Aviation Solicitor

Department: Aviation, Belfast

The Role

We are seeking a Solicitor to join our Aviation team in our Belfast Office, advising on a broad range of aviation, regulatory and litigation matters. The role offers excellent exposure to high-quality work and the opportunity to develop specialist expertise in aviation law.

You will work closely with senior lawyers and partners on matters involving airlines, operators, lessors, and aviation service providers.

This role is office based and the successful candidate will be required to attend the office Monday through to Friday (inclusive).

Reports to

The Solicitor in the Aviation Department ("the Department") will report to the Head of Department, Managing Officer and/or Directors and will be responsible for supervising and mentoring a team of paralegals. The Solicitor will work closely with senior management on team oversight and the handling of casework.

Job Overview

The Solicitor will be responsible for handling delegated work within their areas of competence, achieving performance targets set by Oracle Law Global's practice ("Practice"), and responding to management instructions. The Solicitor will provide expert legal advice and support to airline clients and assist paralegals with daily enquiries. They will also support the Heads of Department, Managing Officer and/or Directors as required.

The Solicitor will manage their own caseload, liaise directly with clients, and supervise a large team of paralegals. In addition, they will be expected to train and mentor junior staff members, promote the Practice's services positively to clients, maintain high-quality standards, demonstrate initiative, and assist in generating new business opportunities whenever possible.

Purpose / Main Objectives

To manage and contribute to the effective and efficient operation of a busy department handling high volumes of litigation and pre-court correspondence. To support, monitor and manage the performance and timekeeping of paralegals, ensuring that departmental work complies with applicable timescales and quality standards set by the Practice.

Responsibilities & Duties

• Dealing with delegated cases as required and reporting progress to the Head of Department, Managing Officer and/or Directors
• Managing own clients and caseloads across the relevant areas of work
• Ensuring high standards of service and legal advice in relation to both their own work and that of the Department's paralegals
• Supervising and managing a team of paralegals
• Monitoring paralegal performance and reporting to the Head of Department, Managing Officer and/or Directors
• Following internal methods, policies and procedures as set out in the Office Manual
• Remaining informed of developments within their area(s) of specialisation to ensure service quality is maintained
• Carrying out file reviews as appropriate
• Attending upon clients at offices, supervising the opening and updating of files on the Department's case management system, and liaising with clients, counsel and courts in relation to aviation claims
• Preparing briefs to Counsel
• Maintaining diaries and accurate time recording
• Working collaboratively as part of a team and giving clear and reasonable instructions
• Preparing for trials and hearings where applicable
• Conducting legal research and gathering relevant information, including researching facts, legislation, case law and legal commentary relevant to matters
• Drafting and reviewing legal documents, including correspondence, defences, orders, witness statements, written submissions, briefs to Counsel and skeleton arguments
• Responding promptly and professionally to client requests, emails, correspondence and telephone calls
• Taking statements from witnesses and other parties, interviewing clients, and communicating relevant information appropriately
• Carrying out administrative duties including billing, invoicing, compiling litigation bundles, managing correspondence, and organising evidence
• Networking with clients and building professional relationships in a manner which enhances the Practice's reputation
• Assisting during trials by preparing exhibits and files, taking notes, and reviewing court transcripts
• Using the company's case management system effectively
• Managing expenditure within limits set by the Practice and ensuring petty cash is properly accounted for
• Carrying out any other ad hoc duties as directed by the Head of Department, Managing Officer and/or Directors

Relationships

• Internal: Providing support to the Directors, Managing Officer, Heads of Department, paralegals and other colleagues at different departments
• External: Promoting the Practice wherever possible through professional relationships, public relations and high-quality service delivery

Skills & Qualifications Essential

• Law Degree and Qualification in the UK
• Qualified in England and Wales
• Minimum 5 years' litigation experience
• Ability to multitask, prioritise workloads, and work effectively to deadlines
• Regulatory, commercial and litigation exposure
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to supervise a team independently
• Highly organised, flexible and able to manage multiple cases and priorities within a performance driven environment
• Strong research, analytical and data management skills
• Excellent client relationship skills, with the ability to build positive, cooperative and professional relationships internally and externally
• Highly trustworthy, discreet and able to exercise sound judgement
• Ability to work well under pressure while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Self motivated with the ability to work autonomously
• Proactive with a willingness to learn and develop professionally
• Self aware and receptive to feedback for continuous professional development
• Ability to analyse and process large volumes of information for use in legal matters
• Computer literate and confident using legal case management systems and Microsoft Office applications

Desirable

• Interest in Aviation