Fast Track Liability handler

Fast Track Liability handler

Department: Legal

Employment Type: Permanent – Full Time

Location: Bolton

Description

Are you ready to take your litigation skills to the next level? Join our team as a Fast Track Specialist File Handler and make an impact in a challenging, rewarding role. As a Specialist Handler you will handle litigated delegated and non‑delegated motor instructions on behalf of key insurer clients and the MIB. It will be necessary for the candidate to be able to demonstrate an ability to impress the client with the extent of their legal knowledge and provide clear, unambiguous advice on the strategy for bringing a claim to its resolution. A clear view on both relevant case law and appropriate evidence will be necessary. The candidate will handle cases on behalf of the MIB and other insurers. The successful candidate should therefore be able to recognise cases with a technical bias – e.g. whether the MIB is the correct party to pursue (having an understanding of the Uninsured Drivers and Untraced Drivers Agreement) or whether an insurer is a contractual insurer, RTA insurer, or Article 75 insurer, and what actions are required if the policyholder is a claimant and there is a counterclaim to be pursued. There will also be claims involving multiple parties.

Key Responsibilities

• Review files, noting and abiding by Client Guidelines
• Knowledge of litigation, the CPR Rules and court procedures
• Formulate initial and ongoing strategy, efficiently and effectively, keeping the appropriate fee structure in mind
• Draft reports confirming strategy and agreeing the most suitable approach with the client
• Draft legal documents and comply with court orders/deadlines
• Throughout the lifetime of a case, be aware of the overall spend on a claim, whether fixed fee or hourly rate
• Undertake negotiations with third‑party solicitors
• Liaise with insured, insurers and brokers where necessary
• Ensure actions are carried out as per action lists in the case management system
• Undertake court hearings
• Ensure relevant tasks are delegated to the paralegals
• Accurately record time and management information
• Accurately process bills in accordance with client guidelines
• Ensure files are kept within ISO 9001 guidelines
• Comply with SRA standards and regulations

Working Hours

35 hours per week

Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm with 1 unpaid hour for lunch.

Primary location for this role is Bolton, Parklands Office.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Sound, practical experience of handling Fast Track RTA litigated files, with evidence of managing own caseload and reporting skills
• Understanding of indemnity and/or the MIB is beneficial
• Drafting of legal documents, including defences, applications, witness statements, Part 35 questions, Part 18 questions
• Liaising with and drafting instructions to counsel
• Experience of managing fixed fees whilst delivering quality
• Good telephone negotiation skills
• Strong IT skills including Word, Outlook, and experience of a case management system; preference for paperless working

Have the ability to:

• Work as part of a team
• Use own initiative
• Plan and prioritise workloads and effectively delegate
• Remain calm under pressure
• Recognise when sensitivity and tact are required
• Identify key facts/issues and make early investigations and decisions to bring a case to a conclusion
• Follow work processes and keep to strategy
• Make decisions independently

Values

Our culture is focussed on making Keoghs sustainable and successful for our people and clients, with this our four values are at the heart of everything we do;

Our Values

We are connected

We are dynamic

We are innovative

We succeed together

Benefits

• 25 days holiday per year which increases with level of service (opportunity to buy & sell 3 days)
• Family cover private medical insurance (Bupa) – will automatically be at single‑cover level but can opt into family option within the first month of joining
• Simply Health Care cash plan
• WeCare – 24/7 online GP, mental health support and virtual well‑being covering a whole host of topics to do with health, mental health, well‑being & financial & legal well‑being
• Death in service
• Critical illness cover
• PHI/Income protection (private health insurance)
• Pension contribution 5% employee / 3% employer
• Cycle to work scheme*
• Tech scheme*
• Season ticket loan*
• Gym flex*
• Access to online discount sites
• Discounted gourmet society membership
• Discounted tickets for Merlin attractions nationwide
• Discounts at local retail outlets

* after successfully completing probation