Associate (Solicitor)

Forbes Solicitors LLP are seeking a Senior Associate to join our market-leading Abuse Social care team. This is a full-time role working 36.25 hours per week, Monday- Friday, +am until 5pm. We are delighted to offer this fantastic role to a dynamic individual who might be looking for a fresh opportunity to progress their career and bring their skills and knowledge to a collaborative and professional team led by industry experts. As you would expect, comprehensive training, support and supervision is provided throughout, but we will also provide the mentoring, development opportunities and guidance to enable the right candidates to impress and progress. Whilst you will be working to the fast-paced, client-focused and high-quality demands that you would expect of an award-winning law firm, the role will also provide a sustainable work-life balance. We are committed to both hybrid and flexible working subject to operational requirements. As a key member of our team, you will be responsible for achieving successful outcomes such as :
• You will provide expert written and verbal legal advice and guidance across a wide variety of interesting and forensically stimulating abuse social care matters, many of which involve complex, often novel legal issues.
• You will work on a varied caseload of abuse social care matters, handling your own files under limited supervision and working with others on larger files and projects including, when necessary, in conjunction with colleagues in other teams.
• You will communicate effectively with clients, opponents and third parties to progress files constructively, at all times safeguarding our clients' interests
• You will work efficiently and effectively, demonstrating strong time management and financial hygiene on your own files and by other team members for whom you are responsible to ensure that they meet their own financial objectives
• You will ensure compliance with internal and external business requirements including court deadlines, client SLA / MI obligations and ISO : +001 audit criteria
• You will contribute to internal continuous improvement and knowledge sharing
• You will manage, supervise, train, coach and mentor your direct reports, supporting them to achieve their objectives, develop as individuals and progress into enhanced roles.
• You will build positive relationships with others, recognising and fulfilling your role as an ambassador for your firm
• You will contribute positively to the delivery of the team's objectives, including business development activity such as building and maintain positive relationships with current and prospective clients, referrers and stakeholders, as well as enhancing your own profile and that of the firm through presentations, training events, articles and directory submissions
• You will support the insurance partners in achieving delivery of departmental strategy and business objectives
• You will contribute positively to the culture, values and future of the firm

This role is ideally suited to an individual who wants to :
• Widen their practice through working on cases that consistently present new challenges and often demand lateral thinking and innovative solutions; and
• learn, develop and demonstrate the skills and knowledge that will enable them to progress their career in a positive and supportive environment.

Importantly, we are looking for people who display our values; specifically, people who are authentic, exceptional and play their part in a united team.

We will be progressing applicants to the next stage based on their demonstrated knowledge, experience, and skills in :
• qualified solicitor (or CILEX equivalent) with 5+ years PQE including a substantial element of abuse social care work, whether for claimants and / or defendants;
• experience in pre-litigation and litigated claims is essential;
• previous experience of supervising and managing others, including mentoring, objective-setting and appraisal;
• previous experience of managing other team members;
• the ability to motivate and inspire others ;
• strong presentation skills;
• strong commercial awareness;
• good client care skills, providing professional and competent legal advice in accordance with SRA Code of Conduct;
• proven experience of handling own caseload, working to and managing deadlines, alongside the capability to generate fees in accordance with agreed targets;
• good knowledge of IT systems, including Microsoft Office 365, and the ability to meet standard case management requirements, are essential;
• excellent organisational and communication skills;
• excellent attention to detail;
• the ability to work independently;
• the ability to work collaboratively as part of a supportive team;
• high standards of professionalism and integrity;
• reliability;
• enthusiasm;
• alignment with our values

At Forbes Solicitors, we believe in creating a supportive and collaborative environment where our team members can thrive and develop themselves and others. We offer a comprehensive range of legal services and have offices across the North, with deep roots in Lancashire. Our team are known for its genuine, practical advice and passion for achieving the best results. We are real people who listen to each other and work together to deliver exceptional service.

We are proud to have been awarded UK Employer of the Year : Silver (250+) at the Investors in People Awards 2024 and the Firm is ranked as a Legal 500 Top Tier Firm and a Chambers and Partners Leading Firm. We are a values led Firm and are looking for people who embody our values : authenticity, striving for exceptional results, and unity in teamwork to join our award-winning Firm.

We are dedicated to supporting our people and offer a range of benefits, including :
• 33 days annual leave, including bank holidays
• Annual leave purchase scheme (Subject to TCs)
• Celebration leave
• Ongoing professional development
• Progression opportunities
• Company pension
• Profit share scheme
• Long service awards
• Subsidised tuck shops
• Health care benefits (Health Cash Back Plan and Mental Health Counselling Services)
• BUPA (Solicitor positions only, for self, not dependents)
• Retailer and gym membership discounts
• Recruitment and legal department referrals (Subject to TCs)
• Annual Events

Forbes is an equal opportunities and disability-confident employer, accredited by Investors in People and ISO +001 quality management systems. We are committed to equal opportunities in employment, service provision, and supplier engagement, and strive to maintain a workforce that reflects the local community. Read more