At a Glance
- Tasks: Handle complex insurance litigation and support clients in high-stakes disputes.
- Company: Join a top-tier law firm known for its innovative approach and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities to work on high-profile cases.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career growth and mentorship opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the legal field while working with leading clients and cases.
- 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 — Policyholder Focus in London employer: Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
Herbert Smith Freehills offers a dynamic and supportive work environment in London, where our Insurance and Professional Risks team excels in handling high-profile cases for esteemed clients. We prioritise employee growth through mentorship opportunities and involvement in significant legal matters, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation that empowers our lawyers to thrive in their careers while making a meaningful impact in the insurance sector.
Contact Details:
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Insurance Litigation Associate — Policyholder Focus 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 professionals for a chat. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent cases. Show that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your knowledge about their work with policyholders and significant claims. Tailor your answers to reflect how you can contribute to their unique practice.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Whether it’s a formal interview or a casual coffee chat, being able to clearly articulate your experience and how it aligns with their needs is key. Keep it concise but impactful—highlight your legal skills and any relevant experience in contentious insurance work.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our firm. So, get your application in and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Insurance Litigation Associate — Policyholder Focus 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 policyholders or complex disputes. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate your strong legal skills, like drafting and negotiation. Use specific examples from your past experiences that align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description. This helps us see how you fit into our dynamic team.
Be Professional Yet Personable:While we appreciate professionalism, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone who can build relationships with clients and colleagues alike, so a touch of warmth in your application can go a long way!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
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, such as those involving Aercap or Marks & Spencer, so you can discuss them intelligently during the interview.
✨Show Your Client Focus
This role is all about delivering excellent client service. Be prepared to talk about how you've managed client relationships in the past and how you anticipate client needs. Think of specific examples where you went above and beyond for a client.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Collaboration is key in this role. Highlight your experience working in teams, especially in managing and mentoring junior colleagues. Share stories that showcase your ability to support others and contribute to a positive team environment.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the firm's work, culture, and future initiatives. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the firm aligns with your career goals. Consider asking about their approach to contentious regulatory matters or how they support diversity and inclusion.
