Complex / Multi-track Claims Litigator

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.

As the team takes on more responsibilities, it means we now have an exciting opportunity for a skilled Solicitor/Legal Executive to join DLG Legal Services team in either Leeds or Bromley, on full-time and permanent basis.

The role

You will report to the Litigation Team Leader, and handle a caseload of complex and/or high value Claimant Personal Injury claims. You will be representing DLG Legal Services in the conduct of client matters in providing legal advice and assistance in a professional manner, in accordance with internal procedures and acting as an ambassador to the organisation.

What you’ll be doing

• Managing client’s claim by using the firm’s technical process and accurately documenting each activity that has taken place and ensuring time is recorded accurately.
• Managing all client work allocated in accordance with the detailed procedures and quality standards contained in the firm’s manual and client protocol.
• Completing all necessary investigations into the circumstances of the incident and the value of the client’s claim, carrying out legal research as required, and collating and reviewing the evidence.
• Assessing the likely value of the claim for personal injury and recoverability of financial losses taking advice from Counsel if necessary.
• 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.
• Identifying, owning and managing the risks involved in running our business appropriate to the role, in line with the relevant risk framework and in compliance with all DLG Legal Services policies and procedures, The Solicitors Accounts Rules and the SRA Code of Conduct at all times.
• 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. Agreed levels of billing and time recording must be achieved. Incoming post should be reviewed daily and responded to promptly.

What we’re looking for

• Experienced Claims handler, Legal Executive or Solicitor.
• Previous experience of personal injury claims handling in law firm environment is essential.
• Knowledge of the Pre Action Protocol, the Court Procedure Rules (CPR) and Practice Directions as well as awareness of the Fatal Accidents Act, other statutes and changes in the law.
• Experience of using a Case Management System.
• Experience of dealing with EL/OL/PL & RTA claims.
• 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, Ogden tables.
• Ability to communicate efficiently with clients by telephone and written communication.
• Proven track record of achieving targets.
• Ability to work under pressure with attention to detail and manage time effectively.
• Understanding issues and finding solutions with the ability to think out of the box.
• Ability to work as a member of a team and collaborating for success.
• Professional manner, enthusiastic and trustworthy.

Location: Leeds (LS1), Bromley (BR1)

Hours: 35 Hours - Monday - Friday

Home Working: 3 days from home / 2 days from your local office

Benefits

• 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.