Litigation Solicitor or CILEX with litigation rights (5 years + PQE)

Job Summary

We are seeking a motivated and commercially aware Litigation Solicitor or CILEX with litigation rights (5 years + PQE) to join our established litigation team. The successful candidate will manage a varied caseload of contentious matters, providing practical and high-quality legal advice to a broad client base. This role offers excellent exposure to a wide range of disputes typical of a smaller/regional practice and the opportunity to develop advocacy and client-handling skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Caseload Management: Manage your own caseload of litigation matters, including general civil and commercial disputes, contract disputes, debt recovery, and property-related disputes.
• Client Liaison: Act as a primary point of contact for clients, providing clear, pragmatic advice and regular updates throughout the lifecycle of a matter.
• Legal Advice: Advise clients on prospects, strategy, costs, and risk at all stages of litigation, including pre-action, proceedings, and settlement.
• Drafting & Pleadings: Draft and review key litigation documents, including letters of claim, responses, statements of case, witness statements, applications, and settlement agreements.
• Court & Procedure: Conduct matters in accordance with the Civil Procedure Rules, including managing deadlines, disclosure, and procedural compliance.
• Advocacy: Undertake advocacy where appropriate, including hearings, interim applications, and case management conferences (depending on experience).
• Negotiation & ADR: Engage in negotiations and alternative dispute resolution, including mediation, with a view to achieving cost-effective outcomes for clients.
• File Management: Maintain accurate and well-organised files, ensuring compliance with regulatory, procedural, and internal requirements.
• Risk Management: Identify and manage litigation risk, advising clients appropriately on costs exposure, settlement options, and enforcement.
• Billing & Financial Management: Manage time recording, billing, and recoveries in line with agreed targets and firm expectations.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with partners, other fee earners, and support staff to deliver an efficient and high-quality litigation service.

Qualifications

• Education: Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales with a current practising certificate or CILEX qualification with litigation rights
• Experience: 5 years + PQE with experience in litigation gained within a smaller or regional firm environment
• Skills:
• Sound understanding of civil litigation and the Civil Procedure Rules.
• Strong drafting skills and attention to detail.
• Confident and professional client-facing manner.
• Ability to manage a varied and busy caseload with appropriate supervision.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Commercial awareness and a practical approach to dispute resolution.
• Proficiency in case management systems and Microsoft Office.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable

• Experience in property litigation, contractual disputes, or debt recovery.
• Some exposure to advocacy or attendance at court.
• An interest in business development and building long-term client relationships