About your new role
We are looking to recruit a Principal Associate of 5 years PQE plus, to support the Speciality team in Liverpool. The team is highly regarded for its expertise, the quality of its work and an eye-catching client list. Members of the team regularly deal with complex and high value litigation at the cutting edge of the professions they represent. The atmosphere is friendly and supportive with a history of mentoring and promotion at all levels of candidates who flourish as part of a team and relish the opportunity to make a difference.
The applicant will specialise in professional indemnity work and have experience in defending claims against construction professionals.
The Specialty team undertakes a broad range of substantial, challenging, largely contentious work. This includes defending claims against a wide variety of professional service providers (including architects, engineers and financial advisors); insurance policy coverage; insurance and reinsurance disputes; and claims relating to construction, property damage and aviation.
Main duties and responsibilities
* Proactive management of your own caseload with limited supervision required
* Working as part of a team on large, complex, high value matters
* Assisting the partners with their caseloads
* Preparing detailed and technical reports, correspondence and court documents
* Delegating to junior solicitors and supporting with their development
* Advising clients in relation to issues of liability and coverage
* Liaising with insurer and insured clients, experts, witnesses, counsel and other parties
* Ensuring compliance with client service level agreements, relevant policies and procedures
* Supporting and having autonomy to contribute to and develop business development initiatives
* Completion of management information
* Delegating to and developing/supervising trainees and paralegals
* Assisting with other work allocated by the Team Manager
* Working in accordance with Weightmans' values
This list is only intended to be indicative of the types of activities which the successful candidate will be involved in.
About You
* 5 years PQE plus (or equivalent)
* Well established expertise in Professional Indemnity, particularly construction matters and architect claims
* Experience of insurance litigation and policy coverage analysis is essential
* Experience of professional risk claims relating to construction claims and reserving is essential
* Experience of other professional risk claims is desirable
* Understanding of commercial insurance policies, the insurance market, reporting arrangements, reserving philosophies, and the relationship between brokers, underwriters/insurers and lawyers is essential
* Previous secondment to or employment with an insurance organisation would be advantageous
* Ability to work to deadlines / targets, to prioritise and manage a caseload and to work under pressure to deliver effective solutions
* Ability to work well as part of a team and on your own initiative
* A commercial, solution-driven and client-focused approach, with the ability to strategise
* Strong legal and analytical skills and an eye for detail
* Excellent organisation and time-management skills
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a positive attitude
* Excellent IT skills
* Excellent teamwork skills