Junior Barrister in City of London

Reports to

The Junior Barrister for UK Aviation reports directly to the Head of Aviation, and to the Board of Directors and the Managing Officer. The Junior Barrister will be working closely with the Aviation Solicitors, in-house counsel, paralegals, independent counsel, Directors and the Managing Officer.

Department

The Junior Barrister works within the Aviation Department, though s/he may be called upon to assist other departments as the circumstances require.

Job Overview

The Junior Barrister is responsible for providing leadership and management to the Aviation Department, and for providing expert legal services to its clients.

The Junior Barrister reviews and advises on the work carried out by the Department’s paralegal staff. The Department’s work principally consists of defending money claims in the County Court, brought on the basis of Regulation (EC) 261/2004, but also includes a variety of other litigation and advisory work.

Responsibilities & Duties (including but not limited to)

Reviewing draft pleadings and other documents prepared by the paralegal team, giving advice and making recommendations for improvements.

• Advising generally on strategy and next steps in the context of any particular case or matter.
• Researching relevant substantive and procedural law and maintaining detailed current awareness of relevant practice areas. Acting as a source of expert knowledge and advice on aviation law for the benefit of the Company and its clients. Properly and efficiently using the Department’s and Company’s IT
• Communicating clearly and productively with colleagues, clients and
• Maintaining files in good order in compliance with the Department’s file standards and ensuring that supervised staff do so.
• Adhering to all relevant data protection laws and ensuring that documents and communications are handled in compliant fashion.
• Adhering to an excellent standard of personal organisation and diary
• Fostering good relationships with other team members and other departments within the Company.
• Adhering to all relevant Company procedures, policies and requirements as set out in the Contract of Employment, Office Manual and as instructed from time to time by the Global Head of Aviation, Directors or Managing Officer.
• Any other hoc duties as directed by the Global Head of Aviation, Directors or Managing Officer.

Relationships

• Internal:
  • Supportive to the Directors, Global Head of Aviation, Head of Aviation and Managing Officer
  • Collaborative with Aviation Solicitors and Trainee Solicitors
  • Collaborative with paralegals, claims co-ordinators and other non‑ legally qualified staff

Skills & Qualifications

Essential:

• A current Bar Council Practising Certificate
• An excellent level of spoken and written English
• A minimum of 5 years’ post‑qualification experience in litigation/dispute resolution
• Strong leadership skills
• Computer literacy
• Ability to multi‑task and prioritise
• Highly organised; able to be productive, flexible and comfortable in a performance‑driven environment
• Superior research skills
• Strong client relationship skills; the ability to establish positive, cooperative and professional relationships, both internal and external
• Being highly trustworthy, discreet, and able to show good judgement
• Able to work well under pressure, without sacrificing a high attention to detail
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work autonomously
• Self‑aware, with a commitment to using feedback to learn and develop as a professional

Desirable:

• Experience in Aviation law and/or familiarity with the aviation industry
• Second language