Associate - Financial Lines - Professional & Financial Risks

This job is with RPC, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The team

Our market-leading Professional & Financial Risks team ("PFR") is seeking a lawyer to join the team in London. The PFR team is part of the firm's insurance group and has a well-established client base, acting for the vast majority of primary insurers in the market and their insureds. The team is going from strength to strength and, over recent years, has seen significant growth arising from FI, D&O, Crime and W&I/M&A claims. The team works closely and collaboratively with the PFR team in Bristol, one of the largest in the UK.

The role

The PFR London team handles a wide variety of claims against the full range of Financial Institutions, such as banks, asset managers, hedge funds, private equity, private credit and Fintech/Digital Banks. It also has a market-leading D&O coverage and defence practice, along with an ever-growing W&I/M&A claims practice. The team is also frequently asked to advise insurers on policy coverage or monitoring the conduct of international disputes by overseas lawyers. As well as acting for all of the major Primary Insurers in these business lines, the team also has strong connections with a number of leading brokers who often push for the team to be appointed by their insureds in a defence capacity. We're looking for someone who has a keen interest in financial lines claims and coverage disputes, including on FI and D&O coverage and defence, along with Crime and W&I/M&A coverage. From time to time there may also be the opportunity to undertake a client secondment. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with a number of partners and lawyers within a vibrant and growing team with the expectation that the candidate will be integrally involved in the strategic conduct of their matters and have day to day client contact. The work will be varied, interesting and challenging, typically concerning high value and complex cases, often with an international element. You will be encouraged to get involved with business development and client initiatives. The team is highly ranked for Insurance Disputes and Professional Negligence in both Chambers & Partners and Legal 500.

Day to day duties are likely to include:

• Working on a range of claims, with a focus on financial lines claims and coverage disputes, including FI, D&O, W&I/M&A and crime/ fidelity policies.
• Delivering high quality and timely output to clients, ensuring high levels of client service and alignment with agreed working practices and client service level agreements.
• Contributing to the development and improvement of the team's service, support, processes and procedures.
• Demonstrating the values and behaviours for which the team is known and keeping it client focused.
• Working to develop an environment of constant improvement: enthusiastically sharing with and helping others; and taking responsibility for aspects of team development.
• Capturing and collating required Management Information in accordance with agreed practice for clients.
• Encouraged to participate in client development and intellectual marketing initiatives.

Knowledge, skills and experience

• 2 - 4 years of PQE or equivalent relevant expertise.
• Experience in financial lines claims and coverage disputes including FI, D&O, W&I/M&A and crime/ fidelity policies.
• The candidate should ideally have litigation experience.
• Able to deliver legal and commercial solutions and establish collaborative working relationships with clients and colleagues to provide an outstanding client experience.
• Good attention to detail and excellent organisational skills.
• Excellent communications skills (both orally and in writing).
• An ability to adapt to shifting priorities and adapt plans accordingly.
• Be able to demonstrate good initiative and problem-solving skills, but be conscious of when to consult others.
• Committed to business development to further grow their network and the practice.
• Works efficiently and commercially and understands the importance of financial hygiene.
• Collaborative and works effectively in a team.
• A good knowledge of legal procedures, with a keen interest in the law and a desire to become a highly accomplished practitioner.
• Committed to being part of a supportive, inclusive and collaborative firm culture.

Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging

We are problem solvers. Whether in front of clients or behind the scenes. To solve problems creatively for clients, we need diverse collaborative thinking; drawing on different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives. That means that everyone who either applies to, or works for, the firm is treated equitably. We believe in removing barriers to equal access not least because our people define us and define what we do. If you need support and adjustments to do your best work, whether that's during the recruitment process or throughout your time at RPC, we're here to help. Flexible working that supports your commitments outside of work is an important part of our culture and, where possible, we will support this across all roles. Please get in touch with our recruitment team if you have any questions about our hybrid working approach or flexible working policy.