At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a diverse caseload of civil disputes and provide operational legal support.
- Company: Join Parkdean Resorts, the UK's largest holiday park operator with a vibrant team culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 50% off holidays, 30% off activities, and clear career progression pathways.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team focused on sustainability and positive change.
- Why this job: Experience variety and autonomy in a hands-on litigation role with real impact.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with at least 5 years' experience in contentious work.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Parkdean Resorts is the UK’s largest holiday park operator, with 65 parks across England, Scotland and Wales and a diverse portfolio of accommodation and on-site facilities. Our 12-person legal team manages around 100 live disputes at any given time, with a combined value of c.£5m. These range from straightforward small claims to more complex multi-track litigation.
We’re looking for an experienced disputes solicitor to join us in a broad, hands-on litigation role where you’ll manage your own caseload, work closely with the business, and play a key role in shaping how disputes are handled across a large national organisation. You’ll take ownership of a diverse caseload, supported by senior in-house lawyers, paralegals and external lawyers where appropriate, and will also help oversee how we use our external panel and improve our overall disputes strategy.
If you’re looking to move into (or develop within) an in-house role where no two days are the same, this offers real variety, autonomy and impact, as well as excellent work life balance within a friendly and supportive team.
So, why Parkdean Resorts? Well, besides the one-of-a-kind team culture, stunning locations across the UK, and the security that comes with being a part of the UK’s largest holiday park organisation, we can offer:
- Up to 50% off holidays with us
- 30% off park activities, food & drink
- 25% off holidays for friends & family
- Clear career pathways for those looking to progress
We want to be a force for good for our parks, people, and planet. Our passion is to secure the sustainability of our business, create positive change, and leave a green footprint for future generations to enjoy.
What you will be doing...
Civil disputes (core role)
- Direct management of a varied caseload of disputes across all tracks, including:
- Consumer disputes (primarily caravan sales)
- Commercial / supplier disputes
- Real estate disputes
- Equality Act claims
- Regulatory matters
Caseload ranges from low-value/high-volume through to multi-track litigation, with appropriate use of external counsel and internal support. This is a true generalist litigation role, offering exposure across multiple areas rather than specialisation in one.
Liability claims (outsourced - oversight)
- Day-to-day oversight of liability claims managed under a delegated authority model by panel solicitors
- Acting as escalation point for non-DOA matters
- Monitoring panel performance and developing MI on defensibility, outcomes and adherence to strategy
- Managing the external legal relationship
Debt recovery (outsourced – oversight)
- Oversight of outsourced bulk recovery work
- Ensuring panel arrangements remain commercially effective and aligned to business needs
- Driving improved recovery outcomes through performance monitoring, process optimisation, and identifying claims suitable for in-house handling
Operational support
- Acting as first point of legal contact for non-BAU operational issues
- Building relationships with Operations and developing a trusted advisor relationship
- Providing pragmatic, commercially focused advice to operational stakeholders
Additional responsibilities
- Supporting development of dispute management processes, MI and reporting
- Contributing to continuous improvement in litigation strategy and external panel management
- Mentoring and supporting junior team members (paralegals)
Some of the skills and experience we are looking for:
- Qualified solicitor / barrister / CILEX (litigation rights)
- Minimum 5 years’ PQE in contentious work
- Experience across a range of civil disputes (not necessarily all listed areas)
- Comfortable managing a mixed caseload with competing priorities
- Able to balance legal risk with commercial reality
- Experience of or exposure to:
- external counsel management
- stakeholder engagement
- process improvement
- use of legal tech (desirable, not essential)
Whatever you do, please don’t filter yourself out! We are often flexible when considering an applicant’s skills and experience for a role. So, don’t be put off if you don’t tick all the boxes.
Are we the right fit for you? At Parkdean Resorts we don’t leave unforgettable moments to chance. We pitch in, we have fun, and we grow, challenging and inspiring each other to make great things happen every, single, day. We’re the people people, Parkdean people - we’re family, ensuring holiday happy is never far away.
We want to do all we can to create an environment and recruitment process where people feel safe and comfortable to talk about disability. For any reasonable adjustment requests, please contact the team at careers@parkdean-resorts.com
Legal - Solicitor – Disputes - LE1 in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Park Dean Resorts
Parkdean Resorts is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment where legal professionals can thrive. With a commitment to employee growth, you will have clear career pathways and the opportunity to manage a diverse caseload while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. Additionally, employees benefit from generous discounts on holidays and activities, all within the backdrop of stunning UK locations, making it a truly rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal - Solicitor – Disputes - LE1 in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who might have insights into in-house roles. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential colleagues and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Parkdean Resorts and understanding their disputes strategy. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in managing diverse caseloads and working collaboratively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your adaptability! In-house roles often require juggling multiple priorities. Share examples from your past where you successfully managed competing demands while delivering results.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Parkdean family.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal - Solicitor – Disputes - LE1 in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see who you are beyond your qualifications. A bit of humour or a personal touch can make your application stand out.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the role at Parkdean Resorts. Highlight your relevant experience in disputes and how it aligns with our needs. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your experience and skills. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Park Dean Resorts
✨Know Your Disputes Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the types of disputes mentioned in the job description. Brush up on consumer disputes, commercial issues, and real estate claims. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you understand the role and can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Caseload Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've managed a varied caseload in the past. Highlight your ability to juggle competing priorities and balance legal risks with commercial realities. This will demonstrate your readiness for the hands-on nature of the role.
✨Engage with the Team Culture
Research Parkdean Resorts' team culture and values. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their friendly and supportive environment. Showing that you align with their ethos will make you a more attractive candidate.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the legal team's approach to dispute management. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the company is the right fit for you. Think about how you can help improve their litigation strategy!
