Associate – EL/PL & Complex Injury (Defendant) Location: Birmingham (Hybrid) Salary: Up to £65,000 D.O.E benefits We’re working with a leading national defendant firm seeking an experienced Associate to join their Birmingham office. This is a fantastic opportunity to manage a technically complex, high-value caseload of defendant EL/PL and sensitive public-sector claims - including stress, abuse and misconduct-related cases on behalf of local authorities, emergency services and other public bodies. The Role You’ll handle a varied and intellectually challenging caseload, balancing EL/PL, highways and complex stress/abuse cases. Many matters involve sensitive circumstances, often defending claims against public authorities, police forces and educational institutions. This role suits someone who enjoys technical, investigative and sensitive defence work and wants to develop in a respected, well-structured national team. Clients Local authorities and other public bodies Emergency and blue-light services Major insurers and claims intermediaries Large self-insured organisations Typical Work Employers’ liability and public liability (including highways) Complex stress, harassment, and abuse-related claims Claims involving educational rights, police misconduct and boundary disputes Multi-track, sensitive litigation requiring careful client management and judgment About You Ideally 5 PQE (guideline only – all levels considered) both Defendant & Claimant experience considered Proven experience in defendant EL/PL and/ or highways claims Comfortable handling complex or sensitive matters involving public-sector or emergency-service clients Excellent analytical, drafting and client-care skills Strong communicator, calm under pressure, and detail-oriented What’s on Offer Salary up to £65,000 DOE Competitive bonus and benefits package Hybrid working (typically 2 office / 3 home) Exposure to high-profile, complex and meaningful work Supportive, collegiate culture with clear progression and training