Legal Assistant Clinical Negligence / Personal Injury in Bristol

Davies and Partners Solicitors is a well-established law firm with over 30 years experience. It has a national reputation for excellence and strength in depth in a wide selection of legal services for businesses and individuals. We have offices in Gloucester, Bristol, Birmingham, London and Devon.

Job Purpose
To provide comprehensive legal and administrative support to the Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury department in Bristol. This includes supporting three fee earners with legal assistant responsibilities and progressing clinical negligence cases under supervision, as well as managing key departmental administrative tasks.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Legal and Case Support:
  Assist three fee earners with legal tasks related to case progression.
  Draft standard correspondence and assist in the preparation of legal documents.
  Communicate with clients, medical experts, and other third parties under supervision.
  Organise and maintain legal files, ensuring all documents are correctly filed and up to date.
  Support fee earners in progressing cases under guidance, including liaising with courts and medical experts.
  Monitor deadlines and key dates, ensuring timely reminders and follow-ups.
  Conduct basic legal research as required.
  Draft routine legal documentation and assist with case preparation.
  Ensure all tasks are conducted in compliance with firm policies, procedures, and professional standards.
• Administrative Duties:
  Open, scan, and distribute incoming post for the department.
  Prepare and send outgoing departmental post.
  Accurately scan, upload, and manage medical records received in hard copy or CD format for disclosure, expert instruction, or audit purposes.
  Maintain well-organised digital and physical filing systems.
  Carry out general administrative support for the department, including photocopying, data entry, and other ad hoc tasks as required.
• Compliance and Standards:
  Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Clinical Negligence Law and comply with professional development requirements.
  Exhibit flexibility to support team members during periods of absence (e.g. holidays/sickness).
  Adhere to best practices for preventing claims of professional negligence.
  Achieve agreed billing and productivity targets.
  Act professionally and promptly in all client matters.

Person Specification

• Education/Qualifications:
  Proven experience in a Clinical Negligence or Personal Injury setting (essential).
• Skills/Knowledge:
  Previous experience in a legal or professional services environment preferred.
  Experience supporting fee earners with case progression.
  Familiarity with handling and organising medical records.
  Strong administrative and organisational skills.
  Knowledge of legal procedures and case progression steps.
  Effective use of case management systems and Microsoft Office.
  Ability to work proactively, meet deadlines, and manage multiple tasks.
  High level of attention to detail and confidentiality.
  Positive communication and interpersonal skills.
  Adaptable and responsive to operational needs.

Compliance
As part of our recruitment process, please note: References will be requested and followed up. All CV gaps must be explained. Proof of identity and qualifications will be required. Reference requests will ask about any professional complaints or proceedings. A criminal record check will be required from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Legal Status:
Right to live and work in the UK. Appropriate DBS disclosure will be required prior to appointment. This role meets the criteria for exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Equal Opportunities
Davies and Partners Solicitors is committed to equal employment opportunities. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. We comply with applicable national laws on non-discrimination.

Location: Bristol
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full time
Salary: £25,000 to £26,000 per annum