Principal Lawyer - Court Of Protection

We are currently recruiting for a Principal Lawyer to join our Court of Protection Team. The purpose of the Principal Lawyer is driving performance, continued improvement, profitability, and growth of their respective Practice areas, demonstrating intellectual leadership and efficiency of legal delivery. Key to the successful operation of their respective department, the Associate Director will ensure that the department remains on track and hits both financial targets (Revenue/Cash) and customer satisfaction measures, developing inter-departmental colleague skills and competencies where gaps may be apparent.

They create and deliver a strategy for continuous improvement, evaluate existing operations and implement standard operating procedures, to ensure uniformity of delivery within their areas. Client service is at the heart of Slater and Gordon and we take pride in the impressive headlines we generate, demonstrating our range of work and the relentless pursuit of justice by our Solicitors. At Slater and Gordon Lawyers (UK) we are inclusive. We celebrate multiple approaches and points of view. We believe diversity drives innovation. So, we’re building a culture where difference is valued. Our culture motivates our employees to give their full selves to the job and invest in the company’s future. Our people see value in their work and are eager to do well in their roles. Our values ensure that all our employees are working towards the same goals. If you have got the talent, ambition and focus and are looking for a stimulating and rewarding career we would love to hear from you.

Responsibilities to include:

• Ensure that the department hits or exceeds their yearly financial targets and objectives for the achievement of the strategic plans within their departments.
• Managing the departmental budget in line with financial models to ensure that staff and project costs arrive within budget.
• Oversee the day-to-day running of each department and report any major issues or threats to business profitability or reputation are minimised and continuous business development.
• Run a caseload of files in area of specialism with compliance at all times with firm’s risk charter as well as departmental strategy.
• Identifying and developing skills, talent and competencies in teams to ensure continued strong performance against targets.
• Ensure compliance across the operational business unit with the code of conduct as set out by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) and our Lexcel and FCA obligations.
• Work alongside the leadership team to identify and pursue business development opportunities.
• Act as a representative of each department, providing support and backing for agreed business decisions, and networking with the wider legal industry to gain and implement modern and relevant insight.

About You:

• Progressive track record of managing a department.
• Regarded as a leader in field of expertise.
• An accredited specialist in their field, with ability to effectively share knowledge with others.
• Ability to evaluate existing operations and implement improvements within their remit.
• Understanding of government legislation / legislative process.
• Ability and willingness to challenge current methods of working.
• Excellent communication skills – Verbal, written and listening.
• Proven ability to drive customer-centric approach.
• Experience in delivering business objectives and Emotional Intelligence.
• Leadership in profession/relevant industry committees/boards/associations/panel accreditations.

What we offer in return:

• Hybrid working – 2 days per week working in the office (must live a reasonable distance to commute to the office).
• 35 hours per week – Monday to Friday.
• 25 days holiday allowance plus bank holidays.
• Buy and sell annual leave up to 5 days.
• Employee Referral scheme with payments up to £2000 per referral.
• Aviva Digicare+ Workplace App providing you with services including annual health checks, access to Digital GP’s, mental health consultations, 2nd medical opinions and much more.
• Employee Assistance Programme where you can access free webinars for stress awareness and counselling sessions.
• Group Income Protection which will support you with an income if you are unable to work long term, as a result of a qualifying illness or injury.
• Health and Wellbeing Programmes and apps including gym discounts, private medical insurance, cycle to work scheme, meditation sessions and much more.
• Life Assurance cover.
• Benefits Hub providing discounts to over 700 services including cinema tickets, food and drink, travel, and high street stores.
• Free legal help and discounted lawyer led legal services.

Your Professional Development:

We will support and encourage you with developing your career with an award-winning law firm. We run courses across our offices and are continuously monitoring and updating the learning and development offering based on what you tell us. We can support you with your continuous professional development by providing funding for professional qualifications, attending external training courses and providing you with a range of internal learning resources.

Our Values:

Like all great businesses, we strive to recruit the best people and uphold the highest legal standards. Our people bring something a little different. We hire people who can challenge, remove roadblocks and deliver outstanding customer service. That’s why at Slater + Gordon we go further with our values. How we work is guided by the S+G Way. This means:

• We do what we say we will.
• We don’t wait we create.
• We own it, we sort it.
• We respect and encourage each other.
• We make time to live.

The S+G Way defines the specific behaviours and actions that our colleagues and our customers care about the most. We know this, because our colleagues helped to create the way, through a series of interactive workshops and interviews.

For further information, please contact steven.baylis@slatergordon.uk

Please Note - Vacancies may close prior to the expiry date displayed, subject to volume of applications received.