Overview
Paralegal/Litigation Executive
Location: Leeds • Hybrid • Permanent
About HF
People. Not just lawyers. We’re not your typical law firm – we’re people with a passion for helping our clients and each other achieve the best possible outcomes. We are leading legal advisers to the insurance and commercial sectors across the UK & Ireland, known for our innovation, client focus, and long-lasting relationships. We do things differently, with a forward-thinking approach built around our clients’ needs, supported by cutting-edge technology and a culture built around people from a wide range of backgrounds who are taking an equally wide range of routes to building their careers in law.
Casualty are instructed by insurance companies and corporate clients to determine liability, quantum and manage both pre and post litigation cases. The main areas of work include Employer and Public Liability (EL/PL) and some product liability work. We act for clients across many industry sectors ranging from Engineering, manufacturing, Sport and Leisure, Utilities and other service industries.
We believe in the value of our people and have a strong reputation for developing and nurturing employees. The Casualty team is a great place to start building your legal experience and will provide you with a strong grounding to progress your career within HF. You will undergo regular supervision with your line manager, receiving day-to-day support.
We are looking for an experienced Paralegal/Litigation Executive to be based in our Leeds office. We are looking for someone with an open mind and plenty of common sense! You will be acting as a face of the firm, and so it is important you are organised and compliant, but also willing to use your own initiative. If you have any pre and/or post litigation experience and wish to build your career in casualty work, please get in touch.
* Unique role for a junior lawyer to train as both a civil lawyer and regulatory and motor crime defence lawyer.
* Assist more senior lawyers and partners undertaking HSE, EHO accident investigations, taking statements and assisting with preparation for conferences with insured clients, and court hearings
* Motor crime involves assisting senior lawyers and partners to investigate serious road traffic accidents and defence work on behalf of insured clients who are being investigated by police for motoring offences. Taking statements and assisting senior lawyers for preparation of cases for interviews under caution with the police, court hearing preparation.
* Assisting with preparation for inquest hearings in fatal accident cases.
* Training and support provided both internal and external training on an ongoing basis
HF are a successful niche practice, who promote a relaxed and approachable atmosphere and operate a relaxed dress down policy.
Main Responsibilities
* Review accident reports and related documentation to assess liability.
* Manage a pre-litigation and litigated caseload
* Obtain and draft witness statements.
* Review third party evidence.
* Instruct Counsel.
* Manage client expectations.
* Resolution of liability disputes.
* Resolution of quantum disputes.
* Adhere to Court directions and deadlines.
* Take initiative to suggest ideas for improvements and understand the value of different working ideas.
* Work to set priorities, create clear plans and manage all work to meet the needs of the client.
Skills & Experience
* Previous experience within a similar role handling a caseload – Desirable
* Knowledge or experience of EL/PL liability – Desirable
* Previous experience working within the insurance sector – Desirable
* Experience of working in a fast paced environment – Desirable
* Ability to interpret and input data accurately and efficiently – Essential
* Ability to demonstrate initiative – Essential
* Professional and confident telephone manner – Essential
Personal Attributes
* Enthusiastic and self-motivated with a desire to achieve and exceed targets.
* Ability to work and thrive in a busy environment, working well under pressure.
* High levels of attention to detail.
* Strong work ethic and a committed team player.
What’s in it for you?
Apart from the competitive salary you’d expect, our package of benefits reflects our values of partnership, innovation, and being real people. We’re committed to creating a dynamic workplace where everyone feels supported, empowered, and part of our success.
You’ll Enjoy
* 25 days’ annual leave (rising to 30 with service) + Holiday Buy Scheme
* Life Insurance & Income Protection
* Private Medical Insurance & Healthcare Cash Plan
* Employee Assistance Programme & Digital GP services
* Pension Scheme
* Electric Car Scheme
* Enhanced Maternity, Paternity & Adoption Leave
* Hybrid & Flexible Working Options
* Discounted Gym Membership & Employee Discount Hub
* Flu & Eyecare Vouchers – and more!
Our full-time hours are 35 hours per week, Monday – Friday 7 hours per day working flexible hours between 7am to 6pm.
What next?
If HF sounds like a place where you could belong, wed love to learn more about you! Submit your CV here and we’ll be in touch if we have any opportunities that match your experience and interests. If we don’t have something right now, we’ll keep your details on file and may reach out in the future as part of our talent pipeline.
J-18808-Ljbffr