Junior Commercial Litigation Barrister or Solicitor (Consultant)

We are looking for a junior Commercial Litigation Barrister or Solicitor to join Harper James on a flexible, freelance consultancy basis. This is an excellent opportunity to support a growing and diverse client base, ranging from innovative start-ups and scale-ups to established national and international businesses. You will assist our litigation team with the preparation and progression of court proceedings within a modern, tech-enabled law firm. Working as part of our flexible consultant model, you will have the autonomy to manage agreed workstreams while benefiting from the support, infrastructure and collaborative culture of a forward-thinking national firm.

What you’ll be doing

• You will support senior members of the Commercial Litigation team with the preparation, management and conduct of court litigation.
• The role will suit an organised and detail-focused lawyer who is confident handling procedural work, drafting, evidence preparation and case administration to a high standard.
• Your work is likely to include:
• Assisting with the preparation and drafting of statements of case, applications, witness statements, chronologies and other court documents
• Conducting legal and factual research to support live disputes and litigation strategy
• Reviewing, organising and analysing documentary evidence
• Preparing trial bundles, hearing bundles and electronic bundles in accordance with court requirements
• Assisting with disclosure exercises, including document review, categorisation and preparation of disclosure lists
• Drafting correspondence with clients, opponents, counsel, courts and other relevant parties
• Preparing case summaries, attendance notes, hearing notes and internal updates
• Supporting the preparation of applications, hearings, mediations and trials
• Assisting with the management of court deadlines, procedural timetables and case management requirements
• Liaising with clients to obtain instructions, documents and witness evidence
• Supporting senior solicitors and barristers with the efficient day-to-day management of litigation matters

You may also have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across the wider Harper James legal team where disputes intersect with corporate, commercial, employment, intellectual property, real estate or insolvency matters.

What we’re looking for

• A UK qualified Barrister or Solicitor with experience in commercial litigation and court procedure.
• Junior-level experience, with the confidence to assist on active litigation matters under appropriate supervision
• Strong knowledge of the Civil Procedure Rules and practical experience of litigation processes
• Experience preparing court documents, bundles, chronologies and evidence
• Excellent legal research, drafting and analytical skills
• Strong attention to detail, particularly in relation to procedural requirements and document management
• Ability to work efficiently, independently and flexibly while managing competing priorities
• Clear and professional communication skills, both written and verbal
• A pragmatic, client-focused approach and an interest in supporting ambitious businesses through dispute resolution
• Experience working with electronic disclosure, e-bundling or litigation technology would be advantageous

The Harper James difference

We are a tech-driven, agile law firm where lawyers are empowered with modern legal technology to maximise efficiency, productivity and work-life balance. Our consultant model offers flexibility, autonomy and the ability to work remotely, while remaining part of a supportive national team. At Harper James, we keep things straightforward. We are relaxed and informal but well organised. There are no politics and no big egos; if people around us succeed, so do we. We welcome proactive, self-motivated lawyers who thrive in a modern legal environment and are passionate about delivering exceptional client service.

The bottom line

This is an opportunity to play an important role in supporting the continued growth of our Commercial Litigation team, working alongside experienced colleagues and a great team of people who all contribute to our shared success. Flexible working within a fully remote but collaborative team. Ad hoc attendance at our office in the centre of Birmingham is likely from time-to-time depending on work requirements. We are offering a competitive consultancy rate, with flexibility and autonomy as part of the Harper James consultant model.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE