The Claims Handler will manage a caseload of EL/PL delegated authority fixed fee cases on behalf of a number of insurance clients, working in conjunction with a Technical Support Lawyer who will be involved in setting strategies and making liability decisions, as well as responsible for their technical development. The role requires a forensic and analytical approach to the issues, together with experience and/or appreciation of the documents and evidence required in these types of cases. The work type likely to feature in the case load are Pre-action disclosure files, Infant Approval Hearings and EL/PL files handled on a Delegated Authority basis. In addition the Assistant File Handler will support File Handlers on tasks within their caseloads.
Key Responsibilities- Considering and responding to Applications for Pre-action disclosure
- Handling matters in accordance with client SLA's
- Instructing Counsel/advocate
- Reviewing evidence
- Legal Research
- Negotiations/ Drafting Payments into Court
- Dealing with routine correspondence
- Initial review and setting strategy for the management of the claim
- Reviewing matters throughout
- CRU
- Dealing with disclosure
- Reviewing evidence (including medical / personnel records)
- Conducting investigations with Insured's / obtaining witness statements
- Liaising with parties involved in claims including the insured, Claimant Solicitors and witnesses
- Instructing Counsel / Experts
- Attending conferences and Trials with Counsel and note taking
- Dealing with routine correspondence
- Reviewing quantum
- Drafting Tomlin Orders and Consent Orders
- Draft Cost schedules
- Dealing with general or straightforward queries
- Telephone chasing activities
- Filing out Allocation Questionnaires and witness summon
- Ensuring compliance with the SRA Standards & Regulations.
Working Hours:35 hours per week Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm with 1 unpaid hour for lunch. Primary location for this role is Parklands, Bolton Office - 1 day a week in office.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise- Self-confident with good telephone and communication skills with people at all levels inside and outside the business
- An ability to organise and prioritise tasks using initiative
- Calm under pressure with the ability to re-prioritise and delegate effectively when required
- An ability to maintain attention to detail when dealing with repetitive tasks
- Good Literacy and IT skills
- Good team worker with the flexibility to do what is required to get a result and ensure client service levels are met
- Ability to work effectively within the Keoghs Shared Behaviour framework
- Contributes actively to an environment in which colleagues work cooperatively with each other.
- Ability to meet performance targets
- Positive, confident and enthusiastic
- Excellent listening, verbal and written communication skills
- Good client care skills and evidence of working to client guidelines on a delegated basis
- Ability to prioritise work, keep to deadlines and work under pressure
- High level of analytical skills
- Previous personal injury file handling experience
- Legal Education- ILEX, LPC or equivalent work experience
- Experience of handling a caseload of EL/PL files would be advantageous.
Benefits- 25 days holiday per year which increases with level of service (opportunity to buy & sell 3 days)
- Family Cover Private Medical Insurance ( Bupa) - will automatically be at single cover level but can opt into family option within first month of joining.
- Simply Health Care Cash Plan
- WeCare - 24/7 online GP, mental health support and virtual wellbeing covering a whole host of topics to do with health, mental health, wellbeing & healthy living and financial & legal wellbeing
- Death in Service
- Critical Illness Cover
- PHI/Income Protection ( Private health insurance)
- Pension Contribution based 5% Employee / 3% Employer
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Tech Scheme
- Season Ticket Loan
- Gym Flex
- Access to Online Discount Sites
- Discounted Gourmet Society Membership
- Discounted Tickets for Merlin Attractions nationwide
- Discounts at local retail outlets
after successfully completing probation