Solicitor / Chartered Legal Executive - Specialist Liability

DAC Beachcroft is looking to appoint an experienced Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive (circa 5 years PQE) to join our Specialist Liability team. This is an opportunity to work within a cutting-edge, dynamic and fast-growing area of the law. We specialise in claims involving abuse (negligence, VL and HRA), discrimination and Equality Act claims, deprivations of liberty, false imprisonment and unlawful arrest claims, misfeasance in public office, inquests, and some defamation work.

We are on panel and act for a number of leading names in the insurance industry and their Insureds. We receive instructions from a range of Local Authorities (children and adult social care, education, housing teams) as well as the Police, private Housing and Residential Care providers, specialist Healthcare providers, Schools, Colleges, Universities, religious organisations, sporting organisations, and a range of public sector organisations (safeguarding, transport and leisure), and household name corporates.

The work comprises giving detailed advice to clients on relevant, often sensitive, and sometimes high profile issues, and, where necessary, preparing a defence through to Trial. Caseloads comprise a mixture of pre-litigated and litigated claims.

What you will do?

• You are assured of interesting cases, as much responsibility as you can handle, and plenty of challenging work;
• You will be handling a caseload of complex claims, providing timely, astute, commercially aware and sensitively drafted advice to clients;
• Attending conference and trials;
• Proofing witnesses;
• Preparing and supervising disclosure of sensitive documentation;
• Drafting Court documents;
• Attending upon Trials and Applications (with Counsel);
• Achieve a minimum budgeted annual target of 1,440 chargeable hours per year;
• Support marketing and business development activity within the team;
• Assume responsibility for quality control and benchmark compliance on work including accurate and timely preparation of management information;
• Maintain and develop technical knowledge through POD 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 team.

This position is ideal for someone who would like the opportunity to grow and develop in the role and the wider business. Full training will be given as needed by specialist and highly rated Partners and other lawyers.

Who you are

• Essential: A bright and enthusiastic candidate with a keen interest in Specialist Liability work; Litigation experience; A desire to handle both high value and sensitive cases; 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; Track record of developing and maintaining good client relationships; and empathy for the public sector who comprise a large number of our clients; Commercial / industry awareness.
• Preferred: The ability to run fast-paced Police, EqA, and discrimination claims;
• Highly Desirable: Inquest expertise; Defamation claims handling experience; Clean driving licence.

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!

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).