Associate – Inquiries & Investigations (1–3 PQE)

About this role

NOW RECRUITING | Associate – Inquiries & Investigations | 1–3 PQE

Manchester, Birmingham or Cardiff

We're currently working on an exciting opportunity with a leading global law firm, which is looking to recruit an Associate with 1–3 years’ post-qualification experience to join its established Inquiries & Investigations team.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a qualified solicitor with public inquiries and investigations experience to work on high-profile, complex and sensitive matters of significant public interest, supporting public sector clients and working alongside an experienced team.

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Inquiries & Investigations team advises clients across both the public and private sectors. The team has extensive experience acting as Solicitors to statutory and non-statutory inquiries, representing Core Participants and conducting confidential investigations and independent reviews.

Its notable work includes

• Acting as Solicitors to the Angiolini Inquiry.
• Acting as Solicitors to the Independent Inquiry relating to Afghanistan.
• Representing Core Participants in the Southport Inquiry and Post Office Horizon Inquiry.
• Acting for Core Participants in the Infected Blood Inquiry and Grenfell Tower Inquiry.
• Supporting witnesses and disclosure providers in the Covid Inquiry.
• Working on the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA).
• Advising on the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry, the Leveson Inquiry and other significant public inquiries.
• Assisting Birmingham City Council with the Trojan Horse investigation.

THE ROLE & KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

You will be involved in a varied and challenging caseload, including:

• Acting as Solicitors to statutory and non-statutory public inquiries.
• Representing Core Participants in public and non-statutory inquiries.
• Undertaking internal investigations and independent reviews.
• Liaising with, interviewing and taking statements from a wide range of witnesses.
• Reviewing and analysing evidence using document management and review platforms.
• Supporting large-scale disclosure projects and document review exercises.
• Reviewing and redacting sensitive and confidential information.
• Managing, analysing and reporting on substantial volumes of evidence.
• Attending hearings on behalf of clients.
• Assisting with media handling.
• Advising on inquiry procedures, document management, evidence collection and review, witness evidence, fair process and the powers and duties of inquiries.
• Advising on privilege, freedom of information, data protection, judicial review and reputation management.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

The successful candidate will have

• Qualification as a solicitor in England & Wales, with 1–3 years’ PQE.
• Experience of public inquiries, either acting as Solicitor to an Inquiry or supporting a Core Participant.
• Experience gained in private practice, government, regulatory or public sector environments.
• Previous experience of large-scale disclosure or document review exercises.
• Strong analytical skills and excellent attention to detail, particularly when handling sensitive information.
• Good commercial awareness and financial acumen.
• The ability to exercise independent judgment and work collaboratively with colleagues, clients and Counsel.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills.
• The ability to work under pressure and deliver high-quality, cost-effective work within agreed deadlines.
• The flexibility to travel as required and work on-site at client premises in central London five days per week initially, with flexibility thereafter depending on future instructions.
• Existing UK security clearance, or the ability to obtain the required level of clearance.

WHAT’S ON OFFER?

The firm offers a range of benefits and opportunities, including:

• Structured professional development, training and mentoring.
• Flexible, agile and hybrid working arrangements, subject to the requirements of the role.
• Dental, healthcare and wellbeing support.
• Retirement planning, insurance and assurance benefits.
• Opportunities for international and cross-functional exposure.
• Pro bono work and community engagement.
• A commitment to diversity, inclusion and supporting individual career ambitions.
• A culture that values collaboration, individual contribution and professional development.

The role is intended to be based in Birmingham, Cardiff or Manchester in the longer term. Candidates must, however, be comfortable working on-site at client premises in central London five days per week initially, with travel and location requirements adapting to future instructions.

INTERESTED?

If you have experience in public inquiries, investigations or complex disclosure work and are looking for your next career move, I’d be keen to have a confidential conversation.

Please feel free to message me directly for further information or to discuss your suitability for the opportunity.