At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise on complex insurance disputes and manage day-to-day matters with a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Mills & Reeve, a top UK law firm known for its supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, extensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative environment that values diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Take ownership of high-value cases and build strong relationships in the London insurance market.
- Qualifications: 6+ years' PQE in insurance law and a passion for client development.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
We have an excellent opportunity for an insurance disputes lawyer to join our London Insurance Disputes team as a Senior Associate.
The role
You will advise on a broad range of insurance coverage and liability defence matters, working with multiple partners on complex, often international disputes. You will have a high degree of responsibility for managing matters day‑to‑day, supervising junior lawyers and contributing actively to client development.
You will bring a strong understanding of the London insurance market, including Lloyd's and subscription risks, and be confident advising on policy interpretation, coverage disputes, liability defence (including professional indemnity), subrogation and dispute resolution strategy. This is a genuinely senior Principal Associate role, offering scope to take ownership of work, build profile with key clients and play a meaningful role in practice growth.
The person
The role is suited to an experienced insurance lawyer who enjoys taking ownership of workstreams, working closely with partners on complex and high‑value matters, and building strong relationships with London Market clients. You will have 6+ years' PQE (or equivalent experience), ideally gained at a leading insurance law firm.
The activities
Our London Insurance Disputes team continues to grow strongly and handles a wide and varied caseload. The role will involve working with partners across areas including:
- D&O and financial lines
- Cyber and Technology risks
- Credit and political risk, political violence
- Property damage
- Reinsurance
- Fraud
- Professional indemnity (including solicitors, accountants, brokers and construction professionals)
- Specialty lines, including specie, personal accident, and accident & health
Our clients include many of the market's leading insurers, reinsurers, Lloyd's syndicates and MGAs.
The benefits
As you'd expect, we offer a competitive salary and a wide range of benefits.
Pre-employment screening
If we offer you a role, we will conduct comprehensive pre-employment screening. This screening will include, but is not limited to, a basic DBS, verification of your right to work, a three year employment history and a self-declaration to assess your character and suitability for the role. Full details of our pre-screening employment process are available upon request.
The firm
Mills & Reeve is centred on achieving more for clients, their businesses and the wider communities we serve. Our clients and their industries benefit from our knowledge and learning, and receive consistent experiences with no surprises. We tell them what they need to know when they need to know it. We build personal relationships, with advice individually tailored to individual need. And if clients need things we don't offer, we draw on our network to give recommendations. Our 1,450 plus people and over 850 lawyers share one vision – achieving more for clients.
By joining Mills & Reeve, you'll have the chance to build your skills and experience within a firm that's not only ranked in the top 50 UK law firms, but also one that truly values their people. We're also ranked in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work list, and have been awarded Platinum Investors in People. Our mantra is “Achieve more. Together.”, which we feel embodies our purpose and is more than just a catchphrase!
Our values
Our values are the principles that help us fulfil our purpose. Our people shaped them and live them every day.
- We're ambitious - We aim high, we embrace new ideas and we're passionate about our work
- We're open - We communicate openly and honestly to build trust, and we do what's right
- We care - We're committed to each other, our clients, our communities and the planet
- We collaborate - We're easy to work with, we offer help willingly and we get things done – together
And finally
Everyone at Mills & Reeve brings a unique perspective and ideas to the team and we do everything we can to help each person to thrive. We're committed to providing an inclusive and supportive working environment, are happy to consider flexible working arrangements, and want to achieve the right balance for both our people and the firm. We encourage everyone to ask if they feel they need any workplace adjustments, and will do our best to support with these.
To find out more about our diversity and inclusion work, visit our website.
Vacancy Title: Senior Associate - Insurance Disputes
Office: London
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Senior Associate - Insurance Disputes in London employer: Mills & Reeve
Mills & Reeve is an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development within the legal field. With a focus on meaningful work in real estate disputes, employees benefit from a diverse caseload and the chance to mentor junior lawyers, all while being part of a dynamic team in vibrant locations like Norwich, Birmingham, or Cambridge.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate - Insurance Disputes in London
✨Dive Into Industry Networking Events
Get your foot in the door by attending insurance industry events and conferences. Not only will you learn about the latest trends, but you'll also meet potential employers and industry peers. Check out local chapters of professional bodies like the Chartered Insurance Institute for valuable meetups.
✨Use LinkedIn to Your Advantage
Don’t underestimate the power of LinkedIn in the insurance world. Engage with industry content, join relevant groups, and connect with professionals at companies you admire (like Mills & Reeve). A thoughtful message explaining your interest can really make a difference!
✨Look Out for Graduate Schemes
Many firms in insurance have structured graduate programmes. Keep an eye on application windows and utilise your university's career services for insider tips. These schemes are designed to develop talent and often lead to permanent roles after your initial training.
✨Leverage Your Current Connections
Got friends or family in the industry? Now’s the time to reach out! Personal referrals can give you a head start, so let them know you're on the lookout for full-time opportunities at places like Mills & Reeve. Don’t shy away from asking for a coffee chat; you never know what doors it might open!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate - Insurance Disputes in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In insurance, we love a candidate who can crunch numbers and analyse data effectively. When crafting your CV, make sure to showcase any relevant coursework or experiences that highlight your analytical abilities, especially if you’ve tackled risk assessment or financial modelling.
Showcase Industry Knowledge:Don’t be shy about your knowledge of the insurance sector! We want to see that you've done your homework on current trends, regulations, and challenges in the industry. Mention any relevant projects or studies you’ve completed that demonstrate your understanding of the field in your cover letter.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you’re passionate about insurance. Share any personal experiences or what drew you into this profession. We’re looking for enthusiasm and a clear motivation for why you want to be part of our team at Mills & Reeve.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don't just send a generic CV! Focus on tailoring it specifically for the insurance role at Mills & Reeve. Highlight relevant skills such as risk management, customer service experience, or any certifications you've earned in the industry to make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mills & Reeve
✨Know Your Numbers: Insurance Fundamentals
Brush up on your understanding of key insurance concepts, like underwriting principles and risk assessment. Expect the interviewer at Mills & Reeve to throw some technical questions your way, so be ready to demonstrate your grasp of these essentials.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Side
In the insurance world, it's all about data. Prepare to discuss any analytical tools or methodologies you've used in past experiences. If you have a portfolio of projects where you've tackled complex data, bring that along to impress the team!
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
As a full-timer at Mills & Reeve, they'll want to know how you handle real-life scenarios, not just theory. Think about challenges you've faced in teamwork or customer service, and how those experiences can relate to a career in insurance.
✨Know the Company Culture Inside Out
Understanding Mills & Reeve's values and workplace culture is essential. Don’t just memorise their mission statement; think about how your personal values align with theirs. This will show your genuine interest in being part of their team long-term.