Associate Solicitor

Associate Solicitor – 3-6 years PQE – London
Permanent, full time
AS/EJ/HR/DEC24

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.

About the department
Our highly renowned Human Rights department defends rights relating to health and social care, education and employment, the rights of prisoners, claims against the Police, abuse survivors, those with disabilities and rights relating to the environment. Bringing together a mixture of public law, civil liberties, discrimination, health and social care expertise, our lawyers act for individuals, groups and organisations across a wide range of legal areas.  The common thread linking all our clients is that we challenge the lawfulness of decisions, acts, omissions and policies of public bodies and authorities on their behalf. We act exclusively for claimants who've been injured or treated unlawfully by others. Chambers and Partners describe the team as "Everybody there is rigorous and methodical, and very diligent. They take on the difficult cases challenging the government where others might lack the guts." 

About the role
We are seeking an Associate Solicitor with 3-6 years PQE to join its Human Rights Department.  

The successful candidate will be working with a team that specialises in the protection of the rights of children, vulnerable adults and patients. It specialises in abuse claims including claims on behalf of children, adults who were abused in childhood, and the abuse of elderly individuals. It includes claims against the Police, for breaches of the Equality Act, Human Rights Act, for false imprisonment and assault.We also represent families at inquests and undertake public law challenges. To learn more visit: Human Rights Department.

The position will ideally suit qualified lawyers with 2 - 3 years relevant post qualification experience in Action Against the Police (AAP) and a good working knowledge of Legal Aid. The successful candidate is expected to have a thorough demonstrable understanding of civil procedure, application of private law in negligence, human rights, judicial review and inquests. The ideal candidate must have demonstrable relevant experience in AAP and have good networks and business development skills to build this area of work. S/he will have had proven experience in conduct of cases from initial advice through to trial.

Application Process
Please return the following documents to jobs@leighday.co.uk by Sunday 12th January 2025, 11:59pm:
• In one document: A copy of your up-to-date CV and covering letter stating why you are interested in this role, your salary expectations and applicable notice period. 
• A separate document: The completed application form.

Please submit your application as early as possible to be considered for the role as interviews will be held on an ongoing basis.

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.

Employee Benefits
· Hybrid working (typically 2 days from home for a full-time worker)
· 29 days annual leave (excluding public holidays)
· Enhanced pension contributions (Aviva)
· Life assurance 4 x salary
· Healthcare cash plan with Medicash
· Private Health Insurance (BUPA)
· Subsidised gym/ sports team membership up to 50% off
· Cycle to work scheme
· Enhanced maternity & paternity pay
· Electric car scheme