Associate

The Aviation and International Injury department represents the victims of life changing aviation or international injuries or the families of those killed in aviation or other accidents all over the world. The work frequently involves technical investigations, multi-jurisdictional litigation/liability analysis and an understanding of global aviation liability frameworks. On the Aviation side of the department, approximately 50% of the work involves aviation litigation in English courts and c.50% involves multi-jurisdictional litigation. On the International Injury side, we represent individuals/the families of those from England & Wales who sustain a life-changing injury or are killed while travelling abroad, as well as those temporarily visiting the UK who sustain a life-changing or fatal injury.

We are looking for an Aviation & International Injury lawyer (NQ to 4 years PQE). The ideal candidate will have a claimant background in serious/catastrophic aviation and international personal injury and complex fatal accident claims to include claims in foreign jurisdictions and claims under international conventions. However, candidates with a comparable defendant background or candidates whose experience is in domestic serious injury claims without international experience will be considered.

One or more of the following skills/qualifications would also be considered as desirable: (a) additional languages; (b) an LLM in Aviation Law; (c) a US Bar qualification; (d) a technical first degree or background; (e) piloting or aviation operational experience/qualification.

Job responsibilities:

• Takes initial instructions, establishing suitability of the matter by undertaking preliminary research and reviewing documentation
• Maintains regular communications with clients, solicitors, supervisors and others on the telephone and in meetings
• Explains fee structure and ensures client is kept appraised regularly of changes in any estimate of fees, providing advice at all stages, pre and post proceedings
• Prepares reports, letters of advice
• Drafts statements
• Selects and instructs experts
• Instructs Counsel
• Compiles Disclosure lists and bundles
• Conducts litigation proceedings
• Appears before the Court at interlocutory hearings
• Demonstrates relevant experience with ADR
• Prepares cost estimates and cost schedules and conducts cost assessment proceedings

General skills and experience:

• Duties would also include a willingness to undertake foreign travel, often in difficult and testing circumstances
• Delegate effectively to junior lawyers and paralegals, set boundaries and oversee work
• Give clear instructions and share information
• Provide regular feedback, offer support and guidance, coach, mentor and motivate
• Consider opportunities for growth and challenge
• Records time effectively, achieves/exceed hours and billing targets
• Assists with/manages the effective billing and cash collection
• Monitors financial performance and WIP
• Sets budgets and manages profitability
• Demonstrates commercial awareness and vision
• Attends/assists with/organises social events
• Contributes to marketing materials
• Identifies/generates/follows up new and existing business opportunities
• Develops effective business/client relationships
• Develops own network, raises own and firm profile
• Promotes the firm by undertaking public speaking or having articles published
• Assists with/attends/participates in/leads business pitches
• Develops practise expertise, creates a media presence, becomes a recognised leader in the field, drives the reputation of the firm
• Focuses on business development activities, defines and leads business strategy
• Makes use of the firm’s collective knowledge resources, promotes internal knowledge-sharing
• Attends and contributes towards know-how meetings, delivers internal training
• Well organised, uses initiative, prioritises appropriately, applies self, shows attention to detail, manages own workload and meets deadlines
• Demonstrates excellent communication and interpersonal skills (respectful, positive, articulate, professional and sympathetic)
• Delivers helpful internal services with a “can do” approach, shows commercial awareness and represents the department/firm appropriately
• Shares information and ideas
• Accepts and follows instructions, listens, makes notes, questions appropriately, co-operates
• Shows sound judgement and decision-making skills; acts within boundaries
• Shows commitment, passion and enthusiasm
• Is a respectful, reliable and supportive team player
• Reflects the firm’s culture
• Essential: Minimum 2:1 law degree, or non-law degree with applicable post-graduate law qualification, with minimum commendation at LPC (or equivalent BVC)