Solicitor/Associate - Commercial Litigation

Where you'll work

The purpose of this role is to work as part of the Exeter team on a broad spectrum of dispute resolution but with a particular focus on private client litigation. 

You will support  the Exeter based Commercial Litigation team consisting of partner, Kathryn Insall, and six other fee earners, work closely with the Exeter non-contentious Private Client team and also the Private Client litigation team based in Birmingham and headed up by Helen Briant. 

You will further be part of the national Dispute Resolution & Litigation Practice and will likely work with other partners across the various national and international offices.

You will focus on providing a first class service to clients, proactive marketing/profile raising and exceptional client management.  The successful candidates will have a clear track forward and will be well supported at partner level and by other fee-earners and will be joining a highly collaborative and collegiate culture.

What you'll be doing

• Caseload will consist of a variety of commercial litigation matters, but will centre on contentious succession and trust disputes and asset protection.  Work will include all aspects of dispute litigation including cases in the High Court, mediation and dispute resolution. 
• Handling own caseload (subject to partner supervision where appropriate);
• Build and maintain effective relationships with clients and market intermediaries;
• Participate actively in marketing initiatives, including training days / seminars, giving and assisting with presentations, writing articles and creating marketing materials;
• Ensure files are managed in compliance with Lexcel procedures;
• Participation in firm-wide and departmental meetings, training sessions and social events, including travelling to internal meetings or attending via video-con, and contributing to the integration of the Exeter Commercial litigation team with the firm's wider Commercial litigation team in the UK regional offices;
• Meet targets as agreed.  Manage files, time and billing efficiently and in a cost-effective manner;
• Training and development of junior staff (where appropriate);
• Assisting with the development of junior fee-earners and supervising as appropriate.

What you'll need

The firm has a Career Development Framework which sets out the competencies we expect. In particular for this role we require:

• Proven ability to take on responsibility and manage files, independently where appropriate;
• Strong client focus and a commitment to service delivery;
• Drive and enthusiasm;
• Flexibility and a can do attitude;
• Commercial awareness;
• Credibility;
• Commitment to and a track record of marketing and business development;
• Excellent file and cost management;
• Managing client relationships.
• Ability to work to deadlines;
• Team player; 
• Good interpersonal skills, presenting and client facing skills. 
• Excellent academic record;
• Qualified solicitor with 2-4 years' post qualification experience;
• Experience in a broad range of commercial litigation;
• Experience of managing disputes from start to finish.

Reporting to: Kathryn Insall, Partner, Exeter & Helen Briant, Birmingham