Associate - Commercial Dispute Resolution (Inquiries and Investigation

About Eversheds
Sutherland:
Eversheds Sutherland is not your average law firm and we're not looking for average people. We do things differently - in the way we treat our people and the service we provide. That's how we've become one of the largest law firms in the world and a great place to work and develop your career.

Our inquiries and investigations team comprises hugely experienced lawyers working for clients in the public and private sector. We have unparalleled experience of acting on behalf of high profile governmental inquiries, including matters of national security. We have been involved in some of the largest public inquiries conducted in the UK, either acting as Solicitors to the Inquiry or representing core participants. The team also conducts internal investigations for clients who require an independent review of their work and practices.

Some of our most notable work has included:

• Acting on behalf of a number of core participants in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry
• Acting on behalf of a number of core participants in the Independent Inquiry in to Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA)
• Acting on behalf of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority in the Magnox (non statutory) Inquiry
• Acting as Solicitors to the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry (investigating allegations of abuse of children in care)
• Acting for a core participant in the Leveson Inquiry (investigating the role of the press and the police in the phone-hacking scandal)
• Assisting and advising Birmingham City Council on the Trojan Horse Investigation (investigating allegations of an organised attempt to introduce and Islamist ethos into several schools in Birmingham)
• Other high profile work includes assisting on inquiries such as the Bloody Sunday Inquiry, the Shipman Inquiry, the Rosemary Nelson Inquiry and the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry.

We are a mobile team with international reach and resources, able to tailor our services to particular inquiries and investigations regardless of their subject matter.

Key responsibilities:

Working as part of a team to:
• Act as solicitors to statutory and non-statutory inquiries
• Act on behalf of core participants in public and non-statutory inquiries
• Undertake internal investigations and independent reviews
• Draft / advise on terms of reference and procedural rules for inquiries and internal investigations
• Liaise with, interview and take statements from a wide range of witnesses
• Undertake evidential review and analysis
• Help to develop Eversheds Sutherland's IT systems to assist in monitoring, reporting and capturing evidence, using a bespoke databases where required
• Advise on the processes of an inquiry, to include:
o document management;
o avoiding judicial review;
o media handling;
o advising on evidence;
o powers and duties, and fair process;
o advise on matters such as privilege, freedom of information and data protection, judicial review and reputation management.

Must be able to work remotely and travel (when necessary) at short notice.

Skills and experience:
• 'Can do' attitude and prepared to go the extra mile to ensure we are able to meet our clients' needs.
• Exposure to dealing with inquires and/or internal investigations would be desirable. Background in public sector or other investigatory work considered.
• Effective communication with stakeholders, for example, vulnerable witnesses, the media, politicians, police forces and sponsoring government departments.

Key competencies:

Typically, you will be 3+ years PQE, to have gained the required breadth and depth of experience for this role.

A band of PQE as advertised on a role does not preclude applications from those candidates that may have more or less PQE. Our intention is only to indicate a guideline as to how long we would expect a qualified lawyer to have practised so as to have gained the necessary skills for the role as described.

We're a modern, progressive law firm. We think differently and we've built a culture where individual skills and personalities can shine through. At Eversheds Sutherland, we believe that innovation comes from a culture of genuine equality and diversity and we are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments individuals may require in the recruitment process, or once in post.

In addition to the above, Eversheds Sutherland also require awareness of and full participation in the Firm's commitment to equality and diversity, the environment and health and safety.