About the Role
We are looking for qualified litigation fee earner with at least 2 years PQE experience to join our expanding litigation team, and deal with a diverse range of cases with efficiency and professionalism. You will receive training from our Head of Contentious Probate and Estates, and assist on their matters (predominantly contentious probate and TOLATA matters), as well as look to grown and expand your own case load in areas the firm do not currently act, ideally in property litigation, contract or negligence (to be discussed based on your experience and specialism).
We are looking for someone who is confident and equipped in:
- Providing advice to clients;
- Dealing with matters in accordance with the pre-action protocol, including drafting Letters of Claim, Letters of Responses, and general correspondence;
- Experience in dealing with alternative dispute resolution, including drafting and advising on settlement proposals, drafting Settlement Agreements and Deeds, and preparing and attending mediations;
- Issuing and conducting court proceedings to trial on a varied case load; and
- Instructing counsel and experts when required.
Our mission
Whilst we have clients across the country and even abroad, our young, bright, well-trained and enthusiastic team primarily serve the people of Brighton, Sussex and the South-East. We believe that we provide the highest quality of legal service to our clients, as our Google reviews reflect, and we want to build our team and the work we carry out.
Founded in Brighton in 1893 we are well known locally both for our integrity and for the quality of our work. Our founder, Sir Herbert Carden, was instrumental in buying surrounding farmlands around Brighton to protect the environment and benefit the people of Brighton. Join the firm and help us build on our proud legacy.
How we work
Standards at the firm are high and this will suit prospective employees who hold themselves to a high standard and those who have drive and confidence. We have very reasonable billing targets and promote a healthy work/life balance but expect our staff to give their all when working.
What you’ll be doing
- Managing a variety of litigation cases, including contentious probate disputes, TOLATA matters, and new areas in which we are looking to expand.
- Seeing matters through from inception to resolution, whether that be via settlement, mediation, or court proceedings.
- Maintaining strong client relationships through top quality service.
- Involving yourself in business development meetings and events.
- Organising and developing your support staff and junior members of the team.
- Enjoying the opportunity of being directly involved in varied and high-quality work.
Who you are
- You have a broad and strong technical knowledge of litigation matters with experience in contentious probate and TOLATA, and an active interest in keeping abreast of developments in the field.
- You take pride in your organisational abilities.
- You have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- You pay attention to detail but are amiable and easy to work with.
- You have a positive approach to work and its challenges.
- You enjoy a collaborative approach working within a team.
- You count honesty and integrity as two of your core, personal values.
- You are naturally polite and courteous.
- You are not afraid to share ideas to improve processes or implementation.
If this reads like you, we would love to speak to you about joining our team.
Pay and rewards
- Flexible working – We understand that work and life don’t always fit into a rigid schedule. Our flexible working approach helps you achieve a healthy work-life balance wherever possible.
- Hybrid working – Enjoy the flexibility of working from home for up to two days per week, helping you to balance productivity with collaboration in the office
- Excellent working conditions – We are a happy and committed firm and believe that a positive atmosphere and working culture is a genuine selling point for us.
- Salary – To reflect our high standards and the training investment we make in our staff, we pay good salaries. For this full-time role, the firm is expecting to pay £45,000 to £55,000 per annum subject to experience and credentials.
- Career Prospects – We value good people and prefer to promote internally where possible.
- Other Benefits – Enhanced maternity pay increasing on years of service and above average annual leave.
- Generous annual leave package – Starting at 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, this increases as a reward for your continued service.
- Other leave – Four ‘Duvet Days’ to be used as last-minute days off, no questions asked!
Our process
- If you are selected for interview the first step is a call of up to half an hour.
- If successful, the next step is an in-person interview with one or more of our directors to discuss your application and your suitability for the role. The interview usually lasts about an hour with our Head of Contentious Probate and Estates Daisy Tester and one or more of our directors
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £45,000.00-£55,000.00 per year
Application question(s):
- Please give details of your availability to interview over the coming fortnight, both for an initial telephone interview, and an in-person interview.
- Are you located in or around Brighton and able to commute into our office? If not, please include an explanation within your cover letter regarding any plans you may have to relocate.
Work Location: In person
