Experienced Medical Negligence solicitor (8+ years PQE) in Leeds

The medical negligence department specialises in life-changing injury cases. Solicitors will be expected to be well versed in all procedural and evidential issues that specifically affect this category of claim.

Main responsibilities

• Qualified solicitors/barristers must be licensed to practice law to act on behalf of clients in legal matters.
• Fee earners are typically responsible to the head of a work group and/or the Head of Department.
• Solicitors must have a current practicing certificate, maintain their CPD record and comply with the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s Continuing Professional Development Scheme.
• Takes initial instructions, establishing suitability of the matter by undertaking preliminary research and reviewing documentation.
• Maintains regular communications with clients, solicitors, supervisors and others on the telephone and in meetings and relevant platforms.
• Explains fee structure and ensures client is kept appraised regularly of changes in any estimate of fees, providing advice at all stages, pre and post proceedings.
• Prepares reports, letters of advice.
• Drafts statements.
• Selects and instructs experts.
• Instructs Counsel.
• Compiles disclosure lists and bundles.
• Conducts litigation proceedings.
• Appears before the Court at interlocutory hearings.
• Demonstrates relevant experience and expertise with ADR.

Expert legal skills

• Solicitors will be expected to have sound clinical knowledge as befits the areas of work in which they are involved.
• Involvement with disability related charities is encouraged.
• A high level of interpersonal communication skills will be required to successfully communicate with seriously injured clients and their distressed families.

Supervisory skills

• Senior solicitors may supervise other qualified solicitors and most qualified solicitors will have responsibility for a paralegal.
• They will be expected to delegate effectively to associate solicitors and paralegals, set boundaries and oversee work.
• Give clear instructions and share information.
• Provide regular feedback, offer support and guidance, coach, mentor and motivate.
• Consider opportunities for growth and challenge.

Financial Management skills

• Records time effectively, achieves/exceeds hours and billing targets.
• Assists with/manages the effective billing and cash collection.
• Monitors financial performance and WIP.
• Sets budgets and manages profitability.

Business Development skills

• Demonstrates commercial awareness and vision.
• Attends/assists with/organises social events.
• Contributes to marketing materials.
• Identifies/generates/follows up new business opportunities.
• Develops own network, raises own and the firm’s profile.
• Promotes the firm by undertaking public speaking or having articles published.
• Assists with/attends/participates in/leads business pitches.
• Develops practice expertise, creates a media presence, becomes a recognised leader in the field, drives the reputation of the firm.
• Focuses on business development activities, defines and leads business strategy.
• Makes use of the firm’s collective knowledge resources, promotes internal knowledge-sharing.
• Attends and contributes towards know-how meetings, delivers internal training sessions.

Personal skills

• Demonstrates excellent communication and strong influencing skills (articulate and professional/mature and sympathetic).
• Effective, respectful interpersonal skills.
• Shows sound judgement, creative problem-solving and practical decision making skills.
• Shows commitment, passion, enthusiasm, socially adept, supportive team-player.
• Keen attention to detail.
• Reflects the firm’s culture.

Academic background

• Essential: Minimum 2:1 degree, with commendation at LPC (or equivalent BVC).