Clinical Negligence - Legal Director/Partner

Job title

Legal Director/Partner

Department

PI & Clinical Negligence – Clinical Negligence team

Our Purpose

To forge long-term relationships that have a positive impact on our people, our clients, our business partners, and our communities.

Our Commitment to Our People

We do not think there is a magic formula to the Higgs culture. The key is to listen to and respect our people. If we take care of our people and our people take care of our clients, then everything we want as a firm will take care of itself. We are friendly and open to new ideas.

Our Core Values

Higgs core values are “CLEAR” – Care, Legacy, Excellence, Authenticity, Relationships

Role Purpose

This role is a senior leadership appointment within the Clinical Negligence Department, managing a complex caseload of high‑value claimant matters while supporting with departmental strategy, supervision, and business development. The role combines technical excellence, people leadership and strong commercial awareness, acting as a trusted adviser to clients and a key contributor to the firm’s growth in this sector.

Key Responsibilities

Key responsibilities

In line with policies and procedures key responsibilities include:

• Manage a portfolio of complex, high‑value claimant clinical negligence cases, including birth and brain injury claims, from inception to conclusion

• Analysing expert advice on liability, causation, quantum and strategy, including management of medical experts

• Lead negotiations, mediations and settlement discussions with assistance from Leading and Junior Counsel as required.

• Deliver exceptional client care, acting as a senior and trusted adviser on sensitive cases

• Supervise, mentor and support Early Careers lawyers, ensuring high standards of work and compliance

• Contribute to departmental strategy, service development and continuous improvement

• Engage in business development, profile‑raising and maintenance of key referral relationships

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, risk management procedures and firm policies

Person Specification

The criteria below will be assessed via application (A), interview (I), Test (T), or multiple (A/I/T).

Essential Criteria

• Experience leading a team or function and providing recognised expertise that supports good decision-making, consistent quality, and the development of others. (A/I)

• Demonstrates efficient and commercially aware practice, with an ability to recognise sector developments and adjust approach to meet evolving client needs. (A/I)

• A proven ability to understand what matters to stakeholders and strengthen relationships.

• A people centered approach to identify opportunities and contribute to the firm’s success through collaborative engagement. (A/I)

• Ability to model constructive behaviours, support colleagues and help create a clear sense of direction through good judgement and positive influence (A/I)

• Ability to manage complex and competing demands with confidence, provide clear and reasoned guidance, and build effective working relationships with key stakeholders across the business. (A/I)

• Shows a clear understanding of financial hygiene and contributes to achieving team and individual performance goals. (A/I)

Technical Knowledge

• Proficient user of core business and legal systems

• Excellent understanding of data security, confidentiality and risk.

• Adopts relevant tools and stays informed about new technologies

• Previous clinical negligence experience of managing a varied caseload of clinical negligence claims and assisting with cerebral palsy and brain injury cases

• Law Society for AvMA accreditation or working towards panel membership

• Experience of dealing with litigated cases through the court process to trial

What You Need to Know

We offer more than just a job. Our benefits reflect our commitment to your development, wellbeing and work-life balance. Click here to discover more.

Higgs offers hybrid working wherever possible. Our Higgs’ Best FIT (flexible, inclusive, together) principles are designed to ensure that people can complete their best work from the most appropriate location. If you are looking to work flexibly then let us know and we will do what we can to accommodate your request.

We also encourage a ‘dress for your diary’ approach which means dressing in a manner appropriate for your schedule or the specific appointments you have on any given day.

Equal Opportunities

Higgs LLP is proud to be a signatory of The Law Society’s Diversity, Inclusion Charter and a Disability Confident Committed Employer. These commitments reflect our dedication to building a workplace that is inclusive, accessible, and welcoming to all. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities.

As part of our Disability Confident commitment, we offer a guaranteed interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role and choose to opt into the Disability Confident Interview Scheme.

We are also committed to ensuring that all applicants can fully participate in the recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments, please let us know by contacting us at recruitment@higgsllp.co.uk

We recognise that inclusion is an ongoing journey, and we regularly review and publish our diversity data, which can be accessed here

People Driven. Legal Excellence