Solicitor (Debt Recovery – Small Claims)
Location: Office-based (free on-site parking)
Contract: Full-time or part-time, permanent
Hours: Monday–Friday, shifts between 8:00–18:00 (4pm finish on Fridays)
Salary: £35,000+
Posted: 9 September 2024
About Gladstones
We're a fast-paced debt recovery firm, specialising in high volume case load with a light touch approach. We don't work to targets, have a low-ego culture in a relaxed working environment, and we're always open to new ideas as you get used to our processes and systems.
The opportunity
As a Solicitor in our Debt Recovery team, you'll handle a varied caseload of small claims matters from pre-action through to enforcement. You'll provide concise legal advice, draft court documents, and represent clients at hearings, working closely with the Team Leader.
What you'll be doing
* File ownership end-to-end: liability and quantum assessment; strategy setting; risk and cost/benefit analysis.
* CPR-led litigation: apply the Civil Procedure Rules and relevant Pre-Action Protocols from issue to settlement, including directions, disclosure, witness statements, costs, and enforcement in the small claims track.
* Drafting & advocacy: particulars/defences, applications, directions questionnaires, bundle preparation; attend/advocate at small claims hearings as appropriate.
* Client service: timely updates by phone, email and letter; clear next steps; manage expectations and obtain instructions.
* Evidence & negotiations: analyse contracts, invoices, statements, and correspondence; lead settlement discussions and ADR where proportionate.
* Compliance: maintain SRA standards, data protection, and firm policies (including SMART working guide).
* Systems & MI: use Proclaim for case progression, tasks, time recording and accurate data entry; contribute to team MI and continuous improvement.
* Team contribution: support colleagues with pre-lit tasks; share know-how and take part in training.
What you'll need to succeed
Essential
* Qualified Solicitor / FILEX / CILEX (or equivalent).
* ~2 years' PQE (or equivalent experience) in debt recovery / small claims litigation.
* Strong knowledge of CPR and the relevant Pre-Action Protocol(s); confident on costs and enforcement within small claims.
* Sound grasp of liability and quantum principles and relevant case law/statutes.
* Proficient with Proclaim (or comparable case management system).
* Excellent drafting, organisation, and attention to detail; resilient in a fast-paced, target-driven environment.
* Understanding of SRA Codes of Conduct and professional ethics.
Desirable
* LPC (or SQE2), though strong experience will be considered.
* Experience running advocacy at small claims hearings.
* Experience with consumer-facing communications and high-volume workflows.
* Evidence of process improvement or contributing to playbooks/templates.
How we'll support you
* 25 days' annual leave (excludes bank holidays but includes your birthday)
* Option for additional unpaid leave days
* Company pension (1% above employer auto-enrol requirement)
* Wellbeing: up to 90 minutes paid leave/month for medical appointments
* Perks: free parking, casual dress, company events, 4pm Friday finish
* No weekends; flexible working considered within business needs
* 1 day per week wfh
* Bike2Work scheme
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Additional leave
* Casual dress
* Company events
* Cycle to work scheme
* On-site parking
* Work from home
Work Location: In person