Solicitor - SHE (Belfast)

Are you looking for a role where you will be intellectually challenged, but treated with respect? Or an environment where you can enjoy industry‑leading work quality without compromising on client contact and business development? An opportunity in our Belfast Regulatory SHE team may be for you.

Our national Regulatory Team specialise in advising individuals and organisations facing criminal investigations for corporate manslaughter, gross negligence manslaughter and breaches of regulatory law related to health and safety, fire safety, food safety and environmental law. We also provide advice in relation to product safety, advice and representations to clients involved in inquests and in Public Inquiries.

We employ over 30 specialist lawyers across a number of key locations, where we are looking to expand due to client and case demands. We are interested in candidates who are based in Northern Ireland who have a well‑rounded experience of both regulatory and civil proceedings. Experience of investigations and prosecutions by the Police, HSENI, Local Authorities, NIEA, and other regulators would be ideal.

The successful candidate should ideally have experience of PACE interviews, criminal advocacy, investigating incidents, interviewing witnesses, and providing advice to clients on compliance issues and related advice, as well as dealing with civil litigation proceedings.

So, why should you be excited about a career with us? We have a diverse range of clients across all the major industries and their insures. We are instructed in a number of high‑profile cases and have a varied and sustainable pipeline of work. We work with lawyers in other practice groups, where their skills and sector knowledge complement ours. Our team are empowered to develop their own client contacts and relationships from the start of their careers. You will see how your contribution directly impacts on your clients and understand how the service you provide helps them. All across our team, from our emerging talent to our senior leadership, you won’t find a closed door, real or virtual.

We are part of an international firm with over 2,500 colleagues across 9 countries and with a myriad of international associations further bolstering our capabilities. We are looking to strengthen the SHE team, with a focus on Northern Ireland.

What you will do?

• You are expected to provide a timely, professional and high‑quality service to our clients.
• Work on a busy and varied case load encompassing a range of contentious and non‑contentious regulatory issues for a variety of clients.
• Work on civil litigation proceedings.
• Act as a point of contact for clients working in accordance with client protocols, demonstrating a level of knowledge and skill commensurate with experience.
• Assist with business development activities including assisting in the preparation and delivery of pitches, presentations and training events.
• Demonstrate sound file management – to include compliance with DAC Beachcroft protocols and any client protocols as required; consistent and accurate billing and credit control; management of WIP and file closures; updating Management Information.
• Use our Case Management System and accurately record daily activities.
• Assume responsibility for quality control and benchmark compliance on own caseload, including accuracy and timeliness of management reporting and information.
• Maintain an understanding of other practice areas and an active internal network.
• Maintain and develop technical knowledge through attendance at training sessions, reading appropriate publications and exceeding Law Society CPD requirements.

Who you are

• You will have at least 2 years PQE with experience gained within a regulatory focused environment, in private practice or elsewhere.
• You will ideally have experience of advising on regulatory work including – HSENI/PSNI/NIEA & Inquest experience, interviews under caution, advocacy in the Magistrate's Court, preparing for sentencing hearings, as well as a strong background in Northern Ireland civil litigation.
• Willingness to travel at short notice to attend incidents on the ground as they happen – a driving licence essential.
• Be available to cover court throughout Northern Ireland as the need arises.
• Excellent legal drafting, analytical, and technical skills, with a common sense ability to cross reference evidence and foresee issues arising.
• You will understand performance‑based analytics, and how to record same, in terms of both time and fee income.
• Demonstrates alignment with the Firm’s Cultural Principles (Clear, Creative, Determined and Supportive).

What’s in it for you?

• High levels of flexibility and a great work life balance.
• 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!