Poole Alcock LLP are a leading firm of solicitors providing a broad spectrum of specialist and general legal services throughout Cheshire. As a service organisation with a team of over 150 people, including 21 partners, we recognise that our staff are our most valuable asset. Poole Alcock is an equal opportunities employer and intends to treat everyone equally regardless of disability, race, sexual orientation, age or marital status We are always keen to hear from driven and committed people. We do also welcome speculative career enquiries, so if you are enthusiastic and feel you could make a difference to our firm, then we would love to hear from you. Please send your CV along with your covering letter for the attention of Marsha Pearson, Partner to careers@poolealcock.co.uk.
The Role:-
We are looking for a skilled and motivated Civil Solicitor with a proven track record in handling a variety of litigation matters. Please note that this is not a role which will involve personal injury work. The successful candidate will play a key role in managing cases from inception through to trial, providing clients with expert legal representation and advice.
Key Accountabilities:-
Effectively manage a diverse caseload of civil litigation matters from inception to resolution, ensuring adherence to requirements. This includes commercial disputes, contract issues and other contentious legal matters.
Conduct legal research and prepare detailed legal documentation, including pleadings and settlement agreements.
Communicate effectively with all (clients, opponents, court, experts, third parties etc) in a professional, timely and appropriate manner.
Advocate for clients in Court proceedings, hearings and alternative dispute resolution sessions, presenting cases effectively and persuasively.
Advise clients on risk assessment, strategy and dispute resolution options.
Ensure the delivery of excellent customer service to all clients including good communication, timely response to correspondence and proactive management of client work in line with the firm’s Committed to Excellence promise. This also includes building and maintaining strong client relationships including a clear understanding of the clients needs.
Collaborate with other departments where required to offer the best service to clients.
Ensure personal and team compliance with professional conduct rules and internal policies and procedures.
Manage financial aspects of client work effectively and work within parameters communicated in relation to write offs.
Stay abreast of changes in legislation and case law relevant to civil litigation, participating in ongoing training and continuous professional development to enhance expertise.
To ensure achievement of individual financial billing targets for client work are achieved in support of your team.
Meet individual targets for recovery of cash from clients in support for your team.
Ensure personal and team manages files in a manner at all times consistent with any SLAs agreed with referrers of work
Deliver effective supervision to any staff reporting in to you. Complete file reviews, on schedule, for any fee earners requested.
Ensure that new matter opening targets are met for your team
Participate regularly in business development activities to stimulate growth in caseload.
Ensure personally and team conversion of enquiries into new business. Achieving conversion targets and working with others and business development personally and ensuring all of the team captures data relating to enquiry handling in a manner consistent with the firm’s internal procedures and communication of this data to the relevant managers.
Be proactive in assisting the firm sell more services to existing clients directly or through cross selling.
To ensure both you and the team are proficient in the effective use of the practice and case management system and any other technologies implemented to deliver personal and firm objectives.
Ensure the integrity of data for contacts, clients and matters which your team work on.
What we are looking for:-
Qualified Solicitor with a current practising certificate in England and Wales.
At least 3 years PQE Civil and Commercial Litigation Lawyer
Strong technical knowledge.
Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
Ability to manage a varied caseload effectively and efficiently.
Contributes to business development activities, including networking and attending sector events.
Experience in building and maintaining client relationships.
Ability to work independently as well as being a strong key team player.
Benefits:-
Competitive salary and bonus structure
Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
23 days per annum annual leave plus statutory bank holidays. Additionally, the firm ordinarily closes between Christmas and New Year albeit the firm reserves the unfettered right to withdraw this additional leave as required by business needs. You will also get an extra day’s holiday for your birthday
Entitlement to join the company pension scheme.
Entitlement to participate in the firm’s cash healthcare scheme.
Enhanced maternity package (subject to qualifying conditions)
A supportive, inclusive and collaborative work environment