and sensitively drafted advice to clients and, where necessary, preparing a defence through to Trial.
• Attending conference and trials (with Counsel)
• Proofing witnesses
• Preparing and supervising disclosure of sensitive documentation
• Drafting Court documents;
• Achieve a minimum budgeted annual target of 1,440 chargeable hours per year;
• Support marketing and business development activity within the team;
• Efficient use of management systems and information;
• Maintain and develop technical knowledge through online learning, attendance at training sessions, seminars and perusal of appropriate publications;
• Handle confidential information in line with the firm’s data security protocols;
• Work with a friendly and supportive team.

The wider team specialises in claims involving abuse (negligence, vicarious liability and human rights), discrimination, deprivations of liberty, misfeasance in public office, inquests, and defamation work. The role includes an opportunity to expand your practice into any of these exciting areas if of interest.

We are on panel and act for a number of leading insurers and their insured local authorities (children and adult social care, education, housing), as well as a number of Police forces, private Housing and Residential Care providers, specialist Healthcare providers, Schools, Colleges, Universities, religious organisations, sporting organisations, and a range of public sector organisations and household name corporate organisations.

This position is ideal for someone who has experience of and enjoys the police claims work and would like the opportunity to develop in the role in a supportive and collaborative environment. Induction training and support will be given as needed by Partners and other lawyers.

Who you are

• 1-8 years PQE
• The ability to run fast-paced Police claims for a number of Police forces
• Good working knowledge of common law false imprisonment, HRA, and PACE
• Solid litigation experience
• Able to dig into factually and legally complex cases in order to extract relevant evidence and data
• Able to work flexibly and collaboratively with other team members but equally able to work on own initiative
• Able to work under pressure in order to meet required deadlines
• Detail-conscious and able to produce work to a high standard for high profile and knowledgeable clients
• Happy to work on a hybrid basis; remotely for much of the time but in-office when preferred or required

What's in it for you?

• High levels of flexibility and a great work life balance - https://www.dacbeachcroft.com/en/Work-with-us/Whats-in-it-for-you
• A well-rounded remuneration package (which includes private medical insurance, income protection insurance and discounted gym membership, amongst many other benefits)
• Opportunities for growth and progression including professional funding
• In person and remote social events
• Opportunity to get involved in a range of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) activities

We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, which aligns closely to our cultural principles (Determined, Clear, Creative and Supportive). If you are excited about this role and being part of our culture, but your past experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles!

We are happy to talk flexible working with our Flex Forward scheme. We would encourage you to talk to us about our approach to flexible working during the hiring process if you would like to explore this further.