PRC Solicitor in Belfast

We are looking for an ambitious, driven solicitor to join a leading Northern Ireland defence firm. Keoghs NI has grown year on year since its inception in 2019, and the successful candidate will benefit from working with an insurance industry leader representing most of the key insurance clients in the UK.

Location & Department

• Department: Legal
• Location: Belfast

Key Responsibilities

• Handle your own caseload of claims predominantly in the County Court with some High Court litigation.
• Communicate with sophisticated insurer clients, dealing with their queries and updating them as the matter progresses.
• Conduct forensic analysis of voluminous quantum evidence, preparing chronologies, identifying anomalies and other relevant information across various sources.
• Use your existing knowledge of injury symptomology to identify relevant issues within medical records, instruct medical experts, and draw key issues to their attention.
• Critically analyze sources of liability evidence and identify any gaps.
• Draft concise technical advice on all aspects of claim handling, including advice on indemnity, liability, quantum and causation issues.
• Proactively identify next steps required on a matter, taking action as agreed.
• Interview witnesses and draft statements.
• Liaise with parties involved in claims including the insured, insurer, witnesses etc.
• Draft pleadings and applications.
• Instruct counsel and attend conferences, joint consultations, mediations both remotely and in person.
• Attend court in person or by telephone, attend trials, settlement conferences etc as required.
• Deliver agreed performance targets and quality standards.
• Maintain case management systems with up to date management information for clients.
• Ensure compliance with the LSNI regulations.
• Participate in business development activities.

Working Hours

35 hours per week, Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm with 1 unpaid hour for lunch.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Qualified solicitor or proven relevant legal experience is essential.
• Experience of indemnity, liability and quantum.
• Experience of cases involving complex medical issues preferred.
• Critical thinking and quantum analysis experience required.
• Good telephone advocacy skills.
• Positive, confident and enthusiastic.
• Excellent listening, verbal and written communication skills including the ability to compose professional written communications.
• Good advocacy skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and client care skills.
• Understanding of case law and litigation practice and process, and Court Practice Rules.
• Ability to plan and prioritise workloads, keep to deadlines and work under pressure.
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to weigh facts, apply the law and make decisions.
• Ability to anticipate problems and identify solutions.
• Driven to achieve to take development opportunities when they arise with a positive attitude.
• Calm under pressure with the ability to re-prioritise effectively when required.
• Confidence to take initiative to innovate and adapt to changing situations.
• Confidence to seek advice and guidance when dealing with new tasks.
• Ability to follow instruction and with attention to detail.
• Ability to recognise when sensitivity and tact are required.
• Ability to effectively work within a team.
• Proficient IT skills (Word, Excel and Office).
• Personal effectiveness.
• Team commitment: values others’ perspectives.
• Resilience: demonstrates self-control.
• Passion for growth and improvement: systematically improves performance.
• Embracing change: responds positively to change.
• Client care: works to add value for the client.
• Decision making.
• Negotiation, influence and persuasion.
• Commercial insight: considers and understands commercial implications.