Clinical Negligence Lawyer – Bristol City Centre

We have a fantastic opportunity for a lawyer to join our award-winning Clinical Negligence team in Bristol.

Barcan+Kirby’s Medical Negligence team works in line with the firm’s values to help injured people get answers about their care, highlight dangerous medical practices and help put shattered lives back together.

You will have the opportunity to run a complex caseload and assist senior team members on high-profile claims of maximum severity in a well-resourced and well-supported environment.

The team is top-ranked in both Chambers and Partners UK and Legal 500, and several senior members of the team have also been individually recognised by both legal directories for their expertise. Furthermore, the team boasts Law Society Clinical Negligence Accredited Solicitors and AvMA Specialist Clinical Negligence panel members.

The role

Your main responsibilities will be:

• Running a caseload of pre-action and litigated cases, and delivering excellent client service.
• As required, supporting individual members of the team with progressing casework on complex cases of maximum severity.
• Championing Barcan+Kirby’s values and actively supporting the firm’s objectives.

Fee-earning work

• Conducting and assisting fee earners with client matters.
• Interviewing clients, taking instructions and preparing Witness Statements.
• Maintaining detailed file notes of instructions received, advice given and work carried out.
• Ensuring all communications are dealt with and maintained in keeping with our case management system.
• Progressing matters proactively and professionally, with the aim of concluding cases efficiently whilst achieving good outcomes for clients.
• Carrying out clients’ reasonable instructions promptly.
• Complying with all appropriate pre-litigation protocols.
• Drafting claims and other court documents.
• Attending costs and case management conferences and other court hearings on behalf of clients or instructing Counsel to do so.
• Keeping clients informed as to the progress and anticipated costs of their cases.
• Obtaining a Partner’s written approval before entering any Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), ensuring that the terms correspond with those authorised by a Partner and reporting on CFA cases as required.
• Complying with the firm’s office manual in all respects, e.g. file opening and closing procedure and client care etc.
• Selecting, instructing and assessing appropriate experts and Counsel.
• Advising clients of funding options and ensuring that there is appropriate funding in place, e.g. CFAs, legal expenses insurance, trade union funding, or legal aid.
• Checking all draft documents and checking and signing own post.
• Maintain or achieve Law Society/AvMA panel membership.

Non-fee earning work

• Being committed to your professional development.
• Notifying a Partner of any indication of client dissatisfaction or complaint received.
• Dealing with costs promptly at the conclusion of claims.
• Maintaining an adequate and up-to-date knowledge of the law and practice.
• Management of support services for which you are responsible, including supervision of your own secretary (if applicable).
• Participation in marketing and business development activities.
• Financial control regarding cash flow control and billing procedures.
• Ensuring the confidentiality and security of the firm’s and clients’ documentation and information.
• Complying with the Solicitors’ Accounts Rules and the Rules on the Professional Conduct of Solicitors.
• Ensuring good working relationships with external institutions and organisations.
• Responding to requests for information concerning casework from Partners and supervisors.
• Complying with Legal Aid Regulations and the firm’s office manual.

About us

Barcan+Kirby is well known in the Bristol legal market both as a provider of excellent legal services for individuals and businesses, and as a progressive employer.

We are committed to developing and nurturing our people, and encouraging positive wellbeing and mental health is central to our culture. When we say we offer a work/life balance, we mean it.

We work hard to maintain a culture of kindness and friendliness, and welcome applications from individuals who fit with our values.

We like to think that we do things a bit differently from other law firms.

The ideal candidate

Our ideal candidate will:

• Be a qualified lawyer or FCILEx, specialising in claimant clinical negligence.
• Be IT literate and confident in using and adapting to new systems and processes.
• Have knowledge and experience of social media and networking as a business development tool.

Location and working hours

• Full-time (office hours are 9am – 5.15pm, Monday to Friday).
• Part-time considered.
• The role is based at our Prince House office in central Bristol, with the option to apply for hybrid working upon successful completion of your probation

Belonging at Barcan+Kirby

We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive working environment. We want you to bring your true self to work and encourage applications from anyone who embodies our values, regardless of age, ethnicity, religion, disability status, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, neurodiversity or anything else that makes you, you.

If there is anything we can do to make things more comfortable for you as part of the application process, including making a reasonable adjustment, please let us know by emailing recruitment@barcankirby.co.uk.

How to apply

Ready to apply for this role? Send us your CV and cover letter using the form below. Got a question? Email our recruitment team.