Civil Litigation Solicitor

Hickman & Rose is a leading firm specialising in criminal and civil litigation.  Our lawyers are acknowledged leaders in representing individuals and organisations caught up in the criminal justice system.

Our civil litigation team specialises in civil claims arising from the criminal justice system, judicial review, inquests, public inquiries, and international human rights work. The team also undertakes more general dispute resolution matters, and the firm has a track record in successfully representing high-profile individuals.

We are looking for a 1-7 year PQE solicitor to join our civil litigation team on an initial 18 month fixed term contract, with a view to this becoming a permanent role thereafter. The role would suit an individual with a background in civil liberties work. It would be advantageous if such candidates have an interest (and any experience) in wider dispute resolution work. Candidates looking to switch the focus of their practice to civil liberties while retaining a degree of dispute resolution work are also encouraged to apply. An ability to communicate effectively both internally as well as when engaging with clients and third parties is essential. Candidates are expected to have an excellent grasp of procedural and substantive law.

Our non-hierarchical and client-focused team is made up of experienced individuals, dedicated to upholding a high standard of client care and case preparation which the firm prides itself on.

We act for those impacted by the most serious abuses of power by police and other detaining authorities. We have particular expertise in acting for bereaved families following deaths in state custody (including police shootings, Taser and restraint-related deaths), in investigations by the Independent Office for Police Conduct and the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, inquests and in civil proceedings. We also act for clients in civil claims and public law challenges which arise from their contact with the criminal justice system. Our international human rights work includes making innovative use of universal jurisdiction to bring the perpetrators of war crimes and torture committed abroad to justice in the UK. Some of the team’s recent and current notable cases include acting for the families of Chris Kaba, Oladeji Omishore and Thomas Orchard, for core participants in the Undercover Policing Inquiry and the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, and for Andy Malkinson in relation to his wrongful conviction.

Our expertise in coronial law extends to representing a wide range of (non-state agent) Interested Persons, including the bereaved family of footballer Emiliano Sala following his death in an air crash, people under investigation for health and safety offences and others with a sufficient interest in a death. Our dispute resolution work includes matters involving contempt of court, challenges to LAA contracting decisions and defending proceedings brought for the misuse of private information.

We offer a competitive salary, flexible work environment and strive to maintain a good work/life balance.  The firm’s emphasis on learning and development means you can expect rich mutual support and plenty of opportunity for training and internal progression.  We are looking for someone who is willing to work as part of a close-knit team with a strong knowledge-sharing culture and an ability to support the firm’s marketing and business development efforts as it seeks to expand its work in all areas covered by the civil litigation team.

Please apply by sending your CV, covering letter and a completed equality, diversity and inclusion monitoring form to recruitment@hickmanandrose.co.uk.  Please label the subject matter as “Civil litigation solicitor”.

Hours: Full time (9:30am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday). We are open to considering flexible working applications.

Deadline: Sunday, 3 December 2023.

Shortlisting for this role may take place as applications are received.  We therefore reserve the right to close this vacancy once suitable candidates have been appointed.

For further information, please contact Rachel Coburn at recruitment@hickmanandrose.co.uk or visit www.hickmanandrose.co.uk.  No agency applications will be considered.

We are an equal opportunities employer, committed to increasing diversity in our firm and the wider profession.  Applications from candidates from ethnic minority or non-traditional backgrounds are particularly encouraged. If you require any reasonable adjustments for any part of the recruitment process, please let us know.

Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form