The number of personal injury cases either going to court or being settled out of court is at an all-time high. That’s the only conclusion I can come to given the strong finish to 2016, and the whirlwind start the legal market in Manchester has had in 2017. This has seen the number of instructions for PI Professionals double over the previous months.

When demand starts to outstrip supply, something has to change. Employers could review the salaries they offer but that’s a dangerous game to play. Although it might give a quick fix solution,
the longer term picture might see existing staff on lesser money becoming unsettled and/or competitors start doing the same, whereby the playing field levels again.

Better options include:

    • Taking on locums on fixed term contracts and paying above market rate (if it’s a short term contract) will get you star people, and after the project is complete, the headcount goes back to normal. No long term overheads, just satisfied clients, and happy employees who are grateful for the help at the time.

 

    • Hire people from other practice areas and train them accordingly. Looking at people from a specialism that is quiet or dormant will produce quality candidates. If you can offer a salary increase when they are up to speed (pun intended) or an end of probation review, you will be an attractive option.

 

  • Take on a paralegal or legal assistant instead of a solicitor. There are many highly experienced career paralegals (not chasing a training contract) who would value having their own caseloads and responsibility. Alternatively, you could move an existing employee over to the PI team and rehire for a role you can fill.

If it’s not working, change. Albert Einstein allegedly once said: “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

By Anita Turya

Legal Recruitment Specialist at Ambipro