Duncan Lewis Solicitors:

Regulated by the Solicitor’s Regulation Authority, Duncan Lewis Solicitors was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in the City of London (Fenchurch Street EC3M), with offices nationwide. We are recognised by the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners UK independent legal directories as a top-tier law firm in all of our key practice areas – “a diligent and professional team that is prepared to go the extra mile for its clients”. A paperless law firm with over 500 personnel that embraces hybrid-working, we service both corporate entities and private individuals in over 25 areas of law across 60 languages. We give people a voice - that is our ethos.

Recognised among The Times 200 Best Law Firms, we have been awarded Law Firm of the Year at the 2024 Lexis Nexis Awards and 2023 Modern Law Awards, reflecting our dedication to legal expertise and client service. We hold Investors in People Gold Standard accreditation for over 15 years, showcasing our commitment to professional development. Duncan Lewis is also Law Society Lexcel, Cyber Essentials Plus, and ISO 27001 certified, ensuring excellence in practice management and data security.

We are committed to recruiting dedicated and talented professionals and welcome applications from exceptional candidates. At Duncan Lewis, we value training and diversity, and we take pride in our inclusive workforce.

About the role:

Duncan Lewis Solicitors is seeking a skilled and experienced Solicitor to join its Claims Against Public Authorities department.

The successful candidate will have substantial experience and will take responsibility for overseeing casework within the department, as well as providing guidance and support to other lawyers. Key responsibilities include managing case preparation, conducting legal research, taking statements of evidence from clients and witnesses, and attending court hearings and conferences. Additionally, the candidate will play a pivotal role in assisting with an outsourcing project.

Experience of Legal Aid Agency (LAA) funded casework is highly desirable. Previous CAPA and/or Inquest experience is advantageous.

Substantial and dedicated CAPA litigation experience is essential. Candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to protecting civil liberties and enforcing human rights, together with the leadership skills required to supervise and develop others.

Main Responsibilities of the Role:

• Reporting directly to the Department Director
• Possessing a professional and pro-active approach, strong client-care skills and a sensitive and sympathetic understanding of client needs
• Responsibility for managing a caseload of Claims Against Public Authorities (CAPA) matters, including pre-action and post-issue claimant litigation.
• An ability to manage appropriate caseload types and the supervision of a small team.
• Making online CCMS applications to the LAA (both for CAPA category work and for Exceptional Case Funding).
• Attending clients, taking instructions and briefing and liaising with counsel, negotiating with defendants, the PPO, IOPC and other legal professionals.
• Dealing with daily correspondence.
• Identifying funding opportunities and assessing options and advising on the most appropriate one.
• To run a caseload of often high profile, varied, challenging and interesting work.
• An ability and willingness to assist the Department Director in marketing the department and the firm through social media, attendance at seminars and conferences and elsewhere
• To assist with the continued expansion of the department.

Key Skills Required:

• Newly qualified Solicitor with experience in Claims Against Public Authorities (CAPA) cases. Substantial CAPA litigation experience is essential, while Inquest experience would be advantageous.
• Previous proven supervisory experience and working to key performance indicators
• Experience working on publicly funded cases (CW1/Legal Help and Licensed/Certificated Work) and working with CCMS
• Ability to demonstrate experience in all areas of Claimant litigation
• Strong theoretical knowledge and demonstrable practical experience of the Civil Procedure Rules
• Strong research, analytical and critical thinking skills
• Knowledge and practical experience of applications for judicial review
• Effective organisational ability, able to work to tight deadlines under pressure
• Must meet LAA supervisor criteria for Legal Aid contract purposes
• Strong research, analytical, and drafting skills
• Ability to meet KPIs and work under pressure to tight deadlines
• Excellent IT Skills -familiar with Microsoft Office applications and document management skills

Why Join Us?

• Work with one of the UK’s leading law firms recognised for excellence
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive, friendly and welcoming workforce committed to equal opportunities
• Access ongoing professional development and training

What we offer:

• Competitive salary
• The opportunity to join a heavyweight civil liberties firm which promotes a healthy collegiate environment in which to do great work, grow, be supported and be yourself
• Work within a friendly, collaborative and cohesive team
• Excellent progression opportunities
• Support for appropriate legal awards/recognition

The recruitment process will fully comply with GDPR and other applicable laws. Background checks including CRB / DBS checks will establish your eligibility to work in the UK and suitability to the role.

Equal Opportunities:

Duncan Lewis is committed to Equal Opportunities and embraces diversity of its staff. The Company strives to ensure that our staff reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, which is reflective at all levels within our workforce.

We guarantee an interview for candidates that disclose a disability and meet the essential requirements for the post. Please provide additional details in your covering letter if this applies.

If you are a dedicated solicitor with expertise in this area of law and a passion for supporting clients through sensitive and complex proceedings, we would be delighted to hear from you.