Paralegal - Litigation Executive– Aviation (No Aviation experience necessary)
Leeds
Hybrid
Permanent
About HF
People. Not just lawyers
We’re not your typical law firm – we’re people with a passion for helping our clients and each other achieve the best possible outcomes. We are leading legal advisers to the insurance and commercial sectors across the UK & Ireland, known for our innovation, client focus, and long-lasting relationships. We do things differently, with a forward-thinking approach built around our clients’ needs, supported by cutting-edge technology and a culture built around people from a wide range of backgrounds who are taking an equally wide range of routes to building their careers in law.
We are looking to recruit an experienced Paralegal/Litigation Executive to work within our Aviation Team in Leeds. This is a chance to join HF’s top rated Aviation Team, working on behalf of a range of aviation insurers and their insured clients around the world. Our small team specialise in defending a wide range of aviation related claims and litigation with a particular emphasis in working for international airports in defence of claims and litigation arising from their everyday aviation activities.
What will I be doing?
Working directly with the Partner (and Head of Department) and the Associate Partners and Solicitors in the team, you are responsible for assisting with the handling of pre-litigation and litigated claims on behalf of the firm’s clients. The clients represented by the aviation team are mostly related to the aviation industry in its widest sense and include International Airports in the UK and overseas, airstrip owners, domestic airports, aircraft owners and operators, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul organisations (MROs), Ground Handlers, PRM service providers, private pilots and concessionaires and suppliers related to the worldwide aviation industry.
The cases you assist on will range from pre-litigation claims involving cases of up to £25,000 in value right through to cases of increased complexity and/or value where you will assist the team’s most senior lawyers. The majority of the cases handled by the team are on the instruction of insurance company clients, with cases typically involving personal injury, property damage (including to aircraft), fatal accidents, Inquests, discrimination, DDA 1995 claims or breaches of the PRM Regulations (EU1107/2006). You may be involved in cases of all types in a supporting capacity, assisting the handling fee earner to manage and advance cases as required.
You will be working within a team of very experienced and dedicated professionals in an engaging and driven environment. It is expected that this will be a very challenging yet rewarding role as we not only promote strong relationships and deliver good results for our clients, but we also promote strong and supportive working relationships within the team.
You will be responsible for managing your task list and dealing proactively with matters that are within your area of responsibility, which will typically include management of the team’s DWP/CRU requirements, liaison with medical and other experts and the management of appointments, preparations for Trials and Court hearings including production of bundles, assisting with credit control, taking minutes of meetings and preparing file notes, assisting with witness interviews and the production of witness statements, document management and any other task or activity where a member of the team required your assistance and support
The Team
Our Aviation team is filled with ambitious professionals working in an engaging and friendly environment. The teams is a sociable one with lots of team activities to get involved in. Client engagement is high and some work related travel is required, perhaps overseas. Our Aviation team form part of HF’s Financial Markets, Aviation & Marine group so opportunities for a broad caseload are available, allowing you to grow with HF as we progress our combined offering!
The Clients
The clients represented by the Aviation team are mostly related to the aviation industry in its widest sense and include International Airports in the UK and overseas, airstrip owners, domestic airports, aircraft owners and operators, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul organisations (MROs), Ground Handlers, PRM service providers, private pilots and concessionaires and suppliers related to the worldwide aviation industry.
The majority of the cases handled by the team are on the instruction of insurance company clients, with cases typically involving personal injury, property damage (including to aircraft), fatal accidents, Inquests, discrimination, DDA 1995 claims or breaches of the PRM Regulations (EC1107/2006). You may be involved in cases of all types in a supporting capacity, assisting the handling fee earner to manage and advance cases as required. In additional to their extensive Aviation client base the team handle a variety of EL/PL cases on behalf of a variety of London Market insurers. In that regard, knowledge or experience of scaffolding or construction related injury claims would be desirable.
What do I need?
You will have experience within Personal Injury, or you will be a qualified legal professional with up to 3 years PQE as a Litigation Executive or Solicitor (or equivalent) within England or Wales. We are also keen to hear from Newly Qualified Solicitors looking to expand their knowledge. You will have an interest in civil litigation including personal injury claims, property damage claims, contractual disputes and Aviation related laws including the Montreal Convention and EC1107/2006 but previous aviation experience is not needed as full training will be provided. Foreign language skills are not required. Y
Preferably you will have previous experience of dealing with personal injury claims using the portal and DCP. Previous knowledge of the CPR, the SRA Code of Conduct and their application will be an advantage. You will also be able to meet/exceed billing targets. Previous experience of hourly rate charging preferable but not essential. You will have a client-centric approach and excellent client care skills.
What’s in it for you?
Apart from the competitive salary you’d expect, our package of benefits reflects our values of partnership, innovation, and being real people. We’re committed to creating a dynamic workplace where everyone feels supported, empowered, and part of our success.
You’ll enjoy:
- 25 days’ annual leave (rising to 30 with service) + Holiday Buy Scheme
- Life Insurance & Income Protection
- Private Medical Insurance & Healthcare Cash Plan
- Employee Assistance Programme & Digital GP services
- Pension Scheme
- Electric Car Scheme
- Enhanced Maternity, Paternity & Adoption Leave
- Hybrid & Flexible Working Options
- Discounted Gym Membership & Employee Discount Hub
- Flu & Eyecare Vouchers – and more!
What next?
If HF sounds like a place where you could belong, we'd love to learn more about you!
Submit your CV here and we’ll be in touch if we have any opportunities that match your experience and interests. If we don’t have something right now, we’ll keep your details on file and may reach out in the future as part of our talent pipeline.