Hays
Defendant EL/PL Solicitor (NQ-5 PQE)

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Your new company
Our client is a highly-regarded defendant law firm seeking an EL/PL Solicitor to join its well-regarded Casualty team based in Birmingham. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your career within a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative environment, working alongside highly experienced Partners and Senior Associates on a varied and high-quality caseload. The team acts for a prestigious and growing panel of insurer and corporate clients on both domestic and international claims, offering exposure to complex and high-value work alongside day-to-day litigation. Hybrid working is available, with flexibility around office attendance depending on candidate location.
Your new role
This EL/PL Solicitor position will see you:
- Managing a mixed caseload of defendant fast-track and multi-track claims, primarily across Employer's Liability (EL) and Public Liability (PL) matters
- Assisting Partners and Senior Associates on high-value and complex personal injury cases, including catastrophic injury claims.
- Advising insurer and corporate clients on liability, quantum, and litigation strategy
- Drafting pleadings and other legal documentation, preparing cases for court, and engaging in settlement negotiations
- Delivering a high standard of client service and developing strong, long-term client relationships
- Staying abreast of developments in personal injury, catastrophic injury, and insurance law
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
What you'll need to succeed
- Qualified Solicitor with 0-5 years' PQE
- Demonstrable experience in defendant EL and PL claims is essential.
- Background in defendant personal injury litigation, either managing cases independently or supporting more senior fee-earners
- Previous experience with a defendant insurance law firm
- Ability to manage and prioritise a personal caseload effectively
- Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a collaborative team-focused approach.
- Experience handling, or assisting on, high-value and complex personal injury claims, including multi-track matters (desirable)


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What you'll get in return
- Competitive salary aligned to experience
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
- Exposure to high-quality insurer and corporate clients
- Supportive team culture with clear routes for progression from Solicitor to Associate level
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV. Alternatively, email or call us now on 0161 228 7770.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk
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