Hays
Defendant Personal Injury Solicitor (2-6 PQE)

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Your new company
A highly regarded national law firm with a strong reputation within the insurance sector is seeking a Solicitor or Associate to join its established Defendant Personal Injury team in Manchester. The firm acts for a broad insurer and public sector client base and is recognised for delivering high-quality legal advice across motor, casualty and liability claims. With a collaborative culture, genuine opportunities for progression and a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, this is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious lawyer looking to further develop their career within defendant insurance litigation.
Your new role
You will join a specialist team handling a varied caseload of defendant personal injury matters, primarily comprising Road Traffic Accident, Employers' Liability and Public Liability claims. The role offers exposure to fast-track and intermediate-track litigation, alongside opportunities to support on more complex matters.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Managing a caseload of defendant motor, EL and PL claims from inception through to resolution.
- Providing strategic legal advice and guidance to insurer, local authority and corporate clients.
- Assessing liability, quantum and litigation risk to determine appropriate case strategies.
- Drafting legal documentation, conducting legal research and preparing court papers.
- Negotiating settlements and representing clients' interests throughout the litigation process.
- Liaising with counsel, experts, insurers and key stakeholders.
- Supporting and mentoring junior team members and paralegals.
- Ensuring compliance with court deadlines, regulatory requirements and internal quality standards.
- Achieving financial and performance targets, including time recording and billing objectives.
- Building and maintaining strong client relationships and contributing to business development initiatives.
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.
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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.
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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
Applications are welcomed from qualified solicitors or chartered legal executives with 2-6 years' PQE and proven experience in defendant personal injury litigation.
You should have:
- Strong experience handling motor/RTA, Employers' Liability and Public Liability claims.
- Detailed knowledge of the Civil Procedure Rules and insurance litigation processes.
- Experience acting for insurers, local authorities or other defendant clients.
- The ability to independently manage a litigated caseload.
- Excellent communication and client relationship management skills.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise competing deadlines.
- Experience using case management systems and legal technology platforms.
- A commercial approach and commitment to delivering excellent client service.


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Previous supervisory or mentoring experience would be advantageous, as would involvement in networking and business development activities.
What you'll get in return
In return, you will join a well-established and supportive insurance litigation team offering:
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Clear progression opportunities.
- High-quality and varied defendant personal injury work.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
- Ongoing training and professional development.
- Private healthcare and enhanced wellbeing benefits.
- Generous annual leave entitlement.
- Supportive and collaborative working culture.
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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