NQ Solicitor - Aviation

We are seeking a Newly Qualified Solicitor to join our Aviation team, advising on a broad range of aviation and regulatory matters. The role offers excellent exposure to high-quality work and the opportunity to develop specialist expertise in aviation law. You will work closely with senior lawyers and partners on matters involving airlines, operators, lessors, and aviation service providers.

The Solicitor in the Aviation Department will report to the Head of Department, Managing Officer and/or Directors and will be responsible for managing, supervising and mentoring a team of paralegals. The Solicitor will be working closely with the Head of the Department, Managing Officer and Directors on the management of the team and handling the casework.

The Solicitor will be responsible for dealing with delegated work within their own areas of competence, achieving performance targets as set by Oracle’s practice and being responsive to management instructions. The Solicitor will provide expert legal support and advice to airline clients as well as the paralegals on their daily enquiries. They will also be responsible for offering support to other Heads of Department, the Managing Officer and/or Directors, dealing with their own caseload and clients, as well as supervising a large team of paralegals. Furthermore, they will be expected to train and mentor more junior staff members and to positively promote our services to clients, raising the quality level, showing initiative and creating new business for the Practice whenever possible.

Purpose/Main Objectives

To manage and contribute personally to the effective and efficient functioning of a busy department engaged in voluminous litigation and correspondence related to pre-court stage. To support, monitor and manage the performance of paralegals and their timekeeping and ensure that the Department’s work adheres to applicable timescales and quality standards as set by the Practice.

Responsibilities & Duties (including but not limited to)

• Dealing with delegated cases as required, reporting progress to the Head of Department, Managing Officer and/or Directors
• Handling own clients or casework in whatever category their cases require
• Ensuring quality of service levels and legal advice are to standard, both in respect of their own work and in respect of the Department’s paralegals
• Responsible for the supervision and management of a team of paralegals
• Performance tracking of the paralegals and reporting to the Head of Department, Managing Officer and/or Directors
• Following internal methods, policies, and procedures as set by the Office Manual
• Remaining informed of changes in any area of specialisation, such that service quality is always maintained
• Carrying out file reviews as appropriate
• Attending upon clients at offices, supervising the opening and updating of files on the Department’s case management system, liaising with clients and counsel and courts, dealing with all aspects of an aviation claim
• Preparing Briefs to Counsel
• Maintenance of diaries & time recording
• Working as part of a team and giving concise and reasonable instructions
• Preparing for trials and other hearings if applicable
• Conducting legal research and gathering relevant information on a case which includes researching the facts of the case as well as identifying appropriate laws, judicial decisions, and legal articles relevant to the case
• Drafting and reviewing legal documents. This can include drafting correspondence, defences, orders, witness statements, written submissions, briefs to counsel and skeleton arguments.
• Responding to clients’ requests, emails and post in a prompt and professional manner as well as answering telephones/emails in a professional manner
• Taking statements from witnesses and other parties; interviewing clients and passing on relevant information
• Carrying out other types of administrative duties such as billing, invoicing, time recording, compiling litigation bundles, dealing with correspondence, collecting and organising evidence
• Networking with clients and building valuable relationships in a way that enhances the company’s reputation
• Assisting during trial by taking notes, preparing exhibits, preparing files, and reading court transcripts
• Using the company’s case management system
• Expenditure: acting within limits set by the Practice and ensuring all petty cash is accounted for
• Any other ad hoc duties as directed by the Head of Department, Managing Officer and/or Directors

Relationships

Internal: Supportive to the Directors, Managing Officer, Heads of Department, paralegals and other colleagues at different departments

External: Promoting the Practice wherever possible through PR and quality of service

Skills & Qualifications

• Relevant Law Degree and Qualification in the UK or EU
• Ability to multi-task and prioritise, and understand the importance of deadlines
• Training contract background accepted
• Regulatory and commercial exposure
• Strong leadership skills in order to manage their own team independently
• Highly organised; able to be productive, flexible and simultaneously manage multiple cases and priorities in a performance-driven environment
• Superior research skills and data maintenance skills
• Strong client relationship skills; the ability to establish positive, cooperative and professional relationship, both internal and external
• Be highly trustworthy, discreet, and use good judgement
• Able to work well under pressure, without sacrificing a high attention to detail
• Excellent oral and written communication are essential
• Self-starter and the ability to work autonomously; Proactive and eager to learn
• Self-awareness and a commitment to using feedback to learn and develop as a professional
• Ability to read, digest and process vast amounts of information into data that can be used in a legal case