Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence Director - Manchester - #2141359

Duncan Lewis Solicitors (Ltd):

Regulated by the Solicitor’s Regulation Authority, Duncan Lewis Solicitors was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in the City of London (Fenchurch Street EC3M), with offices nationwide. We are recognised by the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners UK independent legal directories as a top-tier law firm in all of our key practice areas – “a diligent and professional team that is prepared to go the extra mile for its clients”. A paperless law firm with over 500 personnel that embraces hybrid-working, we service both corporate entities and private individuals in over 25 areas of law across 60 languages. We give people a voice - that is our ethos.

Recognised among The Times 200 Best Law Firms, we have been awarded Law Firm of the Year at the 2024 Lexis Nexis Awards and 2023 Modern Law Awards, reflecting our dedication to legal expertise and client service. We hold Investors in People Gold Standard accreditation for over 15 years, showcasing our commitment to professional development. Duncan Lewis is also Law Society Lexcel, Cyber Essentials Plus, and ISO 27001 certified, ensuring excellence in practice management and data security.

At Duncan Lewis, we value training and diversity, and we take pride in our inclusive workforce.

Clinical Negligence Department Background:

Our team offers sensitive and expert advice to individuals and bereaved families who have suffered or lost a loved one as a result of medical (clinical) negligence or medical injury during treatment and wish to make a ‘no win no fee’ claim for compensation.

Our team is known for being caring and considerate; they go the extra mile for our clients, supporting them at every stage of the claims process, with the objective of obtaining maximum compensation.

Our team deals with abroad range of Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence claims, including road traffic accidents, employers' liability claims, public liability claims, serious and catastrophic injuries, fatal accident claims, birth injuries, medical misdiagnosis, cosmetic surgery negligence, dental negligence, hospital negligence, and surgical negligence.

Main Responsibilities of the Role:

• Reporting directly to and collaborating with the Board to ensure performance targets are met.
• Lead and develop the Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence Department, ensuring the delivery of exceptional legal services and client care.
• Manage a complex caseload of high-value Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence matters from inception to conclusion.
• Provide supervision, technical guidance, and mentoring to Solicitors, Fee Earners, and support staff within the department.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, professional standards, and the Firm's policies and procedures.
• Drive business development initiatives, build professional relationships, and identify opportunities to expand the department's client base and service offerings.
• Monitor departmental performance, productivity, and financial targets, ensuring the achievement of key business objectives.
• Oversee litigation strategies, case progression, and risk management across the department.
• Maintain excellent client care standards, handling sensitive and complex matters with professionalism and empathy.
• Review medical records, expert evidence, schedules of loss, and other key case documentation in high-value or complex matters.
• Ensure accurate time recording, billing, and case management practices are maintained across the team.
• Represent the Firm at networking events, conferences, and industry forums, enhancing the Firm's profile within the Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence sectors.
• Support recruitment, training, performance management, and succession planning within the department.
• Undertake such other duties and strategic projects as reasonably required by the Management Board.

Key Skills Required:

• Qualified Solicitor with a minimum of 5 years' PQE in Personal Injury and/or Clinical Negligence Law, with proven experience managing complex, high-value claims and leading teams to deliver outstanding client service and departmental growth.
• Must have a clean, valid Practicing Certificate at the time of application
• Proven leadership and supervisory experience, with the ability to develop teams and drive departmental performance.
• Strong technical expertise in Personal Injury and/or Clinical Negligence matters, including high-value and complex claims.
• Excellent client care skills, with the ability to manage sensitive matters and maintain strong client relationships.
• Demonstrable business development and networking experience, with a proven ability to generate new work and enhance the Firm's profile.
• Strong commercial awareness, analytical skills, and the ability to contribute to the strategic growth of the department.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement, and make effective decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Advocacy experience and experience supervising litigated matters would be advantageous.
• Excellent IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and case management systems.

What we offer:

• Competitive salary
• Hybrid working options available in accordance with company policy.
• A fantastic supportive team
• Excellent progression opportunities
• Support for appropriate legal awards/recognition

The recruitment process will fully comply with GDPR and other applicable laws. Background checks including CRB / DBS checks will establish your eligibility to work in the UK and suitability to the role.

Equal Opportunities:

Duncan Lewis is committed to Equal Opportunities and embraces diversity of its staff. The Company strives to ensure that our staff reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, which is reflective at all levels within our workforce.

We guarantee an interview for candidates that disclose a disability and meet the essential requirements for the post. Please provide additional details in your covering letter if this applies.