Associate/Senior Associate - D&O/FI Insurance in London

Our D&O and FI team is recognised as being a leader in the global insurance market. The D&O and FI team, headquartered in London, forms a key part of our global D&O and FI offering. The team regularly advises insurers and reinsurers on international risks within local jurisdictions and under multinational policies. Our footprint spans UK, Ireland, France, Spain, Italy, Hong Kong, Singapore, North America and Latin America. Through our affiliation with BLD we have access to the German and Dutch Markets. We also have a strategic alliance with Gilchrist Connell, providing access to the Australian market.

Our international D&O and FI teams combine local knowledge with world-class expertise. As a result, the team is involved in advising the firm's insurer clients in respect of some of the largest and most high-profile D&O and FI disputes.

The Role

You will play an active role in the continued growth and success of the team. The team provides coverage advice to global insurers in the D&O and FI arena. This includes advising under D&O, FI, crime, BBB and management liability policies. Most of the work involves advising insurers and reinsurers on complex policy coverage issues. As such, the role requires a detailed understanding of the operation of D&O and FI policies, as well as an in-depth knowledge of the commercial drivers of insurance clients. The role often involves dealing with cases in international jurisdictions and as such you will be expected to work closely with experts in our overseas offices, as well as with specialists in other fields, including corporate, employment and white-collar crime.

Key Responsibilities

• Handling a stimulating and complex D&O / FI caseload with an emphasis on advising on insurance coverage.
• The opportunity to interact on a regular basis with leading insurer clients in this area.
• Working collaboratively with other specialists across the firm both nationally and internationally.
• Acting as a point of contact for clients where necessary, demonstrating a level of knowledge and skill commensurate with experience.
• Maintaining an awareness of the firm's strategies and plans.
• Maintaining and developing technical knowledge through attendance at training sessions, reading appropriate publications and being aware of market developments.
• Ensuring full compliance with DAC Beachcroft protocols on billing and credit control and demonstrate a high level of financial management when supporting others in managing files and in relation to own files, where appropriate.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• A qualified solicitor with at least 4 years PQE experience gained in a specialist insurance firm (or in house at a financial lines insurer).
• Good experience in advising on complex D&O and FI policy issues.
• Excellent relationship and client handling skills. Able to deal confidently and professionally with clients on day-to-day issues.
• Experience on secondment with a leading financial lines insurer would be beneficial.
• The ability to deliver clear, well-written legal advice/reports on complex legal/coverage issues.
• Able to demonstrate a high level of self-sufficiency, combined with an awareness of the boundaries of own competence/authority.
• An ability to adopt a client-focused and commercial perspective rather than an ‘academic’ approach to legal issues, coupled with a keen grasp of legal issues, as these arise (demonstrating a clear ability to learn quickly ‘on the job’).
• Change oriented with a positive, flexible approach towards the implementation of new initiatives.
• Team oriented and collegiate with a willingness to share knowledge with and support other members of the team.
• Willingness to work hard as part of a highly ambitious and driven team to help it continue to develop and to achieve its objectives.