Associate Solicitor, 2-4 PQE (French proficiency required)

We are seeking a candidate with proficiency in French, as the role may require some travel to Madagascar to engage directly with clients and local stakeholders on the ground. This case is expected to be the primary focus of the role in the short to medium term, however there may also be opportunities to contribute to other matters from time to time. Main duties and responsibilities Case management

• Ensure accurate information and instructions are obtained from clients and that records are properly managed and maintained.
• Take responsibility for the logistics of obtaining client instructions.
• Manage, delegate, and supervise the work of junior team members and third-party agents.
• Oversee the timely and effective deployment of experts, witnesses, and counsel.
• Instruct experts on liability, causation, and quantum, negotiate terms for their instruction, ensure their fees are paid promptly, and liaise with them during the case.
• Ensure adherence to procedural timetables, time limits, and make necessary applications to protect the clients' positions.
• Enable clients and/or their litigation friends to make informed decisions, especially when a client lacks capacity, based on legal and other considerations such as costs and funding.
• Assist with disclosure reviews.
• Comply with Civil Procedure Rules.
Client relations
• Interact with clients in a sensitive, professional, and compassionate manner.
• Identify clients' objectives and work to further them in line with professional and ethical obligations.
Compliance and risk management
• Maintain strict awareness of GDPR and data protection policies, adhering to the firm's internal guidelines.
• Ensure adherence to court deadlines and time limits.
• Regularly manage compliance and risk as part of case management.
• Report compliance or risk management concerns immediately.
Professional standards
• Maintain the highest ethical standards and professional behaviour.
• Comply with the office manual and all professional standards set by relevant bodies.
• Ensure timely and accurate monetary transactions in accordance with professional rules.
• Maintain client confidentiality at all times.
• Assist in maximizing income and profitability through effective time recording, billing, and staff planning.
Learning
• Stay updated on developments in law and practice.
• Complete learning and development plans to ensure compliance with relevant SRA requirements.
Other responsibilities
• Delegate appropriately and supervise junior staff.
• Respond proactively to clients' and experts' needs and demands.
• Share information and collaborate with colleagues.
Performance measured by
• Client satisfaction in handling matters.
• Careful file management and detailed contemporaneous attendance notes of all work.
• Compliance with time recording requirements and achieving financial targets.
• Efficient and accurate work output.
• Flexibility and initiative in work approach.
• Knowledge and use of court rules and procedures.
• Good attendance and timekeeping.
Business development and marketing
• Help develop the international team's work, including through seminars, writing articles, attending professional organisations, and participating in conferences and events.
  
  Excellent academics.
• Qualified lawyer with 2-4+ years of relevant post-qualification experience. Exceptional candidates outside this level of qualification will also be considered.
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to new areas of law.
• Demonstrable knowledge of conducting cases from initial advice through to trial.
• Experience in analysing complex legal situations and advising clients in line with their goals.
• Experience in working sensitively with clients and experts.
• Experience in handling complex matters requiring data analysis.
• Proficient in using IT tools (MS Word, Excel, Case Management Systems, Outlook).
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong time management skills and ability to prioritize complex workloads.
• Team-oriented with a collaborative mindset.
• Ability to work sensitively in countries with legal and cultural systems different from the UK.
• French proficiency is required.
• Willingness to travel overseas from time to time.
Desirable
• Experience or knowledge in personal injury, environmental protection, toxicity and contamination, and group claims.
• Experience of working with teams overseas.
  
  You'll be joining Paul Dowling's team, which specialises in handling complex international environmental and human rights group claims. A central focus of this role will be supporting the ongoing group action on behalf of communities in Madagascar who may be affected by environmental pollution linked to local mining operations. This case offers a unique opportunity to contribute to high-profile international litigation and make a meaningful difference to the lives of our clients. You can read more about the case here., Leigh Day is a specialist law firm with some of the country's leading personal injury, product liability, clinical negligence, employment and discrimination, international and human rights teams. Obtaining access to justice for our clients is the common theme linking work done in different departments across the firm. We are based in London and Manchester.