Associate Solicitor, Human Rights - Abuse, 2-5PQE (12 month FTC)

London, England, United Kingdom

6/13/2025

About The Team

This role will join Alison Millar's team, which specialises in conducting claims for adult survivors of non-recent sexual or physical abuse in childhood, claims for the mistreatment of children and adults at risk of harm in care settings and individuals who have suffered sexual assault in a healthcare setting or within the workplace.

The team has extensive experience of claims brought on a vicarious liability basis against a wide range of organisations including local authorities, in relation to abuse perpetrated in children's homes and community schools; independent schools; churches; sporting organisations and membership organisations.

About The Role

We are looking for a 2-5 PQE solicitor to join the team on a temporary basis to provide additional support to the team during a critical period. This role will suit someone with a solid grounding in private law claims involving personal injury and human rights breaches, ideally within the context of abuse work.

Please note it is critical that applicants understand that this role will require working on cases, some of which involve sexual abuse, the details of which may be distressing. Working for abuse survivors can be very rewarding but also personally challenging, requiring emotional resilience and an ability to work in a trauma-informed and boundaried way.

Key Duties And Responsibilities

• Obtain and assess accurate information and instructions from clients, analysing the legal and practical aspects of claims.
• 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

• Collaborate with colleagues to share information and best practices, contributing to the development of team members and fostering a supportive working environment.
• Provide effective support to 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.
• Qualified lawyer with 2-5 years' PQE in a relevant area of law.
• Relevant knowledge of domestic civil law and procedure.
• Demonstrable experience with managing private law claims involving personal injury and human rights breaches.
• A good working knowledge of the operation of the LAA scheme.
• Experience working with or on behalf of vulnerable individuals and / or a challenging client group with the ability to build trust and confidence.
• Ability to manage difficult situations and conversations.
• Strong emotional resilience given that working with this client group can be emotionally challenging at times.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability and sensitivity to tailor these to the intended audience.
• Strong legal drafting skills.
• Experience of managing a large number of cases with limitation/service and court deadlines.
• Strong experience in using a variety of IT packages (MS Word, Excel, Case Management Systems and Outlook).
• Experience in working and contributing effectively to a team environment.
  
  

Desirable

• Strong academic background.
• Direct experience of working on sexual and physical abuse claims will be highly advantageous.