Senior Clinical Negligence Lawyer – Bristol City Centre

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Senior Lawyer (six years’ + PQE) to join our award-winning Clinical Negligence team based at our Bristol city centre office.

You will have the opportunity to work on a complex caseload with exposure to high-profile claims of maximum severity in a well-resourced and well-supported environment.

The team is top-tier ranked in both Chambers and Partners UK and Legal 500, and several senior members have been individually recognised by both legal directories for their expertise.

The team comprises Law Society Clinical Negligence Accredited Solicitors and AvMA Specialist Clinical Negligence panel members, and all team members are encouraged to work towards panel membership.

The role

This role will recognise lawyers who combine deep technical expertise, commercial awareness, leadership capability, and long‑term value to the firm.

You will be expected to deliver consistently high‑quality legal work, manage strategically important clients or specialist practice areas, and play a visible role in strengthening the department and the wider firm. You will participate actively in business planning, client relationship development, and, where required, the supervision and development of junior lawyers.

Some of the duties you can expect to be involved in are:

Fee-earning work

• Running a caseload of pre-action and litigated cases and delivering excellent client service.
• Advising clients on funding options and ensuring that there is appropriate funding in place in respect of all live client matters, e.g. CFAs, legal aid, legal expenses insurance or public funding as appropriate.
• Interviewing clients, taking instructions and preparing Witness Statements.
• Maintaining detailed file notes of instructions received, advice given, and work carried out.
• Ensuring all emails and electronic communications are maintained in keeping with our case management system.
• Progressing matters in a proactive, professional and efficient manner with the aim of concluding cases efficiently whilst achieving good outcomes for clients.
• Complying with all appropriate pre-litigation protocols and court deadlines.
• Drafting claim forms and other court documents.
• Attending costs and case management conferences and other court hearings, including inquests on behalf of clients where appropriate or instructing Counsel to do so.
• Selecting, instructing and assessing appropriate experts and Counsel in accordance with the firm’s documented policy and procedures.
• Providing support to individual members of the team with progressing casework on complex cases of maximum severity.

Non-fee-earning work

• Dealing with costs promptly at the conclusion of claims, both for the benefit of the firm and our clients.
• Bringing to the attention of management and peers examples of colleagues demonstrating the firm’s values in practice.
• Maintaining an adequate and up-to-date knowledge of the law and practice.
• Participation in marketing activities, whether on a firm-wide, departmental or office basis.
• Financial control with particular regard to cash flow control through the collection of monies on account and billing procedures.
• Exercise high standards of client care in a professional and pleasant manner.
• Ensure the confidentiality and security of all the firm’s and client documentation and information.
• Comply with the Solicitors Accounts Rules and the Rules on the Professional Conduct of Solicitors.
• Maintain clear and precise communications with other personnel of the firm.

About us

Barcan and 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. We encourage open communication and foster a culture where colleagues are supported in achieving a real work/life balance.

At Barcan and Kirby, 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

• Qualified Lawyer with six years’ plus PQE.
• Have significant experience in running complex clinical negligence caseloads.
• Computer literate.

Accreditation(s) for the Law Society, APIL or AvMA would be preferred but not essential.

Location and working hours

• Full-time (office hours are 9am – 5.15pm, Monday to Friday)
• Part-time considered.
• This role is based at our Prince House in Bristol city centre, but with the option to apply for hybrid working post-probation.

Belonging at Barcan and 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.