We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented lawyer with experience across debt recovery, consumer claims and housing disrepair to join our busy Consumer team. This role offers exposure to a broad caseload of debt recovery, consumer claims and housing disrepair matters, working with a range of clients from individuals to large corporations. The successful candidate will manage a mixed caseload, ensuring high standards of client service and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
We offer a generous commission structure. With no hurdles and no caps, you are rewarded for the success of every case you bring to completion. The role offers genuine progression, quite likely to a training contract. We currently have 96 trainee solicitors across our five departments.
Managing a substantial and varied caseload of pre-legal, litigated and post-judgment debt recovery matters, with minimal supervision.
Managing a caseload of consumer claims, including advising on consumer rights, assessing the merits of claims, drafting pre-action correspondence and progressing matters through litigation where appropriate.
Managing housing disrepair claims, including reviewing evidence, assessing liability and quantum, advising clients on prospects and progressing claims in accordance with applicable legislation, Pre-Action Protocols and court procedures.
Taking ownership of files from initial instruction through to conclusion, ensuring matters are progressed efficiently, commercially and in accordance with relevant procedural requirements.
Drafting and reviewing pre-action correspondence, Letters Before Action, statutory demands, claims, applications, witness statements, consent orders, settlement agreements and other relevant litigation documentation.
Preparing, issuing and managing County Court and High Court proceedings, ensuring compliance with all procedural deadlines.
Conducting legal research and providing practical, commercially focused advice to clients on debt recovery, consumer claims, housing disrepair, recovery strategies and litigation risk.
Assessing the merits, evidence, liability, quantum and recoverability of consumer and housing disrepair claims and identifying potential risks at an early stage.
Managing defended claims, preparing cases for trial and liaising with Counsel where appropriate.
Negotiating settlements and payment arrangements with debtors, landlords, solicitors and third parties to achieve the best commercial outcome for clients.
Advising clients on enforcement options and implementing appropriate recovery strategies, including:
County Court Judgments (CCJs)
High Court Writs of Control
Charging Orders
Orders for Sale
Attachment of Earnings Orders
Third Party Debt Orders
Insolvency proceedings, including bankruptcy and winding-up petitions where appropriate.
Managing housing disrepair matters from initial assessment through pre-action correspondence, evidence gathering, negotiation and, where required, litigation and settlement.
Reviewing tenancy agreements, inspection reports, photographs, repair records, correspondence, expert evidence and other documentation relevant to housing disrepair claims.
Advising on landlord and tenant obligations relating to property condition, repairs, habitability and statutory duties, and identifying appropriate remedies and compensation where applicable.
Managing a larger volume of files while maintaining high levels of accuracy, client service and financial performance.
Acting as a key point of contact for clients, providing regular case updates, strategic advice and managing expectations throughout the litigation process.
Reviewing legal documentation, contracts, tenancy agreements and supporting evidence to assess liability, recoverability and identify legal or commercial risks.
Maintaining accurate electronic case records and ensuring all work is recorded in accordance with firm procedures and billing requirements.
Ensuring compliance with the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR), relevant Pre-Action Protocols, consumer protection legislation, housing and landlord and tenant legislation, SRA requirements and internal risk management procedures.
Assisting with the supervision and mentoring of junior paralegals and legal assistants, providing guidance on processes and technical issues.
Supporting business development initiatives by identifying opportunities to strengthen client relationships and contribute to client retention.
Contributing to continuous improvement of departmental processes, precedents and case management procedures.
Working towards and consistently achieving individual and team financial and performance targets, including billing, recoveries and productivity measures.
Lawyer, Chartered Legal Executive (CILEx), or experienced Paralegal with significant experience in debt recovery, civil litigation, consumer claims and/or housing disrepair.
Minimum 3–5 years' experience within debt recovery, civil litigation, consumer litigation, housing disrepair or commercial litigation.
Demonstrable experience managing a high-volume caseload independently with minimal supervision.
Strong working knowledge of the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR), relevant Pre-Action Protocols and enforcement procedures.
Good working knowledge of consumer protection legislation and consumer rights, with the ability to identify potential causes of action, defences and remedies.
Experience of handling consumer claims, including assessing merits, reviewing evidence, drafting pre-action correspondence and progressing defended litigation.
Good working knowledge of housing disrepair and landlord and tenant obligations, including the legal duties relating to repairs and property condition.
Experience handling housing disrepair claims, including evidence gathering, liability and quantum assessment, negotiation and litigation.
Excellent understanding of the end-to-end debt recovery process, from pre-action through litigation and enforcement.
Experience handling defended litigation and complex recovery matters.
Strong drafting skills with the ability to prepare high-quality legal documents, pleadings, witness statements and client correspondence.
Proven ability to analyse legal issues and provide practical, commercially focused advice and solutions.
Excellent client care skills with experience managing key client relationships and delivering exceptional service.
Strong negotiation skills with the ability to achieve positive commercial outcomes.
Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise a demanding workload and consistently meet court deadlines and client expectations.
High level of attention to detail and commitment to quality and accuracy.
Ability to supervise, mentor and support junior team members.
Confident communicator with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Office and legal case management systems.
Experience using the Proclaim Case Management System is highly desirable.
Law degree, LPC, SQE, CILEX qualification or admission as a Solicitor of England and Wales is desirable (or essential if recruiting specifically for a Solicitor role).
Commercially aware, with an understanding of client objectives, cost recovery and departmental profitability.
Self-motivated, proactive and capable of working effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
