Litigation Solicitor/CILEX - Hybrid in Leighton Buzzard

Join our experienced dispute resolution team, working from offices with hybrid working in Leighton Buzzard. The successful candidate will manage a varied caseload of civil litigation matters, providing high-quality legal advice and representation to a diverse client base. You will work within a collaborative firm that values technical competence, attention to detail, professional integrity and continuous development.

This role involves conducting all stages of litigation from initial client instruction through to settlement or trial, including drafting pleadings, preparing evidence, advising on strategy, undertaking advocacy where appropriate and managing client expectations.

• Manage a mixed-complexity civil litigation caseload, including but not limited to contractual disputes, professional negligence, debt recovery, landlord and tenant matters and possession claims, ensuring matters progress efficiently and clients receive clear, pragmatic advice.
• Undertake client care and AML procedures at intake, open and close files, maintain accurate and audit-ready matter records in accordance with firm policies and SRA/CILEX regulatory requirements.
• Provide timely, clear and commercially focused legal advice to clients; prepare and draft statements of case, pleadings, applications, oppositions, witness statements, schedules and settlement documentation.
• Conduct litigation case management including issuing proceedings, preparing disclosure schedules, managing evidence bundles, lodging hearings and complying with court directions and timetables.
• Negotiate settlements and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) outcomes on behalf of clients; identify and advise on risk, cost exposure and recommended strategies at each stage of the matter.
• Attend client meetings, conferences, mediations and court hearings; where appropriate, undertake advocacy and prepare advocates' bundles and hearing materials to a high standard.
• Supervise and mentor paralegals or junior fee-earners, delegate tasks appropriately and review work to ensure accuracy, compliance and quality client service.
• Prepare cost estimates, manage budgets, record time and assist with billing to support commercial performance of the department.
• Use and maintain case management systems and document precedents; contribute to process improvements, knowledge sharing and development of standard working practices.

• Qualified solicitor or CILEX practitioner with minimum 3 years PQE in civil litigation; experience in a law firm or similar legal environment handling contentious matters is essential.
• Proven experience drafting pleadings, witness statements, applications and other litigation documents; accuracy and attention to detail in drafting are essential.
• Practical knowledge of Civil Procedure Rules, court processes and deadlines, disclosure obligations and evidence preparation; familiarity with online court platforms and e-filing is desirable.
• Strong client-care and communication skills with the ability to manage expectations, explain complex legal issues clearly and maintain professional relationships with clients and third parties.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage a varied caseload, prioritise competing deadlines and work independently while escalating issues appropriately.
• Advocacy or advocacy exposure is desirable; willingness to undertake advocacy and represent clients in hearings when required.
• Experience supervising or mentoring junior staff and a commitment to supporting the development of colleagues through coaching and feedback.
• Proficiency with case management systems, document management and standard office IT applications; willingness to adopt and embed efficient digital workflows and precedents.
• Commercial awareness and a pragmatic approach to resolving disputes with a focus on delivering value for clients and contributing to practice growth.