We’re a national law firm with a local reach. Our philosophy is ‘Expert Hand, Human Touch’ – something you’ll find in the way we work with our clients and how we support our teams. But, we’re more than just a law firm – we’re a team, working together to help individuals and businesses navigate life’s ups and downs.

Whichever team you join, working here you’ll feel a part of our friendly and inclusive environment. We’ll value you for who you are and what you bring. We support each other and push boundaries to achieve incredible things, and make a real difference to our clients and communities.

The work we do has been recognised in the awards we’ve won. We’re committed to being even better, and our awards help to show we’re on the right track.

We recognise that the office 9-5 isn’t for everyone. That’s why we’ve introduced ‘Flexible by Choice’. Whether it’s working from home, in our offices, or a combination of the both, we trust each other to support our clients, colleagues and communities at the right time, in the right way.

As the leading clinical and Medical Negligence law firm in the UK, we know how to make a positive difference to our client’s lives. Our experienced medical negligence solicitors take the time to understand what clients are going through, helping them get the answers and compensation they deserve. Our Medical Negligence team has extensive experience in clinical negligence claims arising NHS and private treatment on behalf of children and adults.

The Medical Researcher role supports the Medical Negligence teams by providing advice and direction in all aspects of the medical issues, analysis of medical opinions and assisting with risk assessment and planning case progression. Training around the legal framework and processes will be provided so is not a prerequisite for the role.

The role will also include the following:

RISK ASSESSMENT

• Risk assess and evaluate all new client enquiries in to the team and advise on prospects of success
• In appropriate cases, review medical records to risk assess whether the case continues to have reasonable prospects of success
• Review medical reports which may be unclear, finely balanced or surprising in their conclusions. Acting as a second opinion and “sense checker” on evidence received and providing advice on whether a second opinion may be warranted.
• Assess whether the Defendants’ responses to our initial allegations of negligence are reasonable and therefore whether a case may need to be discontinued.
• Following issue of court proceedings, assist case handlers with deciphering the Defendant’s formal defence to the allegations made and assessing whether a case may need to be discontinued or whether it continues to have merits from a medical point of view
• Approval of the risk assessment completed as part of the CFA funding process, ensuring that the risk, as assessed by the case handler accurately reflects the medical complexities of the case and input into the case plan element of the R.A re choice of expert discipline

CASEPLANNING

• Provide guidance on the appropriate discipline of experts to advise on a case and those experts which may be able to provide the answers needed most efficiently
• Review reports where experts advise which other expert reports may be required to further investigate a case - guiding the solicitor on whether those reports are necessary

CLIENTS

• Where required, attend some initial meetings with new clients on more complex matters or with more junior solicitors who lack experience and confidence in medical issues
• Assist clients on understanding in simple terms what our medical experts are saying in their reports
• Advise clients who have received unsupportive evidence of a claim and draft advice if cases cannot proceed
• Assist case handlers in drafting letters to clients where a case has no prospects and cannot proceed and where necessary attend meetings with clients to explain our decision and  give clients confidence their issues have been fully investigated from a medical perspective

LETTERS OF CLAIM AND LETTERS OF RESPONSE

• Assist in formulating allegations of negligence, clarifying medical terminology where required
• Review the Defendant’s response to our initial allegations of negligence and assist in drafting letters of challenge

EXPERTS

• Where appropriate, hold discussions with expert and solicitor during investigations in a mini-conference to clarify issues on report
• Assist case handlers with agendas for expert meetings where these are prepared by the case handler

LITIGATED CASES & INQUESTS

• Review and check court documents prepared by barristers from a medical perspective
• Review inquest documents as appropriate to identify causes of death and risk assess claims arising

RESEARCH AND TRAINING

• Medical research as requested by case handler
• Training to the team on medical issues

• Qualified Registered General Nurse with significant and wide ranging experience within the NHS
• Experienced in a wide range of different areas of medicine. For example; A&E, gynaecology, general surgery and general practice
• Analytical and research skills
• Excellent communication skills and ability to build internal and external relationships

• 25 days annual leave, with the opportunity to buy additional leave
• Two fundraising days in a year to give back to the community (fully paid!)
• Westfield Health membership, offering discounted leisure and travel and refunds on medical services

We also offer a huge number of well-being initiatives to encourage positive mental health both in and out of the workplace as well as flexible working options to ensure that you are fully supported to work the way that best suits you. Our social responsibility programme is fundamental to who we are. We’re committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace where our colleagues can flourish. We have a range of groups to celebrate our people across sexuality, disability, age, gender and culture. 

We welcome applications from all diversity groups and backgrounds. We’re committed to enabling everyone to thrive and understanding and celebrating our differences is a key part of that. We’re proud of our work on the Disability Confident scheme, on the Race At Work Charter and as Stonewall Diversity Champions. We also have a range of networks for LGBT+, disability, generations, gender, social mobility, ethnicity, faith and culture to celebrate our people and to enable everyone to thrive.

As part of the Irwin Mitchell Group’s on-boarding process all successful applicants are required to complete the group’s employment screening process. This process helps to ensure that all new employees meet our standards in relation to honesty and integrity therefore protecting the interests of the Group, existing employees, clients, partners and other stakeholders.

Depending on the role you apply for we may carry out checks that will establish your eligibility to work in the UK, and criminal record check and financial checks ­with a credit reference agency will also be undertaken.

The employment screening process will fully comply with Data Protection and other applicable laws.

Irwin Mitchell LLP is an equal opportunity employer.