Associate - PI, Travel and Regulatory at Hill Dickinson LLP

jobs Verified: 3 Aug 2026 London Area, United Kingdom (London office)

Associate - PI, Travel and Regulatory at Hill Dickinson LLP

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Organising Institution / Firm

Hill Dickinson LLP

Not Specified by Organiser

London Area, United Kingdom (London office)

Not Specified

Qualified Solicitor (NQ - 2 years PQE); Law degree or equivalent; Experience in personal injury and/or industrial disease claims; Ability to handle own claims; Team working and independent working ability; Interest in business development; Strong organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills; Ability to meet deadlines. Applications from all routes to qualification (SRA and CILEx) are welcome.

Job (Associate Solicitor)

Full Opportunity Brief

Are you a solicitor with a passion for personal injury, travel, and regulatory law? Hill Dickinson LLP, a leading international law firm, is searching for an Associate to join its prestigious PI, Travel and Regulatory team within the Marine Business Group in London. This is not just another legal role — it is an invitation to specialise in a niche, high-stakes area that sits at the crossroads of maritime law, travel litigation, and regulatory compliance. For legal professionals looking to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive, forward-thinking workplace, this opportunity deserves your full attention.

The Marine Niche: Why This Role Is a Hidden Gem

Most legal professionals are familiar with mainstream personal injury work, but the marine defendant space is a world apart. It involves defending claims brought by ship’s crew and passengers, handling catastrophic injury and fatal injury cases, and advising on complex jurisdictional issues. The travel side adds another layer: claims against cruise ships, yachts, hotels, and even airlines. And crucially, the regulatory dimension means you will be involved in investigations and prosecutions by authorities like the police, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB).

This role is a rare convergence of three demanding practice areas — personal injury, travel, and regulatory — all within the context of the vibrant marine sector.

The marine industry is the backbone of global trade, and the UK remains a world leader in maritime services. London, in particular, is a hub for shipping litigation and insurance. By joining Hill Dickinson’s Marine Business Group, you are positioning yourself at the centre of this ecosystem. The team has a long track record of advising clients on the legal aftermath of major incidents, from minor accidents to large-scale disasters. This is high-profile, intellectually challenging work that offers enormous professional satisfaction.

What You’ll Actually Be Doing: Beyond the Job Title

The job description paints a clear picture of the day-to-day responsibilities. You will be defending personal injury claims brought by ship’s crew and passengers, including catastrophic and fatal injury claims. You’ll also handle employers’ liability (EL) and public liability (PL) claims – particularly those in the ports sector, which is a specialised and demanding area. Travel claims against cruise lines, yacht operators, and hotels form a significant part of the caseload, as do industrial disease claims.

But it doesn’t stop there. You will be involved in work-related death investigations and prosecutions, which requires a steady nerve and a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks. Drafting agreements is another core task, meaning you’ll need to be equally comfortable with litigation and transactional work. This is not a role for someone who wants to hide behind a screen; you’ll interact with a wide cross-section of clients, from ship owners and insurers to port operators and hotel groups.

Importantly, the firm values independence. You will be expected to handle your own claims from the outset, while also collaborating with a team that includes partners, associates, and trainees. The balance between autonomy and teamwork is one of the most attractive aspects of the role.

Inside Hill Dickinson’s Marine Business Group

Hill Dickinson is not a newcomer to this field. The PI, Travel and Regulatory team is headed by John Caddies, a respected figure in the sector. The team’s philosophy is to defend claims in a cost-effective and proactive manner, which means you’ll learn to think strategically about case management and settlement. You’ll also have access to a global network of offices, giving you exposure to international clients and cross-border issues.

The firm itself is consistently ranked as a top employer. In fact, Hill Dickinson was named a Top Ten Employer for Working Families 2025 for the second year running. This commitment to work-life balance is not just a PR line; it’s embedded in their policies. Flexible working is actively encouraged, and the “dress for your day” policy underscores a culture of trust and respect.

The Perks: More Than a Paycheck

Let’s talk about the benefits, because they are genuinely impressive. Hill Dickinson offers a comprehensive package that goes beyond the standard salary:

• Annual leave starting at 25 days plus a birthday privilege day and Christmas shutdown.
• Annual bonus scheme – your hard work is rewarded.
• Holiday buy, sell, and carryover scheme – take control of your time off.
• 2 charity volunteering or pro bono days – give back while developing your skills.
• Private medical insurance via BUPA and a fitness allowance to keep you healthy.
• Flexible pension scheme and an ISA saving scheme with independent financial advice.
• Electric or hybrid vehicle lease scheme – contribute to a greener future.
• Enhanced family leave policies and access to Fertifa for reproductive health support.
• 10 days fully subsidised emergency or backup care via Bright Horizons each year.
• Life assurance and group income protection for peace of mind.
• Annual travel season ticket loan – a practical boost for London commuters.
• Hybrid working – balance office collaboration with home focus.

These benefits are designed to support your professional growth and personal wellbeing. For a legal role, this level of investment in employees is remarkable.

Are You the Right Fit? The Candidate Checklist

If you’re already thinking, “This sounds like my dream job,” you need to know what the firm is looking for. The formal requirements are straightforward:

• Qualified Solicitor (NQ – 2 years PQE)
• Law degree (or equivalent qualification)
• Personal injury and/or industrial disease claim experience
• Ability to handle your own claims
• Willingness to work both independently and as part of a team
• Interest and aptitude for business development
• Strong organisation, intrapersonal, and communication skills
• Pragmatic approach to legal and commercial problem-solving
• Demonstrable ability to meet deadlines and adhere to guidelines

But the list doesn’t capture the full picture. The firm wants someone who embodies its core values – someone who is proactive, client-focused, and resilient. They also welcome applications from individuals with non-traditional routes to qualification, including via CILEx, and from those returning to law after a career break. The message is clear: if you have the drive and talent, they will help you develop.

This inclusive approach sets Hill Dickinson apart. They are a Disability Confident employer, and they explicitly encourage candidates to request adjustments during the application and interview process. That is a sign of a mature, modern workplace.

Career Trajectory After This Role

This is not a dead-end job. The skills you’ll gain here are highly transferable and sought-after. Many associates in this niche go on to become partners, move in-house to insurance companies or shipping lines, or become leading counsel in their own right. The team’s reputation means your CV will carry weight wherever you go next.

Moreover, the hybrid working policy and access to bespoke training mean you can shape your career path. Whether you want to become a technical expert in industrial disease, a go-to lawyer for cruise line disputes, or a leader in regulatory defence, the opportunities are vast.

FAQs

1. What is the application deadline?

The job posting does not specify a deadline. However, Hill Dickinson notes that due to high response levels, vacancies may be closed before the advertised date. It is highly recommended to apply as soon as possible.

2. Is this role open to candidates outside the UK?

While the role is based in London, the firm has a global presence and welcomes applications from suitably qualified solicitors. However, you must be qualified as a Solicitor in England & Wales or be eligible for exemption. International applicants should check their eligibility for UK practising rights.

3. Can I apply if I am a newly qualified solicitor (NQ)?

Yes, the role is open to NQ solicitors. You need a law degree (or equivalent) and relevant personal injury or industrial disease experience – which could include seat experience during your training contract. Bring enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

4. What does the regulatory aspect of the role involve?

You will deal with work-related death investigations and prosecutions by authorities such as the police, MCA, HSE, and MAIB. This involves advising clients on regulatory compliance, managing criminal investigations, and representing them in proceedings. It adds a dynamic public law dimension to the role.

If you’re ready for a challenging and rewarding step in your legal career, this Associate role at Hill Dickinson deserves serious consideration. The combination of marine, travel, and regulatory work is unique, and the firm’s culture is second to none.