Local Government Senior Associate

Job Description

Our Casualty team provides a full, expert service in defending public (PL), employers liability (EL) and product liability claims, across the private sector and the public sector. Weightmans team is second-to-none in providing defendant litigation servicesin these and other specialist Casualty areas. We operate on a national basis with dedicated commercial insurance and public sector teams and as part of our wider specialism we have a dedicated Casualty Fraud team. We receive direct instructions from bothinsureds and insurers.We are currently recruiting for a Principal Associate/Associate 5 years+ PQE to join our Casualty Team.Working in the dedicated Local Government team based in Leeds with your own caseload of fast and multi-track claims, you will be responsible for the day to day running of your cases including liaising with clients, opponents, courts, witnesses and undertakingyour own liability investigations. We have a specialist team to undertake intelligence searches and any required counter fraud enquiries beyond any client’s own handling preference.Main duties and responsibilities•Predominantly handling PI claims including EL, PL and Social Care•Complete MI procedures regularly and accurately•Achieve set financial and chargeable targets•Ensure relevant deadlines, SLAs, quality measures and KPI’s are adhered to•Comply with relevant policies and procedures•Work in accordance with Weightmans’ values•Interacting with clients over the telephone and in person as required, with a view to building upon close working relationships established with local insurer/insured clients•Take an active role in business development initiatives including training and networking•Assist other lawyers in the team with their work as required including supporting lead advisers and the supervision of more junior lawyers•Train, supervise and develop junior team members•Produce monthly and ad-hoc client MI reportsThis list is not intended to be exhaustive and you will be expected to perform other duties and have other responsibilities that fall within the wider remit of the role.About YouAs the role is varied, we are looking for you to have a flexible approach to the work you do and be able to adapt to different tasks. We also require you to have/be:•Previous experience managing your own caseload of defendant EL/PL claims is essential and experience in social care is preferred.•5 years PQE+•Good influencing skills•Some experience of networking with, and delivering training to, clients is desirable•A high level of commercial awareness•Conscientious, self-motivated, hardworking, responsive, with critical thinking abilities and excellent communication, organisation and analytical skills•A methodical, organised approach•Passionate about growth, generating work opportunities both internally and externally•Passionate about operational excellence generating work opportunities through great service delivery and improving the client experience•Ability to work to strict deadlines, tight timetables, targets and client protocols while maintaining high standards in terms of accuracy and quality•Excellent attention to detail and concentration•Excellent IT skills•Ability to multi-task and prioritise•Ability to work as part of a team and on own initiativeIf you meet our criteria and think this is a job where you could bring enthusiasm and commitment, then we look forward to receiving your application.Why work for usWeightmans is a Top 40 law firm with offices throughout the UK. Having been recognised as the leading legal employer and 9th overall employer at the annual Britains Top Employers awards 2022 and achieved recordrankings in Chambers UK.We are proud to be an accredited living wage employer.The independent research showed "Weightmans provides exceptional employee conditions, nurtures and develops talent throughout all levels of the organisation."We are truly committed to fostering a culture of equality and diversity, where everyone in the firm is respected and recognised on merit for the work that they do.We strongly encourage applications from people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations and disabilities. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustment at any stage of the application process. Please feel free to note your preferred pronou