CIVIL LIBERTIES SOLICITOR

Location: Wythenshawe, Manchester
Salary: £45,000 per annum + monthly billing-based bonus
Hours: 8:30am – 5:30pm (Monday–Thursday), 8:30am – 5:00pm (Friday)
About the Role
Coppersmith Recruitment, on behalf of our client, is seeking a Solicitor (NQ–5 years PQE) to join an expanding Civil Liberties team.
The role involves managing a caseload of actions against the police and public bodies, covering matters such as unlawful arrest, false imprisonment, human rights breaches, malicious prosecution, misfeasance in public office, and judicial review.
This position requires a strong litigation background, with regular exposure to multi-track work and civil jury trials.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of actions against the police claims from instruction through to resolution.
• Conduct thorough legal research and provide clear legal advice to clients.
• Prepare and draft legal documents, including pleadings, witness statements, and other court documents.
• Negotiate settlements and, when required, represent clients in court.
• Work effectively in a target-driven, fast-paced environment.
• Collaborate with colleagues to secure successful case outcomes.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant laws, case law, and regulations.

Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor (NQ–5 years PQE).
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience running your own caseload of Part 7 litigation work (NQ candidates considered if they demonstrate strong litigation experience).
• Exceptional client care and quality control skills.
• Excellent knowledge of the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) and pre-action disclosure procedure.
• Experience in multi-track work preferred but not essential.
• Track record of running cases to trial with Counsel.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong research and drafting skills.
• Experience using case management systems (Proclaim desirable).
• Confident IT skills.
• Retrain opportunities available for solicitors with a minimum of 2 years’ civil litigation experience. Full training will be provided.

This is an excellent opportunity for a solicitor with a genuine interest in civil liberties and human rights law to join a growing team, where you will manage complex and rewarding cases while contributing to a highly regarded department.

• Manage a caseload of actions against the police claims from instruction through to resolution.
• Conduct thorough legal research and provide clear legal advice to clients.
• Prepare and draft legal documents, including pleadings, witness statements, and other court documents.
• Negotiate settlements and, when required, represent clients in court.
• Work effectively in a target-driven, fast-paced environment.
• Collaborate with colleagues to secure successful case outcomes.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant laws, case law, and regulations