Fast Track RTA / EL /PL Litigator in Leeds

About us DLG is evolving. Across every facet of our business, our teams are embracing new opportunities and putting customers at the heart of everything they do. By joining the Legal Services team you’ll be working in a place where empathy meets expertise. Within our own dedicated law firm, our diversely talented team support and guide customers through life’s toughest moments. It’s a fast-paced and collaborative working environment but our comprehensive training and tools will help ensure you’re ready for the challenge.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for an experienced RTA/EL/PL Litigator to join our Bromley or Leeds based Legal Services team on a full time and permanent basis.

The role: Reporting to the Litigation Team Leader, you will be handling a caseload of Claimant Employers Liability claims, Personal Liability claims and unusual Road traffic Accidents such as Pedestrian or Cyclist claims.

What you’ll be doing:

• Managing a client’s claim by continually using the firm’s technical process and accurately documenting each activity that has taken place and ensuring time is recorded accurately.
• Completing all necessary investigations into the circumstances of the incident and the value of the client’s claim, carrying out legal research as required.
• Collating and reviewing the evidence.
• Assessing prospects of the claim succeeding on its merits.
• Assessing the likely value of the claim for personal injury and recoverability of financial losses.
• Ensuring clients are provided the correct legal advice.
• Where appropriate, managing clients’ expectations, explaining decisions and the steps in the claims process clearly and succinctly, and ensuring clients are treated fairly at all times.
• Negotiating settlement on the best possible terms for the Client, ensuring that instructions are complied with or taken at the necessary points.
• Ensuring that the legal expenses provider is kept updated at all key stages.
• Drafting the necessary documents to issue court proceedings, comply with court directions, draft statements and ready the file for a final court hearing.
• Instructing counsel as necessary, drafting the brief and checking costs statements.
• Managing cases efficiently and effectively.
• Making sure that client work is progressed efficiently to meet departmental targets and Service Level Agreements and the client is kept proactively informed where appropriate.
• Identifying and appropriately investigating all conflicts, complaints and potential acts of negligence and ensure they are reported immediately to a team leader or member of the compliance team.
• Ensuring good working relationships with team-mates, team leader, management and administrative staff as well as maintaining a good working relationship with suppliers, external organisations and the worksource.
• Supporting the strategic development of the department and firm by developing best practice and the client experience through continuous improvement initiatives.

What we are looking for:

• Experienced Claims Handler, Legal Executive or Solicitor.
• Previous experience of RTA / EL / PL claims handling is preferable, either within an insurance company or law firm environment.
• Knowledge of Pre Action Protocols, CPR, Practice directions and relevant statute and case law as well as related regulations associated with accidents at work.
• Experience of using a Case Management System and knowledge of JC Guidelines for the assessment of general damages in personal injury cases and understanding and ability to research different resources e.g Lawtel.
• Strong communications skills.
• Good problem solver and able to work under pressure, whilst maintaining attention to detail.

Location: Bromley or Leeds

Home Working: Hybrid model (2 days from the office, 3 days from home)

Working hours: 35 hour per week (Monday - Friday)

Benefits: We recognise we wouldn’t be where we are today without our colleagues, that’s why we offer excellent benefits designed to suit your lifestyle:

• 9% employer contributed pension
• Up to 10% Annual performance-based bonus
• 50% off home, motor and pet insurance plus free travel insurance and Green Flag breakdown cover
• Additional optional Health and Dental insurance
• EV car scheme allows all colleagues to lease a brand new electric or plug-in hybrid car in a tax efficient way.
• Generous holidays
• Buy as you earn share scheme
• Employee discounts and cashback
• Plus, many more

Ways of Working: Our hybrid model offers a 'best of both worlds' approach. When you’ll be in the office depends on your role and team, but colleagues spend at least 2 days a week in the office. We want everyone to get the most out of their time at DLG. Which is why we’ve looked beyond the financial rewards and created an offer that takes your whole life into account. Supporting our people to work at their best – whatever that looks like — and offering real choice, flexibility, and a greater work-life balance that means our people have time to focus on the things that matter most to them. Our benefits are about more than just the money you earn. They’re about recognising who you are and the life you live.

Be yourself: Direct Line Group is an equal opportunity employer, and we think diversity of background and thinking is a big strength in our people. We’re delighted to feature as one of the UK’s Top 50 Inclusive Employers and are committed to making our business an inclusive place to work, where everyone can be themselves and succeed in their careers. We know you’re more than a CV, and the things that make you, you, are what bring potential to our business. We recognise and embrace people that work in different ways so if you need any adjustments to our recruitment process, please speak to the recruitment team who will be happy to support you.