Assistant Lawyer

Job Description

Keoghs LLP is one of the leading insurance law firms in the UK and can rightly claim to be amongst the most dynamic in its sector. We now have exciting opportunities for talented insurance lawyers to join our Property Risks and Coverage Team. These rolesare based at our Bolton head office but feature strong connections with and team working alongside our London office. Flexible working is encouraged for the right candidates.Our large and complex cases require a collaborative approach and you will be part of a team handling some of the largest in the UK - fires, escapes of water, construction and engineering failures. You will also be running your own personal caseload but alwayswith the support of our most senior lawyers.The caseload involves acting for most of the leading UK insurers on issues ranging from policy coverage disputes, major loss subrogation claims and defended liability claims where insurers and their policyholders are facing claims arising out of fires, escapesof water, escapes of oil and subsidence. Often one major event will give rise to our early engagement and multiple involvements.These are technical and client-facing roles for well-rounded lawyers, so you will have a keen interest in building client relationships through the delivery of training and mentoring as well as in delivering first class legal solutions to complex problems.The team regularly delivers training seminars and workshops to various insurer clients and the ideal candidate will have an interest in client development and show a willingness to assist in the preparation and delivery of seminars on technical legal issues.In the first instance the successful candidate will be working closely with an Associate to assist in the running of substantial commercial insurance litigation disputes, some of which exceed £1m in value. The role may also involve assisting other Solicitorsin the team.Compensation packageSalary discussed & disclosed on application, hybrid working 1 day per week in office remainder remote working, Health Care Cash Plan, Holidays 25 days plus 8 bank holidays (opportunity to buy & sell 3 days) increasing to 26 after 5 years’ service and to27 after 10 years’ service, Death In Service - after 1 year, Employer Pension Contribution, Cycle to Work Scheme*, Tech Scheme*, Season Ticket Loan*, Gym Flex* (*after successfully completing probation)Key Accountabilities

• Initial review/report
• Dealing with disclosure
• Reviewing evidence
• Conducting investigations
• Instructing counsel and experts
• Legal research
• Drafting generally
• Attending conferences and trials with counsel
• Dealing with routine correspondence
• Liaising with lay and insurer clients
• Engaging in settlement negotiations including consideration and drafting of Part 36 offers
• Preparing pre-action and interim applications
• Preparing documents for trial
• Assisting with ADR (including mediation)
• Court appointments
• Conducting advocacy by telephone and in person
• Ensure compliance with the SRA Standards & Regulations

Working Hours35 hours per week Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm with 1 unpaid hour for lunch. Primary location for this role is Bolton, Parklands OfficeRecruitment Criteria

• Previous litigation experience
• A knowledge and understanding of the types of disputes handled by the department and claims handled by the department’s insurer clients
• An ability to prioritise workload
• Ability to pay attention to detail
• Ability to work with case management systems
• The personal skills to deal with such work as major and expensive litigation involving liaison with senior claims handlers
• Legal qualification required i.e. Solicitor / FILEX
• Previous defendant insurance experience
• Knowledge of product liability relates issues, breach of contract, negligence, property law, motor insurance liability issues i.e. insurers’ liability as RTA insurer, Article 75 insurer and issues of MIB liability.
• Previous experience in insurance, property and coverage.

ValuesOur culture is focussed on making Keoghs sustainable and successful for our people and clients, with this our four values are at the heart of everything we do; We are connectedWe are DynamicWe are InnovativeWe succeed together