This role will sit within Oliver Holland's team in the International department. His team specialises in environmental harm, modern slavery and pollution cases. This role will have a particular focus on the case brought on behalf of Burmese migrant workers against Tesco/Intertek concerning forced labour issues within supply chains in Thailand, and the case brought on behalf of a Malawian community against Associated British Foods concerning parent company liability in the context of environmental negligence.
Overall purpose for this role
- To assist lawyers with managing complex litigation including preparation for Court hearings (including an upcoming strike out application, a jurisdiction challenge and a potential preliminary issues trial);
- To provide a reliable and efficient support service for clients and assist with general administration of group claims;
- To assist the firm in achieving its stated professional and commercial objectives;
- To undertake a wide variety of paralegal and administrative tasks as set out below.
Main duties and responsibilities
File/Case management
- Preparing court and other documents for approval by fee-earners (namely in relation to strike out applications and/or a jurisdiction challenge).
- Attend court for applications, hearings, trials, etc, when requested to do so.
- Thorough and accurate notetaking at meetings and preparation of file notes.
- Organising and preparing court and other bundles including counsel briefs and instructions.
- Updating and maintaining client database to ensure that accurate information and instructions are obtained from clients, that accurate records are maintained and that all files are kept up to date.
- Assist with drafting documents, client liaison including interviewing clients and taking instructions, preparation of witness statements, research work and provide general administrative support, under supervision.
- Conduct legal and factual research and prepare research notes.
- To pay attention to detail and ensure accuracy of work.
- Ensuring that Lexcel and data protection obligations are met, and that all work is conducted in compliance with internal policies, SRA rules and the Civil Procedure Rules.
Travel
- The role will require some overseas travel (to Malawi and/or Thailand) as and when necessary in order to perform the various roles identified above.
- Administrative duties include making international travel arrangements (including security, visas and medical requirements).
Client/ 3rd party management
- Communicate with clients/ other parties as and when necessary in a professional, courteous and efficient manner;
- Monitor aspects of the case on behalf of the client and advise on whether subsequent developments affect views previously expressed.
Document/ data management
- Ensure documents and copies of correspondence are kept up to date and filed;
- Ensure accuracy when updating client information on the relevant databases;
- Ensure database information is updated and maintained in accordance with instructions and in line with relevant processes;
- Open new files and close old files as required.
- Any other tasks as might, from time to time, be required.
Person specification
- Genuine interest in working with a leading claimant law firm and passionate about providing access to justice to all;
- Ability to manage own workload in a busy environment to a consistently high standard and timely manner;
- Demonstrable understanding of and commitment to client care;
- Proven ability to communicate accurately, clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing with a wide range of clients and various stakeholders;
- Experience in interviewing and liaising with clients and taking witness statements, dealing with clients sensitively and managing difficult conversations;
- Proven ability to work and contribute in a team environment;
- Good academic background with legal qualifications (Degree, GDL, LPC etc.);
- Proficient user of Microsoft Office, with experience of Practice / Case Management Systems and electronic disclosure review platforms;
- Excellent attention to detail;
- Ability to work well under pressure.
Desirable
Experience in or knowledge of any of these areas will be an added advantage:
- Group litigation
- Parent company liability
- Jurisdiction challenge applications
- Taking witness statement from vulnerable individuals
- Strong database management skills, including experience with large-scale client data handling and ensuring compliance with data protection standards.
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
Our comprehensive benefits package includes:
Hybrid working (typically 2 days from home for a full time worker)
29 days annual leave (excluding public holidays)
Enhanced pension contributions
Life assurance 4 x salary
Healthcare cash plan
Cycle to Work scheme
Discounted gym membership
Enhanced maternity & paternity pay
Free breakfasts & lunches daily
Electric car scheme
BUPA private health insurance
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.
