Solicitor/Cilex or Equivalent Serious Injury (Grade A) (Bolton) in Lancaster

Fletchers Solicitors Ltd have a fantastic opportunity to join our growing Team. The successful candidate will lead a fee earning team with at least one other Solicitor or CILEX and one Paralegal and will be responsible for dealing with a complex and diverse caseload of catastrophic cases with a value exceeding £500,000, including RTA, EL, PL and OL matters. You must have a proven track record of successfully taking the lead on cases at this level and be able to progress such cases from inception to conclusion, in line with company policies and legal requirements.

Benefits

• 35 hours working week
• Bonus scheme (subject to targets being met)
• 35 days holiday a year including bank holidays and Christmas Closure, with the option to purchase up to 3 extra days' holiday per year
• Long service awards after your 5th, 7th, and 9th full year of employment
• Pension scheme with tax efficient salary sacrifice option
• Life Assurance Policy
• Medicash policy to cover some dental, optical and other medical expenses
• Company sick pay
• Enhanced Maternity, Paternity and IVF schemes
• Flexible, agile working environment with a positive work-life balance
• Varied calendar of funded company social events
• Monthly voucher awards for winning nominees

Main Responsibilities

• Ensure that cases are progressed in a timely and commercial manner in line with KPI targets and estimated settlement dates
• Deal with all aspects of pre and post issue procedures; pursuing cases to conclusion
• Assess liability at an early stage, make decisions on prospects of case early and keep write offs to a minimum
• Draft court documents including pleadings, applications, witness statements and court directions
• Research points of law and take responsibility for researching topics prior to undertaking allocated tasks to ensure accuracy
• Liaise with clients, experts, barristers, third party solicitors and insurers - willing to travel to accommodate attendance in person when appropriate
• Attend Court, Joint Settlement Meetings, Case Management Conferences and Conferences with or without Counsel when necessary and in person. Overnight stay may be required.
• Accurate time recording
• Maintain cases in good order in accordance with Lexcel and other quality assurance requirements
• Ensure that all outstanding actions as per the task list are completed in a timely fashion
• Delegate tasks as appropriate to Assistants
• Assist in the supervision and development of Assistants and Paralegals across the team
• Engage in brand development and marketing
• Mentor new team members when required
• Ensure that an excellent level of client care is maintained

Essential Skills and Experience

• The successful candidate should be a Solicitor, Grade A or CILEX, or with equivalent non qualified experience
• A proven track record of dealing with serious injury work is essential, including traumatic brain injury and complex multiple orthopaedic injuries on cases with a value up to £100,000
• Proven KPI's in fee recovery, time recording and client care
• Experienced at dealing with a diverse range of liability scenarios including EL/PL as well as RTAs and multiple defendants
• Excellent people and client care skills; a sensitive and professional approach always
• Experienced in litigation at both County Court and High Court level
• Sound knowledge of the CPR, litigation process and cost budgeting process
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Self motivated and proactive
• A commercial approach to litigation and case progression
• Willing to commit to achieving results and meeting deadlines
• Flexible in working hours and able to travel
• The ability to work in a team and to mentor other team members
• Good IT skills, especially in respect of Microsoft Office packages. Previous experience of Proclaim is preferable but not essential
• Able to liaise and work well with other integral teams across the business
• Willingness to put forward ideas and to engage in brand development, networking events and marketing

Desirable Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Experience of Proclaim case management system would be desirable
• Driving licence

Fletchers Group is an inclusive employer with a diverse workforce, which is why we welcome applications from all diversity groups and backgrounds. We're committed to providing a culture and environment where everyone can thrive. Fletchers understand and celebrate that no colleague is the same. We're proud of our work on the Disability Confident scheme, and we are signing up to other diversity standards to reflect our ethos.