Overview

Department: Human Rights

Location: London, Manchester

Contract type: fixed term contract

Overall Purpose of the Role

The team undertakes large and complex group litigation, sometimes including thousands of clients. The role will primarily involve supporting the team's Nissan Renault emissions case. This is an opportunity to work on behalf of car owners who allege ‘defeat devices' were fitted on their diesel cars. The team also represents people in human rights and environmental claims brought in the English courts against large multinational companies. New cases are frequently developed through research and investigation undertaken within the team. The new Solicitor will be working with Partners and an Associate to manage large cases and to develop new matters. Key attributes necessary to be successful in the role include meticulous organisation skills; ability to undertake in-depth research; ability to analyse evidence and identify patterns; ability to manage large amounts of data; a commitment to access to justice; and ability to foster teamwork to create a culture that values collaboration.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Case management
• To effectively review and draft technical documents.
• To ensure that accurate information and instructions are obtained from clients and accurate records are maintained.
• To effectively manage, delegate to and supervise the work of junior team members.
• To endeavour, where appropriate, to achieve settlement pre-litigation; otherwise, to conduct litigation through to trial or earlier settlement and to deal with post trial/settlement considerations such as costs and enforcement proceedings, and to consider whether any decision should be appealed.
• To ensure the timely and effective deployment of others involved in the matter e.g., expert witnesses, enquiry agents, counsel, cost drafts people.
• To heed the procedural timetable and time limits, to make necessary applications where required to protect the client's position.
• To assist with disclosure review.
• To comply with the Civil Procedures Rules.

• Client relations
• To deal with clients in a sensitive, professional, and compassionate manner.
• To identify clients' objectives and to seek to further them in a manner consistent with all professional and ethical obligations.

• Business development and marketing
• To help research and develop new areas of practice for the department, particularly other potential group actions.
• To include presentation of seminars, writing articles, joining, and participating in professional and other relevant organisations.

• Compliance and risk management
• To always maintain the strictest concern for and awareness of the need for GDPR and data protection and in accordance with the Firm's internal policies.
• To adhere to and manage all court deadlines and time limits where applicable.
• To ensure regulatory compliance in all aspects of the case and that effective and regular risk management is carried out as part of case management.
• To immediately report any compliance or risk management concerns to the relevant persons without delay.

• Professional standards
• To work and behave in a professional manner and within the highest ethical and other standards of the profession.
• Comply with procedures set out in the office manual, professional standards and any requirement set by the Legal Services Commission or similar interested bodies e.g., Legal Expense Insurers.
• To ensure monetary transactions are dealt with efficiently and in accordance with professional rules.
• To always maintain the strictest standards of client confidentiality.
• To assist the firm in maximising income and profitability by effective time recording, billing and staff planning.

• Learning
• To keep up to date with developments in law and practice.
• To keep up to date with the UK, EU and Global litigation landscape concerning product safety and consumer law.
• To ensure learning and development plans are completed and that records are up to date and compliant with relevant SRA requirements.
• Any other tasks as might be required from time to time.

Note: Although this role is also open to London, there is a strong preference for candidates who live within commuting distance to Manchester or are willing to relocate to Manchester for this role.

About Leigh Day

We are a top 100 law firm committed to claimant-only cases, ensuring that individuals have the same access to justice as the UK Government and large corporations. We're not afraid to take on difficult and challenging cases involving medical negligence, serious personal injuries, discrimination in the workplace, defective products and human rights abuses in this country and overseas.

Benefits and working arrangements

• 29 days' holiday per annum inclusive of 4 days' compulsory leave to be taken during the Christmas office closure, plus all public and bank holidays.
• Two weeks' of working elsewhere; contributory pension scheme; life assurance (4 times annual salary); private medical insurance; interest free season ticket loan; childcare vouchers; cycle to work scheme; electric vehicle scheme.
• Hybrid working policy for full-time employees is three days in the office and two at home.
• Free breakfast and lunch every day for those coming into the office.
• Annual social activities and a supportive, friendly culture.

Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion

Leigh Day is committed to the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion. We value the diversity of our colleagues, our clients and the third parties with whom we work. We seek to create an environment where everyone feels included and valued for their unique characteristics, skills and abilities and supported in their needs and responsibilities.

We welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. Please let us know if you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the application or recruitment process. There is an option to detail this on your application form, however, please just get in touch should you wish to discuss this prior to formally submitting an application. Please note all conversations or disclosures are treated in the strictest confidence.

Note: This description reflects the role and typical responsibilities; it is not an exhaustive list of duties and may be amended as required.