At a Glance
- Tasks: Handle complex insurance litigation and support clients in high-stakes disputes.
- Company: Join a top-tier law firm renowned for its expertise in insurance litigation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities to mentor juniors.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with excellent growth opportunities and a focus on diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in high-profile cases while building your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified legal practitioner with 2-4 years of experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Our Insurance and Professional Risks team in the Disputes division in London is made up of around 30 lawyers headed up by Alex Oddy. The team has a unique practice carrying out high profile and complex work for policyholders, insurers and brokers across all sectors but with a focus on energy, real estate and financial institutions. The team also handles significant professional negligence cases involving mainly solicitors and insurance brokers.
Areas of expertise include:
- Coverage disputes across all classes of business including property damage/business interruption, professional indemnity, D&O, Cyber, Warranty & Indemnity, Credit and Political Risk, Contractors All Risk and public and product liability
- Contentious regulatory matters in the insurance sector
- Professional Indemnity claims
Key clients include: Marsh, AerCap, SkyChevron, various law firms and numerous corporate policyholders in the FTSE100 and FTSE250.
Recent matters include:
- Aercap on securing a US$1.035 billion win in the High Court under aviation insurance policies for the loss of aircraft and engines in Ukraine and Russia following Russia's invasion of Ukraine
- Marks & Spencer on its cyber insurance claim following a widely reported attack, securing a policy-limit payout of £100m within five months
- Sky on its successful £100+ million Construction All Risks policy claim in the English High Court and Court of Appeal
- FCA in successfully representing policyholder interests in the High Court and the Supreme Court in the Covid-19 business interruption test case
- Single Buoy Moorings Inc in Commercial Court proceedings on a US$1.3 billion construction all risks insurance claim concerning the Yme platform in the North Sea
- A purchaser of a pharmaceutical services company in relation to breach of warranty and associated escrow claims in relation to breach of warranty against both insurers under a W&I policy and the warrantors
- A global law firm in connection with a potential claim for negligence relating to advice given in connection with arbitration proceedings
- A leading international broker in connection with the UK FCA's market study into wholesale insurance broking
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is ranked in:
- Tier 1 by both Legal 500 UK and Chambers UK in insurance litigation for policyholders.
- Tier 1 by Chambers Global for Insurance Sector: Policyholder (International & Cross-Border).
- Tier 2 for Professional Negligence in Legal 500 and Chambers UK.
Primary objectives:
- Deliver excellent client service and manage and deliver discrete pieces of legal work.
- Make an effective contribution to the firm's work by aiming to meet and exceed target hours.
- Build a solid foundation of commercial and legal expertise within a chosen area of law and strengthen relationships with clients, frequently acting as a direct point of contact.
- Be responsible for some management and delegation of work to and support of junior colleagues.
Key responsibilities:
- Role‑specific – this role will entail a range of contentious insurance work including coverage disputes. It will also involve assisting clients in the insurance sector with contentious regulatory matters and some advisory work in the context of policy reviews. It will also entail handling significant professional negligence claims (mainly involving insurance brokers and solicitors).
- Manage work to support optimal utilisation; assist senior lawyers as required, acting as lead lawyer, where appropriate; delegate and provide feedback to juniors and communicate progress on tasks to supervisor and team members, consulting and offering solutions on difficult technical client issues; and manage the billing process as appropriate.
- Manage, develop and strengthen client relationships through anticipating client needs and expectations; and provide prompt responses and updates on progress.
- Support the firm and others – establish effective relationships with individuals and groups, across the global network; uphold the firm's values; contribute to the firm's initiatives (e.g. corporate social responsibility and diversity and inclusion activities); mentor and support juniors; raise profile by being involved with external bodies and supporting and attending marketing/industry events; and assist with internal training and preparation of legal precedents.
- Comply with risk requirements, firm policies and all relevant professional responsibilities and legislation and contribute to billing, engagement and client acceptance processes.
Qualifications, skills and experience:
- Qualified/admitted legal practitioner in relevant jurisdiction.
- 2-4 PQE, however we are open to considering candidates with more or less experience.
- Solid knowledge of chosen area of law and industry sector(s).
- Strong legal skills, including drafting, negotiation and project management skills; foundation level people management and business development skills.
- Good understanding of law firm profitability and key drivers for financial efficiency; and ability to help manage costs and budgets.
Personal leadership:
- Takes initiative, embraces challenge and brings energy and drive to their work.
Technical capability:
- Seeks opportunities to grow and develop to deliver value for our clients.
Collaborates with others:
- Works as a team player, learns from and supports others.
Plans and delivers outcomes:
- Operates as an effective legal project manager.
Enhances the client experience:
- Builds relationships and innovates for the firm's future.
Contributes to building the firm:
- Builds relationships and innovates for the firm's future.
Insurance Litigation Associate — Policyholder Focus employer: Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
Join our dynamic Insurance and Professional Risks team in London, where we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With access to high-profile cases and a commitment to excellence, we offer unique opportunities for professional advancement while supporting initiatives in corporate social responsibility and diversity. Our focus on mentorship and teamwork ensures that every member can thrive and contribute meaningfully to our clients' success.
Contact Details:
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Insurance Litigation Associate — Policyholder Focus
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the insurance litigation field. Attend industry events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals for informational chats. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your knowledge of coverage disputes and professional negligence cases. Tailor your conversations to reflect the specific areas mentioned in the job description.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for interviews by doing mock sessions with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your experience in managing client relationships and handling complex legal issues. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining us. Make sure to showcase your passion for the role and how you can contribute to our team’s success in insurance litigation.
We think you need these skills to ace Insurance Litigation Associate — Policyholder Focus
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Insurance Litigation Associate role. Highlight your relevant experience in insurance law and any specific cases you've worked on that align with our focus areas like energy or financial institutions.
Showcase Your Skills:We want to see your strong legal skills in action! Include examples of your drafting, negotiation, and project management abilities. If you've managed junior colleagues or contributed to team success, let us know!
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity and want to get a sense of who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your passion for insurance law and what drives you.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, your application will go straight to the right people, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of insurance litigation, especially in areas like coverage disputes and professional negligence. Brush up on recent high-profile cases relevant to the role, such as those involving major clients like Marsh or Sky. This will show your genuine interest and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your legal skills, particularly in drafting, negotiation, and project management. Think of specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed complex cases or contributed to team success. This will help demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their work and the team dynamics. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the firm’s culture aligns with your values.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions related to contentious regulatory matters and advisory work in policy reviews. Prepare by reviewing common issues faced in these areas and think about how you would approach them. This will highlight your problem-solving skills and readiness for the role.
