Job Description

Solicitor (Debt Recovery - Small Claims)

Location:

Office-based (free on-site parking)

Contract:

Full-time or part-time, permanent

Hours:

Monday-Friday, shifts between 8:00-18:00 (4pm finish on Fridays)

Salary:

35,000+

Posted:

9 September 2024

About Gladstones

We're a fast-paced debt recovery firm, specialising in high volume case load with a light touch approach. We don't work to targets, have a low-ego culture in a relaxed working environment, and we're always open to new ideas as you get used to our processes and systems.

The opportunity

As a Solicitor in our Debt Recovery team, you'll handle a varied caseload of small claims matters from pre-action through to enforcement. You'll provide concise legal advice, draft court documents, and represent clients at hearings, working closely with the Team Leader.

What you'll be doing

File ownership end-to-end:

liability and quantum assessment; strategy setting; risk and cost/benefit analysis.

CPR-led litigation:

apply the Civil Procedure Rules and relevant Pre-Action Protocols from issue to settlement, including directions, disclosure, witness statements, costs, and enforcement in the small claims track.

Drafting & advocacy:

particulars/defences, applications, directions questionnaires, bundle preparation; attend/advocate at small claims hearings as appropriate.

Client service:

timely updates by phone, email and letter; clear next steps; manage expectations and obtain instructions.

Evidence & negotiations:

analyse contracts, invoices, statements, and correspondence; lead settlement discussions and ADR where proportionate.

Compliance:

maintain SRA standards, data protection, and firm policies (including SMART working guide).

Systems & MI:

use

Proclaim

for case progression, tasks, time recording and accurate data entry; contribute to team MI and continuous improvement.

Team contribution:

support colleagues with pre-lit tasks; share know-how and take part in training.

What you'll need to succeed

Essential

Qualified

Solicitor / FILEX / CILEX

(or equivalent). ~

2 years' PQE

(or equivalent experience) in

debt recovery / small claims

litigation. Strong knowledge of

CPR

and the relevant

Pre-Action Protocol(s)

; confident on

costs

and

enforcement

within small claims. Sound grasp of liability and quantum principles and relevant case law/statutes. Proficient with

Proclaim

(or comparable case management system). Excellent drafting, organisation, and attention to detail; resilient in a fast-paced, target-driven environment. Understanding of

SRA Codes of Conduct

and professional ethics.

Desirable

LPC (or SQE2), though strong experience will be considered. Experience running advocacy at small claims hearings. Experience with consumer-facing communications and high-volume workflows. Evidence of process improvement or contributing to playbooks/templates.

How we'll support you

25 days' annual leave

(excludes bank holidays but includes your birthday) Option for

additional unpaid leave days

Company pension

(1% above employer auto-enrol requirement)

Wellbeing:

up to

90 minutes paid

leave/month for medical appointments

Perks:

free parking, casual dress, company events,

4pm Friday finish

No weekends

; flexible working considered within business needs

1 day per week wfh

Bike2Work scheme

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From 35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Casual dress Company events Cycle to work scheme On-site parking Work from home
Work Location: In person