Associate / Senior Associate Solicitor, Clinical Negligence, 4PQE+

Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom

4/12/2025

We are seeking a grade A or B solicitor to join our Cardiff clinical negligence practice, led by Julia Reynolds. This role offers the opportunity to develop and manage your own caseload across a range of clinical negligence specialisms, whilst supporting Julia with driving the strategic growth of the practice. The role will also provide appropriate supervision to the team coordinator to ensure the highest standard of legal practice and client care.

We are open to hiring this role at either associate or senior associate level dependent on previous experience. For more senior candidates, we can also offer a short to medium track to applying for partnership.

About The Team

Julia's team handles the full range of medical negligence matters, including delayed diagnoses, negligent treatment, and surgical errors. Julia has acted for a diverse group of clients, including adults lacking capacity, bereaved families, and children. She regularly works on complex and sensitive cases involving brain injuries, fatal claims, amputations, cauda equina syndrome, oncology, stroke, and cardiac incidents.

Julia joined Leigh Day in 2024 after nearly a decade with Slater and Gordon. At present, the team comprises of Julia and a team coordinator, with this new role being created as part of our strategic growth plans in Cardiff. As the sole solicitor in the team, the successful candidate will work closely with Julia across the board and will play a key role in shaping the future of the practice.

Key Responsibilities

File management

• Obtain and assess accurate information and instructions from clients, analysing the legal and practical aspects of claims.
• Identify and instruct appropriate medico-legal experts, negotiate terms, manage expert fees, and liaise with experts throughout the case.
• Develop and advise on strategies and tactics to achieve optimal outcomes for clients, including managing pre-litigation settlements and progressing cases to trial.
• Provide post-trial/settlement advice, manage costs, and consider the potential for appeals when necessary.
• Enable clients and their litigation friends (if applicable) to make informed decisions based on advice on legal considerations, funding options, and risks.
• Monitor all aspects of case progress, ensure timelines and procedural requirements are met, and handle necessary applications to protect clients' positions.
• Manage financial transactions, including billing and costs, in compliance with professional rules and firm procedures.
• Strict adherence to Civil Procedure Rules.
  
  

Client relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, providing sensitive, professional, and compassionate communication.
• Understand clients' objectives and work to further them while maintaining high ethical standards in all communications and dealings.
  
  

Professional standards

• Uphold the highest professional standards in all aspects of the role, including maintaining client confidentiality and complying with legal and regulatory requirements.
• To lead by example by working and behaving in a professional manner and within the highest ethical standards of the profession and the Leigh Day Citizen's Charter
  
  

Team and collaboration

• Work closely with Julia Reynolds and the clinical negligence team to support the department's growth and success.
• Collaborate with colleagues to share information and best practices, contributing to the development of team members and fostering a supportive working environment.
• Supervise and mentor junior members of the team as appropriate, helping them to develop professionally and ensuring high standards of service.
  
  

Business development

• Engage in external marketing activities, including seminars, writing articles, and participating in professional organizations to increase the department's visibility and reach.
  
  

Management of resources

• Help ensure the efficient use of resources within the department, contributing to profitability through effective time recording and billing practices.
  
  

Information Technology

• Utilise technology to provide an efficient, high-quality service while maintaining a strong focus on data protection and compliance with legal requirements.
  
  

Learning & development

• Stay updated on relevant law developments to ensure accurate and up-to-date advice to clients.
• To ensure learning and development plans are completed and that CPD records are up to date and compliant with SRA and Lexcel requirements.
  
  

Person specification

Essential

• Ability to demonstrate a commitment to equality, access to justice and affordable legal advice of the highest quality.
• 4+ years PQE with clinical negligence experience.
• Strong knowledge of clinical negligence law and medicine, with experience handling cases from initial advice through to trial.
• Solid understanding of loss calculations in Schedule of Loss.
• Proven ability to manage sensitive client and expert relationships, navigating difficult situations with professionalism and empathy.
• Experience in litigating claimant cases is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to communicate clearly and concisely.
• Demonstrated ability to manage time effectively, organize a complex workload, and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and case management systems.
• Able to contribute effectively to team dynamics and mentor junior colleagues.
  
  

Desirable

• Claimant side clinical negligence experience, though not essential, will be highly desirable.