Legal Executive in Stocksfield

Company Description Clifford James Consultants Limited, established in 2006, is one of the UK’s leading solicitor firms specialising in motor diminution claims. The firm represents a broad client base including blue-chip corporations, leasing companies, fleet operators, private clients, and insurance companies. Its core expertise is in the diminution in market value of motor vehicles following road traffic accidents. Clifford James Consultants Limited provides focused legal services in this niche area, offering structured career paths and exposure to complex commercial and consumer matters for legal professionals.

Role Purpose

We are seeking a proactive and technically strong Civil Litigation Legal Executive to join our specialist motor litigation team.

The successful candidate will manage their own caseload of diminution in market value and Total Loss claims from instruction through pre-action stages, litigation and resolution. This is a hands‑on role requiring someone who can confidently progress contested claims, draft proceedings and applications, apply the Civil Procedure Rules in practice, action Court orders and communicate effectively with Defendant solicitors and insurers.

Reporting to the Litigation Manager, the successful candidate will take ownership of their files, identify the procedural and evidential steps required and ensure matters are progressed efficiently towards settlement or trial.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of diminution in market value and Total Loss claims from instruction through to settlement or trial.
• Draft and issue proceedings, including Particulars of Claim, witness statements and other Court documents.
• Draft applications, supporting witness statements, proposed orders and consent orders.
• Review and action Court orders and directions, diarise deadlines and ensure compliance.
• Deal with directions questionnaires, allocation, case management and other procedural stages of litigation.
• Apply the Civil Procedure Rules, Practice Directions and relevant pre‑action requirements confidently in day‑to‑day case handling.
• Communicate and negotiate directly with Defendant solicitors, insurers and other representatives by telephone and in writing.
• Draft clear and persuasive legal correspondence and settlement communications.
• Prepare instructions to experts and counsel and review expert evidence and advice received.
• Prepare cases for hearings and trial, including evidence and hearing documentation.
• Take personal responsibility for file progression, prioritisation and compliance with Court deadlines.
• Escalate complex, high‑value or strategically important matters to the Litigation Manager where appropriate.

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for a confident and capable litigation professional with proven experience running contested civil claims and a strong, practical command of the Civil Procedure Rules. You’ll bring excellent legal drafting skills across proceedings, witness statements and Court applications, alongside the ability to interpret and action Court orders, manage deadlines and keep a busy caseload moving independently.

You’ll be comfortable dealing directly with Defendant solicitors and insurers, negotiating firmly and professionally, and maintaining exceptional standards of organisation, accuracy and communication. Strong technical capability with case management systems and Microsoft Office is essential, and experience in motor, insurance, property damage, total loss or diminution claims — as well as working with expert evidence and counsel — is highly desirable.

Above all, you’ll be a skilled negotiator with excellent client‑handling ability, personally accountable for your caseload, and able to balance being a supportive team player with operating autonomously when needed.