At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage your own caseload and work on diverse defence litigation matters.
- Company: Well-established law firm with a supportive and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Salary between £36,000-£50,000, hybrid working, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a growing team with clear career progression and mentoring from experienced professionals.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in complex cases while developing your legal skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor (NQ-4 years' PQE) with personal injury litigation experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Belfast (Hybrid)
Salary: £36,000 - £50,000 + Excellent Benefits
The Opportunity
Looking to build your career in Defence Litigation with a firm that offers high-quality work, excellent mentoring and genuine opportunities for progression? We're recruiting on behalf of a well-established and growing law firm seeking a Solicitor (NQ-4 years' PQE) to join its expanding Defence Litigation team in Belfast. Working alongside experienced litigators, you'll advise leading insurers and self-insured commercial organisations across a broad range of complex litigation matters. This is an excellent opportunity to gain exposure to challenging, high-quality work while developing your technical expertise and advocacy skills within a collaborative and supportive environment.
The Role
You'll manage your own caseload while working closely with experienced Partners and senior solicitors on a wide variety of defence litigation matters. The team acts on behalf of insurers and commercial organisations across a broad range of claims, including:
- Motor claims
- Employers' Liability claims
- Public Liability claims
- Disease litigation
- Complex personal injury matters
You'll have regular client contact, advocacy opportunities and the chance to work on technically interesting cases within a fast-paced and rewarding practice.
Key Responsibilities
As part of the team, you will:
- Manage and assist with a varied caseload of defence litigation matters.
- Act on behalf of insurance companies and self-insured commercial organisations.
- Conduct investigations with policyholders and witnesses, including taking witness statements.
- Review and analyse medical records, expert reports and supporting evidence.
- Identify evidential requirements and obtain documentation from Plaintiff representatives.
- Draft legal documents, client advice, reports and correspondence.
- Ensure compliance with client-specific Service Level Agreements (SLAs), reporting obligations and reserving requirements.
- Manage files from initial instruction through to resolution.
- Attend Court Reviews, interlocutory hearings, pre-trial meetings and Court hearings.
- Work closely with Partners to support existing client relationships and contribute to business development initiatives.
- Assist with networking, marketing activities and the continued growth of the practice.
- Deliver an exceptional standard of client service at all times.
What We're Looking For
We're keen to speak with motivated solicitors who enjoy working as part of a collaborative team and are looking to build a successful career in Defence Litigation. Ideally, you'll have:
- Qualified Solicitor (Newly Qualified up to 4 years' PQE).
- Experience in personal injury litigation, either during training or post-qualification.
- Previous experience handling defence insurance claims would be advantageous but is not essential.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organisational and case management abilities.
- A proactive, commercially aware and client-focused approach.
- The ability to thrive within a fast-paced environment.
- A genuine interest in developing technical expertise across a broad range of litigation matters.
- A commitment to delivering exceptional client service while meeting reporting requirements and deadlines.
What's on Offer
Salary of £36,000-£50,000, depending on experience. Hybrid working (2 days in the office, 3 days working from home). Exposure to high-quality defence litigation work. Ongoing mentoring and support from experienced Partners and senior solicitors. Excellent training and professional development opportunities. Clear opportunities for career progression. A collaborative and supportive team culture. Comprehensive benefits package.
Why Apply?
This is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious solicitor looking to establish or further develop a career in Defence Litigation. You'll gain hands-on experience across a broad range of complex matters, work closely with experienced litigators, develop your advocacy skills and enjoy genuine opportunities for long-term progression within a respected and growing team. If you're looking for a role that offers quality work, excellent support and the opportunity to build a successful long-term career, we'd love to hear from you.
To find out more or arrange a confidential discussion, apply via the link or contact Ciaran Gallagher at VANRATH today.
