Commercial Litigation Solicitor - Recoveries DA in Newtownabbey

We are looking for an ambitious Solicitor to join our Property Recoveries team in Belfast. This is a predominantly Plaintiff role, acting for a wider variety of commercial organisations (principally insurers) to provide expert and practical advice over a range of areas:

• Subrogated property (pursuing recovery of repair costs in relation to damage caused to commercial & household properties and motor vehicles)
• Uninsured Loss Recoveries
• Recovery of overpayments and duplicate payments
• Property damage defence
• Property damage indemnity

Whilst experience is desirable, we are currently accepting applications from enthusiastic Solicitors (preferably Northern Irish qualified) who are looking for an exciting career within a supportive team and ambitious firm.

What you will do?

Whilst managing a caseload of your own pre-litigated and litigated recovery/defence/indemnity files, you will also supervise junior colleagues, have responsibility for supporting the team manager with their cases, and support the other paralegals/trainee solicitors in the team. You will also:

• Ensure work is carried out effectively to meet the needs of the clients, the commercial requirements of the firm and the quality standards to include adherence to internal and client SLAs, KPIs and protocols.
• Achievement of agreed chargeable time and financial targets.
• Prompt billing and collection of WIP and disbursements.
• Prompt and accurate provision of MI.
• Ensure that trust balances are cleared promptly.
• Devising a clear case strategy which is adhered to, ensuring cases are run smoothly and balance the commercial interests of both the Firm and the client.
• Applying appropriate and current technical expertise and case law.
• Ensure cases reach repudiation/settlement and the archiving procedure is completed as quickly as possible.
• Effectively managing risk and compliance issues within each case, ensuring any emerging problems are escalated promptly to their Line Manager in the first instance.
• Engaging with clients where appropriate to maximise opportunities to meet and build rapport with clients, at all times acting as an ambassador of the firm.
• Contribute to Business Development and client relationship activity in support of the Team Partner where required.

Who you are

• A qualified Solicitor in Northern Ireland who ideally has either Property Damage or Litigation experience.
• Interested in and willing to learn the technical aspects of property damage investigation as required for the role.
• Have an ability to adopt a commercial perspective rather than an academic approach to claims settlement.
• Willing to take on client opportunities whether in person or virtually.
• IT literate, with a good knowledge of Microsoft Office; previous knowledge or experience of a case management system would be an advantage but not essential.
• Evidence of achievement of personal financial performance.
• A sound understanding of commercial management and financial delivery.
• A high level of personal compliance with client SLAs, protocols and KPIs.
• Ability to motivate and support colleagues at all levels.
• Keen eye for detail to ensure data produced by the team is accurate and can be used to identify trends.
• Organised and able to handle multiple demands and deadlines simultaneously.
• Able to communicate confidently orally and in writing at all levels.

What's in it for you?

• High levels of flexibility and a great work life balance.
• A well-rounded remuneration package (which includes private medical insurance, income protection insurance and discounted gym membership, amongst many other benefits).
• Opportunities for growth and progression including professional funding.
• In person and remote social events.
• Opportunity to get involved in a range of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) activities.

We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, which aligns closely to our cultural principles (Determined, Clear, Creative and Supportive). If you are excited about this role and being part of our culture, but your past experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles!

About DAC Beachcroft

We are a leading international legal business with over 3,000 colleagues and a diverse range of capabilities. We are market leaders in insurance, health and real estate but with a full-service offering, including growing Financial Services and Tech capabilities. We represent a wide range of clients from household names to government departments and NHS bodies. We act for nearly all of the top-20 UK and global insurers, we're market leaders in the provision of strategic, commercial and regulatory advice to providers and commissioners in the health sector, and in real estate we advise all of the UKs top-five housebuilders. We are a fast-growing international business with offices around the globe.

At DAC Beachcroft we are committed to and recognise the importance of equity, diversity and inclusion across the board, including and beyond the protected characteristics. We take decisions based solely on merit. We value, welcome and seek out people with different backgrounds and life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, ways of thinking and identities.

We are happy to talk flexible working with our Flex Forward scheme. We would encourage you to talk to us about our approach to flexible working during the hiring process if you would like to explore this further.