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 career growth and networking opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in high-profile cases and develop your legal skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified legal practitioner with 2-4 years of experience in insurance law.
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, Sky, Chevron, 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
- 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.
Insurance Litigation Associate (mid-level) in London employer: Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
Herbert Smith Freehills offers a dynamic and supportive work environment for Insurance Litigation Associates in London, where you will engage in high-profile cases that shape the insurance landscape. With a strong emphasis on professional development, our culture fosters collaboration and mentorship, ensuring that you can grow your legal expertise while contributing to significant client successes. Enjoy competitive benefits and the opportunity to work alongside industry leaders in a firm recognised for its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Contact Details:
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Insurance Litigation Associate (mid-level) in London
✨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 current employees at firms you’re interested in. You never know who might help you land that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in insurance litigation. Brush up on recent high-profile cases, especially those involving professional negligence or coverage disputes. This will show your potential employer that you’re not just another candidate but someone genuinely interested in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the role. Highlight your experience, skills, and how you can contribute to their team. Remember, confidence is key, so practice with friends or in front of a mirror until you feel comfortable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined application process that makes it easy for you to showcase your talents. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team. So, get your application in and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Insurance Litigation Associate (mid-level) in London
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, especially any work with coverage disputes or professional negligence cases. We want to see how your skills align with our unique practice!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your legal expertise and client service skills. If you've secured significant wins or managed complex cases, let us know! We love seeing how you’ve made an impact.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our team there, which can help you tailor your application even further!
How to prepare for a job interview at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the key areas mentioned in the job description, like coverage disputes and professional negligence. Brush up on recent high-profile cases, especially those involving major clients like Marsh and Sky, as this will show your genuine interest and knowledge in the field.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your legal skills, particularly in drafting and negotiation. Think of specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed projects or resolved complex issues. This will help demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities outlined in the role.
✨Client Relationships Matter
Be ready to talk about how you've built and maintained client relationships in previous roles. Highlight any experiences where you anticipated client needs or provided exceptional service, as this aligns with the firm's objective of delivering excellent client service.
✨Team Player Vibes
Since collaboration is key in this role, prepare to share examples of how you've worked effectively within a team. Discuss any mentoring experiences or how you've supported junior colleagues, as this shows you're not just a solo player but someone who contributes to the team's success.
