Job Description

LITIGATION SOLICITOR (CIVIL / REAL ESTATE LITIGATION)

Title: Litigation Solicitor - Civil Litigation (NQ-6 PQE)

Firm: STA Legal

Location: Kent or Manchester (primarily office-based, with flexibility)

Reports to: Client Services Director

Role overview

STA Legal seeks a Litigation Solicitor (NQ-6 PQE) to join its civil and real estate litigation team in Kent or Manchester. The successful candidate will manage a mixed caseload of civil disputes, while supervising two paralegals. The role involves close collaboration with Directors and Heads of Department and offers a clear pathway for progression as the firm opens new offices and expands its contentious offering.

Key responsibilities

- Managing a caseload of civil and real estate disputes, which include:

o Contract Disputes

Breach of contract

Non-performance or delayed performance

Misrepresentation or fraud in agreements

o Tort Claims

Negligence (other than personal injury)

Defamation (libel or slander)

Nuisance claims

Damage caused by negligence

o Debt Recovery

Unpaid loans or invoices

Enforcement of guarantees

o Real Estate Disputes (Civil and Commercial)

Boundary and Title Issues

Landlord-Tenant Disputes

Non-payment of rent

Eviction proceedings

Breach of lease terms

Misrepresentation during sale

o Construction and Development Disputes

Delays in construction

Defective workmanship

Payment disputes with contractors

- Drafting pre-action correspondence, letters of claim, pleadings, applications (including for possession, relief against forfeiture, strike out and summary judgment), witness statements and draft orders.

- Handling claims across small claims, fast track and multi-track matters, managing directions, disclosure, evidence and trial preparation.

- Conducting directions hearings, possession lists and other routine advocacy where appropriate.

- Liaising with landlords, managing agents, institutional property owners, lenders and other commercial clients, providing clear advice on merits, risk, costs and enforcement strategy.

- Working with enforcement officers/HCEOs and the court service in relation to warrants, writs of control and other enforcement mechanisms.

- Supervising and overseeing the work of two paralegals on drafting, disclosure, bundle preparation, Land Registry work and court filings, including structured training and regular file reviews.

- Assisting with more complex High Court litigation where required, including injunctions (e.g. trespass, unlawful occupation) and related commercial disputes.

- Maintaining accurate time-recording and effective use of case management systems, supporting MI and reporting for key clients.

- Contributing to the development and maintenance of precedents, checklists and internal guidance on civil and real estate litigation.

- Ensuring strict compliance with SRA Principles, AML and data protection obligations, particularly in relation to occupier and tenant data.

- Supporting business development for the civil/real estate litigation team, including client training sessions, presentations and written updates.

Prequalification experience will be considered if relevant.

Essential criteria

- Qualified solicitor in England and Wales (NQ-6 years PQE) with demonstrable experience in civil and/or property litigation (including from seats or paralegal roles for NQs).

- Strong working knowledge of the CPR across small claims, fast track and multi-track, with practical experience of directions, disclosure, witness evidence and trial preparation.

- Demonstrable focus on procedural rigour, including compliance with court orders and directions, robust diary management and awareness of sanctions for default.

- Ability to manage a caseload of varying urgency, balancing possession and arrears work with more complex civil disputes.

- Experience or clear aptitude for supervising and developing junior fee-earners or paralegals, including task allocation, feedback and quality control.

- Commercial awareness and a client-focused approach, particularly when advising landlords, investors, lenders and other commercial clients on strategy, risk and costs.

- Comfortable working in-office for most of the week and engaging closely with Directors and Heads of Department for supervision and training.

- High standards of professional conduct and regulatory compliance (SRA, AML, data protection).

Desirable criteria

- Familiarity with HCEO/writs of control, other enforcement procedures and Land Registry practice.

- Evidence of having run applications from drafting to advocacy (e.g. possession, strike-out, summary judgment, relief against forfeiture).

- Experience of landlord and tenant disputes (commercial and residential) including service charge and rent arrears, break options, renewal issues and forfeiture.

- Confidence with routine advocacy, including possession lists and directions hearings, and understanding of when matters should be briefed to counsel.

- Appetite to assist with developing local procedures, templates and knowledge management as the new offices open.

- Willingness to contribute to embedding a litigation culture of high standards and effective supervision and to mentor more junior joiners as the team grows.

Remuneration and progression

- Competitive salary commensurate with PQE and experience.

- Competitive performance-related bonus scheme.

- Clear progression pathway in an expanding civil and/or real estate litigation practice, with scope to move into senior, specialist or team lead roles as the firm and offices develop.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 50,000.00-65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Life insurance Private medical insurance Sick pay
Work Location: In person