Contract Senior Associate – Public Inquiries, Inquests and Public Law

We are recruiting Contract Senior Associates to join our Public Inquiries, Inquests and Public Law team in London on an initial 6-month contract, with the potential for extension. This is a fee-earning role, engaged on a day-rate basis via an umbrella company, and is full-time and office-based in London.

In this role you will act as a supporting solicitor to statutory and non-statutory inquiries, undertake internal investigations and independent reviews, and provide legal advice to inquiry teams. You will manage complex, multi-disciplinary and document-heavy review processes, including large-scale disclosure and e-disclosure exercises. You will also advise on public law challenges, including judicial review claims, and litigation relating to national security matters.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting senior relationship management with legal representatives, core participants, witnesses and document providers.
• Planning, defining and implementing strategies to meet client needs.
• Leading project-managed document review processes to identify key materials.
• Supervising and developing junior team members in a supportive, collegiate manner.
• Giving clear instructions to witnesses and supporting them before giving oral evidence.

To be successful, you must be a qualified solicitor (SRA or Law Society registered) with at least two years' litigation experience. Strong project management skills and experience of managing large-scale disclosure exercises or similar large-scale projects are essential. You will have a creative approach to problem solving, the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, and a collaborative, self-starting attitude.

Due to the nature of the inquiries we support, applicants must have resided in the UK for at least five years to meet security requirements. The team handles all aspects of inquiry work, advising central and local government, public bodies, high-profile individuals, blue light services and the private sector.

• Qualified solicitor (SRA or Law Society registered)
• At least 2 years' litigation experience
• Strong litigation and project management skills, including managing large-scale disclosure exercises or major projects
• Creative problem-solving and ability to manage critical issues quickly
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects concurrently
• Collaborative team player with a self-starting approach and ambition to develop junior team members
• UK residency for at least five years (due to nature of inquiries)