At a Glance
- Tasks: Handle diverse insurance cases and mentor junior lawyers in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Markel Law, a people-first legal business with global reach.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, 25 days holiday, and excellent health cover.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a clear path for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing practice with London Market exposure.
- Qualifications: Experienced in professional risks or insurance disputes with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Markel Law is continuing to invest in its Professional Risks team, and we’re looking for an accomplished Senior Associate to join us in Manchester as part of a planned and exciting expansion. This is a rare opportunity to take on high quality, technically challenging insurance work, play a visible role in the development of a ranked team, and gain exposure to London Market instructions — all while benefiting from the culture, flexibility and balance of a growing national firm.
Why this role?
- You’ll join a Legal 500 Tier 2 Professional Risks team working closely with Markel UK and Markel International, handling a broad range of professional indemnity, liability and coverage matters.
The role offers:
- Autonomy and influence — genuine input into the growth and direction of the team
- London Market exposure, without the expectation of London working patterns
- A varied, high‑quality caseload spanning small claims to multi‑million‑pound disputes
- Clear scope to mentor junior lawyers and contribute to wider business development
If you’re looking to step into a senior position where your expertise is valued and your voice is heard, this is an opportunity to do exactly that.
The work you’ll be doing:
- Handle a diverse caseload of insured and uninsured contentious and non‑contentious matters
- Advise on professional indemnity, public liability, property damage, D&O and cyber risks
- Work on complex coverage issues and disputes, primarily from a defendant’s perspective
- Act as the day‑to‑day lead on cases, setting strategy, reserves and delivery plans
- Supervise and support junior lawyers and administrators, helping them develop their careers
- Play an active role in business development, internal referrals and relationship building
- Support the team’s growth, with a particular focus on London Market work
Who we’re looking for:
- You’ll be an experienced insurance or professional risks lawyer who enjoys combining strong technical work with collaboration and commercial thinking.
- You will ideally have:
- Experience handling professional indemnity and/or liability insurance claims (defendant‑side)
- Exposure to policy coverage advice and disputes
- A background in insurance‑focused or defendant litigation teams (London Market experience is advantageous but not essential)
- Confidence managing your own caseload across a wide range of values and complexities
- Strong communication skills and a client‑focused approach
- An interest in business development and team growth
- The capability and enthusiasm to support and supervise junior colleagues
Why Markel Law?
Markel Law is an independent, SRA‑regulated legal business, part of Markel Corporation — a Fortune 500 company with over 60 offices worldwide. What sets us apart is our people‑first culture. We believe great legal work happens when people feel supported, trusted and empowered.
What’s in it for you:
- Competitive salary plus annual bonus
- 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays (with buy/sell options)
- Excellent pension, private medical and dental cover
- Life assurance, income protection and travel insurance
- A clear platform for career progression and professional development
- The chance to help shape a growing, high‑profile practice
Interested?
If you’re an Associate or Senior Associate in professional risks or insurance disputes looking for a role where you can make a genuine impact, we’d love to hear from you. Are you ready to play your part? Choose ‘Apply Now’ to fill out our short application, so that we can find out more about you.
At Markel, we are all about the people, celebrating the value of a diverse workforce that brings experience and expertise from a wide variety of backgrounds and life circumstances. Whatever your background, if you feel you meet the requirements of this role then we want to hear from you. We are also happy to consider candidates who are looking for flexible working patterns.
We will ensure that individuals are provided with any reasonable accommodations to be able to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform essential job functions if successful. Please contact us via email at rec@markel.com or call us at 0161 507 5827 to request any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed, including alternative formats of documents or information on how to apply offline.
Senior Associate – Professional Risks in Leeds employer: Markel Corporation
Markel Law is an exceptional employer that prioritises a people-first culture, offering a supportive and empowering environment for its employees. As part of a growing Professional Risks team in Manchester, you will enjoy the flexibility of hybrid working while engaging in high-quality legal work with significant autonomy and opportunities for professional development. With competitive benefits, including a clear path for career progression and a commitment to diversity, Markel Law stands out as a rewarding place to build your legal career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate – Professional Risks in Leeds
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Markel Corporation, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate – Professional Risks in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Markel Corporation, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Markel Corporation and the specific role of Senior Associate – Professional Risks. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Markel Corporation’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Markel Corporation
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Markel Corporation.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Markel Corporation.
