Career Opportunities at Switalskis
At Switalskis, we’re driven by a profound commitment to not only provide the highest quality of legal services but to create a harmonious and enriching workspace for our team. Our ethos is deeply rooted in fostering a culture that prioritises a healthy work-life balance, making Switalskis not just a place to work, but a community in which to grow, learn and thrive.
Our primary goal is to ensure that the work environment is supportive and rewarding. We champion a culture where our colleagues feel valued, supported and well-compensated for their efforts.
We celebrate diversity and are steadfast in our commitment to promoting equality and inclusion at every level within our firm. Our reputable stance on these values not only enriches our work culture but is reflected in the legal services we provide and the profound nature of the cases we choose to take.
Joining Switalskis is a step towards a career filled with endless learning and development opportunities. We’re keen to nurture your growth and make sure you enjoy what you do and evolve professionally during your time with us.
Explore career opportunities at Switalskis and take a step towards a rewarding and fulfilling career with us.
Join our Qualifying Solicitors Programme to embark on a rewarding legal career at one of the UK’s top firms.
Work experience at Switalskis will provide you with a glimpse into the legal world if you’re looking for a career in law.
Join our Graduate Apprenticeship Programme to embark on a rewarding legal career at one of the UK's top firms.
ABOUT US
Switalskis is an award-winning law firm listed in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024.
Established in 1993 by Stephen Switalski, we began with a focus on child care law and criminal law from a single office in Wakefield. Since then we’ve expanded to 11 locations employing approximately 400 people who provide a wide array of specialist legal services.
A career at Switalskis means being part of a firm that cares and is here for you. We’re dynamic and progressive, and we never stand still. Last year we were crowned Large Firm of the Year at The Yorkshire Legal Awards and named in the top 50 fastest growing companies in Yorkshire in the Yorkshire Growth Index.
THE ROLE
Are you a talented and dynamic HR Assistant looking for a new challenge? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment and possess a passion for delivering exceptional HR services? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you!
We’re seeking an enthusiastic and motivated HR Assistant to join our team on a 12 month fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave. This is a great opportunity to gain valuable experience and further develop your skills.
As a HR Assistant, you will be responsible for providing comprehensive HR support to the firm.
This includes but isn’t limited to :
We are ideally looking for someone full time, however part time will be considered. Candidates should be willing to travel to other office locations when required.
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
Whilst previous experience within HR is desirable, this is not essential as full training will be provided.
We’re looking for individuals who can demonstrate the following skills and experience.
ABOUT US
Switalskis is an award-winning law firm listed in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024.
Established in 1993 by Stephen Switalski, we began with a focus on child care law and criminal law from a single office in Wakefield. Since then we’ve expanded to 11 locations employing approximately 400 people who provide a wide array of specialist legal services.
A career at Switalskis means being part of a firm that cares and is here for you. We’re dynamic and progressive, and we never stand still. Last year we were crowned Large Firm of the Year at The Yorkshire Legal Awards and named in the top 50 fastest growing companies in Yorkshire in the Yorkshire Growth Index.
THE ROLE
We're on the
lookout for an experienced paralegal to join us in our Clinical Negligence department based in York 2x per week. As a paralegal at Switalskis, you will have the
opportunity to work alongside experienced solicitors, gaining invaluable
knowledge and practical experience.
This is an
excellent opportunity for an ambitious and motivated legal professional to
progress in their career.
Key Responsibilities:
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
We are looking for
candidates who can demonstrate the following:
Click the link below to submit your application and a member of the team will be in touch. For any questions please contact
Recruitment@Switalskis.com
ABOUT US
Switalskis is an award-winning law firm listed in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024.
Established in 1993 by Stephen Switalski, we began with a focus on child care law and criminal law from a single office in Wakefield. Since then we’ve expanded to 11 locations employing approximately 400 people who provide a wide array of specialist legal services.
A career at Switalskis means being part of a firm that cares and is here for you. We’re dynamic and progressive, and we never stand still. Last year we were crowned Large Firm of the Year at The Yorkshire Legal Awards and named in the top 50 fastest growing companies in Yorkshire in the Yorkshire Growth Index.
THE ROLE
Key Responsibilities:
- Induction Training: Deliver training on SOS Connect tailored to their specific roles.
- Continuous Development: Provide ongoing training to current staff, aligning with identified needs and new system features.
- Training Materials: Create and update training materials to ensure training is impactful and easily understandable.
- Feedback and Improvement: Collect and act on course feedback to enhance training effectiveness.
- Needs Assessment: Identify and report additional training requirements for individuals and teams.
- System Testing: Assist in testing new case management system developments.
- Feature Exploration: Help staff explore and utilise unfamiliar features of existing software.
Ideal Candidate:
No direct training experience? No problem! We are looking for a proactive individual who can learn quickly and communicate effectively.
- Strong communication skills
- Passionate about IT and continuous learning
- Proactive and solution-oriented
- Comfortable with various software applications
Why Join the Development team?
- Engage in meaningful work that directly impacts the firm’s efficiency and success
- Grow your IT and training skills in a supportive environment
- Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and learning
If you are ready to take on a rewarding challenge and make a significant impact, apply now!
ABOUT US
Switalskis is an award-winning law firm listed in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024.
Established in 1993 by Stephen Switalski, we began with a focus on child care law and criminal law from a single office in Wakefield. Since then we’ve expanded to 11 locations employing approximately 400 people who provide a wide array of specialist legal services.
A career at Switalskis means being part of a firm that cares and is here for you. We’re dynamic and progressive, and we never stand still. Last year we were crowned Large Firm of the Year at The Yorkshire Legal Awards and named in the top 50 fastest growing companies in Yorkshire in the Yorkshire Growth Index.
What is expected of you?
To work closely in a mini team led by a Senior Associate
/Director, assisting on complex and high value clinical negligence claims,
while also maintaining a caseload of lower complexity and value, across all
types of clinical negligence work.
What Will the role involve?
We have a number of fee earner positions available within
our Clinical Negligence teams based at offices in York, Huddersfield, Barnsley or Leeds.
All positions are ideally full-time, but part-time
applications will be considered.
The roles will involve working in a mini team led by a
Senior Associate / Director, assisting on complex and high value clinical
negligence claims, while also maintaining a caseload of lower complexity and
value (depending on the successful candidate's skills and experience), across
all types of clinical negligence work.
On their own cases, the successful candidates would of
course be closely supervised, supported, and trained by more experienced
colleagues.
Experience
We will consider applicants who are qualified solicitors,
trainee solicitors, legal executives, or paralegals with experience of running
their own files. We will also consider those with experience of either Claimant
work or Defendant work.
What you will bring
You should have experience of conducting clinical negligence claims, or a demonstrable enthusiasm for the work. In addition, we are looking for candidates who can demonstrate the following:
Click the link below to submit your application and a member of the team will be in touch. For any questions please contact
Recruitment@Switalskis.com
A career at Switalskis means being part of a firm that cares and is here for you. One of our big goals is to be a great place to work, and we really strive to achieve that.
I'm delighted that we've been recognised as one of The Sunday Times 2024 Best Places to Work. Across all categories over five hundred organisations were selected. Only twenty-two law firms made the cut and only five of them are based in Yorkshire. Given there are just under 10,000 regulated law firms in the UK, that’s a huge achievement for us.
Switalskis is a firm that’s going places. We’re dynamic and progressive, and we never stand still. Last year, we were crowned Large Firm of the Year at the Yorkshire Legal Awards and named in the top 50 fastest-growing companies in Yorkshire in the Yorkshire Growth Index.
Julie GuestHead of People
We believe in fairly rewarding our team. Our competitive salaries are complemented by a range of benefits including the below. We review the benefits we offer to employees regularly to make sure they remain competitive and align with our values.
Financial
Work-life balance
Holidays
Health and wellbeing
We believe that who we are makes us a great place to pursue a career. Email recruitment@switalskis.com to find out more.
With a strong legacy in the legal sector, Switalskis has built a reputation for excellence, integrity and impactful service. Being a part of our team means contributing to a prestigious and meaningful legacy.
Our firm is a tapestry of diverse talents, backgrounds and perspectives. We’re committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every person feels valued, respected and empowered to contribute their best.
Your growth is our priority. At Switalskis, we provide learning opportunities, mentorship and an environment to hone your skills, expand your knowledge and ascend in your legal career. To find out more about career development at Switalskis, take a look at our guide.
We understand the importance of your personal time. While we are dedicated to delivering exceptional legal services, we also promote a healthy work-life balance to make sure our team members have ample time for their personal pursuits and wellbeing.
Embracing the future of work, we offer a balanced hybrid-working model. This model encourages collaboration, flexibility and a harmonious blend of in-office and remote work, catering to the evolving needs of our workforce and the firm.
Our business is deeply rooted in community service. Being part of Switalskis means engaging in meaningful community outreach initiatives and embodying our belief in the positive impact of legal service in society.
I enjoy hybrid working. When I am in the office, I use this as time to speak with colleagues about their thoughts on cases and anything relevant within the news for example, a judgment. When I am at home, I use this time to complete detailed pieces of work without the distraction of the office. I’m also able to get out on a lunch time to walk my Sproodle!
I’ve always known I wanted to help people but ruled out several professions before deciding on law. The first seat of my training contract was in commercial property, working between the Leeds and Knaresborough offices. I found the work very interesting especially drafting documents. I recently moved to the clinical negligence team, for my second seat, which I am finding both stimulating and challenging. Since joining, my integration into Switalskis has been seamless as everyone has been very welcoming and inviting. I think it helped that I often brought in brownies and cakes that I’d baked!
In 2012 I joined the Costs Team and in 2014 started studying the ACL Costs Lawyer course. I qualified as a Costs Lawyer in August 2017 and in 2023 I was promoted to Associate Costs Lawyer. I've not worked anywhere prior to Atherton Godfrey who integrated with Switalskis in December 2022, my entire career since the 90s has been at the same firm.
I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when I left school. I thought I wanted to be a hairdresser, and this is what I ended up doing, but if I’m honest I never really felt like it was for me. I worked hard and achieved my qualifications but never felt content. However, I always had an interest in the legal profession due to personal circumstances and I enrolled on an access course when I was 26 and here, I am!
I start my day by responding to any emails. I then check my task list and I complete any urgent tasks first. I complete records reviews, draft letters of instruction to experts and review expert reports. I also have cases that are in litigation where deadlines need to be adhered to and documents must be served. I also liaise with clients on a daily basis providing updates and taking instructions.
There’s not a typical day in the Court of Protection, and that’s what I love most about it. Each client is so different and so we need to be able to take each client as they come to try and work out what will be best for them and how best to achieve it. I love travelling and meeting the clients but there is also lot of time in the office - preparing advice, drafting documents, and attending court, as many of our hearings are still being heard remotely.
If you have any questions about starting a career at Switalskis, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Call us on 0800 138 0458 or send us a message and we’ll be happy to help.