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
We are recruiting a Costs Lawyer or Costs Draftsperson with experience in legal aid costing to join our internal costs department.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a well established internal team which continues to grow and develop and supports costs recovery across the firm in all areas, however this role would specialise in legal aid recovery.
Key Responsibilities
Whether you have a few years experience, or 30 years, we would love to hear from you!
The successful candidate will have a good working knowledge of the Costs Assessment Guidance and Civil Finance Electronic Handbook as well as a good standard of English & arithmetic.
You will need to be able to work unsupervised in at least some of the following areas:
· Care (public law)
· Family (private law)
· Court of protection (health and welfare)
· Crime (Magistrates and Crown)
Experience of using a case management system and the costmaster billing software would be advantageous.
Some experience of Court of Protection (Finance) costs (non legal aid) would also be advantageous but not essential.
What you'll be doing
· Preparation of both fixed fee and hourly rates claims in the above areas
· Preparing High Costs Case Plans for Court of Protection (Health and Welfare) and Care
· Submitting claims on the legal aid portal (CCMS) and collating accompanying documentation
· Advising fee earners
· Liaising with Counsel’s chambers in relation to claims
· Liaising with third parties where appropriate
· Preparing appeals to assessments
·
Preparation of Claim 1 and 2 forms
The role can be based at any of our Yorkshire offices, although the legal aid costs team is based predominately at Bradford, and therefore travel to Bradford may be required at times. The role can be office based or hybrid.
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.
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 office in either Leeds or York on a Hybrid basis.
All positions are ideally full-time, but part-time applications will be considered.
The role 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.
Experience
We will consider applicants who are qualified solicitors, trainee solicitors or legal executives 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
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 are seeking a dedicated and experienced Child Care Solicitor/Legal Executive Advocate to join our team. This role involves providing expert legal representation and advice in child care law, managing a caseload of both public and private law matters, and advocating on behalf of clients in court. You will work closely with clients, social workers, and local authorities to ensure the best possible outcomes for children and families.
Experience Required
• LAA Supervisor status is preferable but not essential.
• Proven experience in managing a caseload of child care law matters, including handling complex cases.
• Strong advocacy skills with the ability to represent clients effectively in court.
• A compassionate, client-focused approach with excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in child care law, working as part of a dedicated and supportive legal team.
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
In this role you'll deliver outstanding technical support, optimise cloud technologies, and uphold IT security practices to enhance service delivery and organisational efficiency. This is a hybrid role where you can be based from any of our 10 offices across Yorkshire, with regular meetings that will take place a few times each month in Doncaster.
Key Responsibilities:
• Manage and resolve technical support requests via the service desk system.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot IT issues both remotely and in person.
• Act as a key support lead for Microsoft cloud technologies.
• Escalate complex issues appropriately and ensure timely resolution.
• Maintain clear and detailed case notes and documentation.
• Provide user guidance to improve IT security and efficiency.
• Support IT service improvements and contribute to project delivery.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external suppliers to enhance IT services.
• Ensure compliance with SLAs and security protocols.
Essential experience we're looking for:
2–3 years’ experience in a similar IT support role. Strong knowledge of Microsoft cloud technologies, including:
In addition:
Desired Experience:
Considerations:
There will be a requirement to work from any of the Switalskis offices as required by service demands.
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 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.