file handler

Job role: Litigation File Handler

Salary: £35,000-£40,000 DOE

Location: Manchester

Job description

My client is a busy multi-disciplinary legal practice based in Manchester city centre. They provide professional, personalised services for private and commercial clients. Established in 2009, they are steadily building a reputation as one of the city’s leading law firms.

I am looking to recruit an experienced litigation file handler for the firms Interruption team. The successful candidate will handle business interruption claims for clients while also acting as the key point of contact for all aspects of litigation. The successful candidate will manage a litigated caseload alongside working with the rest of the business interruption team by planning, co-ordinating and progressing all litigation activity, providing supervisory and technical guidance for more junior members of the team and being the first point of contact for Counsel and all external suppliers.

Ideally, you will have experience in this area and be eager to take on more responsibility to progress your career. You must be able to work closely with supervisors and partners, as well as colleagues within the firm, on a range of cases.

They offer full training and ongoing support for our colleagues and provide a great working environment as well as good prospects for future development within the business.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conducting Commercial Court litigation on a wide variety of cases.
• Drafting pleadings and other court documents, including case management and trial submissions.
• Proof-reading legal documents including instructions to Counsel and witness statements.
• Engaging in alternative dispute resolutions, mediations and settlement negotiations between businesses and insurers.
• Attending trials and other hearings with Counsel.
• Assisting team leaders by carrying out a range of legal tasks.
• Dealing with queries from clients, defendants’ legal representatives and other third parties in person, electronically or via telephone.
• Supervising paralegals and legal administrators where appropriate.
• Performing administrative duties on assigned claims, such as organising calendars, court hearings and case files as well as managing logistics and maintaining records on CRM.

The successful candidate will have:

• A law degree (LLB, MSc) and a working knowledge of Civil Procedure Rules and the Commercial Court Guide.
• Proven, demonstrable experience in commercial and/or High Court litigation.
• The ability to establish priorities and work under pressure to meet critical deadlines when handling large, contentious caseloads.
• Excellent organisational skills and a flexible approach to the working environment.
• Strong writing and communication abilities.
• The motivation to work alone and collaborate as part of a team.
• Strong interpersonal and client care skills, with a friendly, outgoing manner.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and applications such as Word and Excel.
• An ability to maintain stringent attention to detail when working with large volumes of data.

Desirable but not essential:

• At least one year’s file handling experience in a similar role.
• Experience in the management of legal caseloads and multi-claimant claims.
• Experience in, and knowledge of, instances of business insurance and basic accountancy practices.

What you will receive:

• Basic salary of £35,000 to £40,000 (DOE).
• 25 days paid leave plus bank holidays.
• A role in a sought-after city centre location with a laid-back but professional working environment.
• Ongoing training and support.
• Continued opportunities for career progression and personal development.
• Dress-down Fridays.