Associate, Inquiries & Investigations in Birmingham

The Opportunity

Associate with 1‑3 years post‑qualification experience needed for our Inquiries & Investigations team. Base in Birmingham, Cardiff or Manchester, with initial 4‑5 days onsite in London. Flexible travel and available for permanent or 12‑month contract.

Our Team

The team provides leading counsel on high‑profile public enquiries and confidential investigations.

• Acting as Solicitors to the Angiolini Inquiry;
• Acting as Solicitors to the Independent Inquiry relating to Afghanistan;
• Acting on behalf of a Core Participant in the Southport Inquiry;
• Acting on behalf of a Core Participant in the Post Office Horizon Inquiry;
• Being appointed as the Commissioning Body for the Independent Inquiry into Telford Child Sexual Exploitation;
• Supporting disclosure providers and witnesses in the Covid Inquiry;
• Acting on behalf of a Core Participant in the Infected Blood Inquiry;
• Acting on behalf of a number of Core Participants in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry;
• Acting on behalf of a number of Core Participants in the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA);
• Acting on behalf of a Core Participant in the Magnox (non‑statutory) Inquiry;
• Acting as Solicitors to the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry (investigating allegations of abuse of children in care);
• Acting for a Core Participant in the Leveson Inquiry (investigating the role of the press and the police in the phone‑hacking scandal);
• Assisting and advising Birmingham City Council on the Trojan Horse investigation;
• Other high‑profile work includes the Bloody Sunday Inquiry, the Shipman Inquiry, the Rosemay Nelson Inquiry and the Mid‑Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as solicitors to statutory and non‑statutory inquiries;
• Act on behalf of core participants in public and non‑statutory inquiries;
• Undertake internal investigations and independent reviews;
• Liaise with, interview and take statements from witnesses;
• Undertake evidential review and analysis on document management platforms;
• Support large‑scale disclosure projects and document review exercises;
• Carry out careful redaction of sensitive and confidential information;
• Use IT systems to monitor, analyse, report and capture evidence;
• Attend hearings on behalf of clients;
• Assist with media handling;
• Advise on inquiry processes including document management, evidence collection, privilege, freedom of information, data protection, judicial review and reputation management.

Skills and Experience

• Qualified solicitor in England & Wales with 1‑3 years post‑qualification experience;
• Experience of public inquiries, acting as Solicitor to an Inquiry or supporting a Core Participant;
• Experience in private practice, government, regulatory or public sector environments;
• Previous work on large‑scale disclosure or document review exercises;
• Superb analytical skills;
• Excellent judgment and attention to detail, especially when handling sensitive information;
• Excellent commercial awareness and financial acumen;
• Ability to think independently and collaborate with colleagues, clients and Counsel;
• Excellent time‑management skills;
• Ability to work well under pressure and deliver cost‑effective work within agreed timescales;
• Willingness and ability to work onsite at client premises in central London five days per week and remain flexible for future instructions;
• Must hold or be capable of obtaining required UK security clearance (existing SC desirable, DV ideal).

What’s in it for you?

• Fair, transparent and equitable environment;
• Shared success and reward alignment to values;
• Flexible remote working policy and hybrid options;
• Dental, healthcare and wellness support;
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion;
• Structured professional and personal training, mentoring and development programs;
• International and cross‑function exposure;
• Pro bono work and community engagement;
• Retirement planning, insurance and assurance.

Diversity & Inclusion

Eversheds Sutherland is committed to a diverse and inclusive culture, fostering collaboration, teamwork and the freedom to act on ideas. We uphold policies, systems and processes that support all employees and actively monitor progress.