Junior Associate - Defence Insurance, Belfast

Junior Associate/Associate – Defence Insurance

NQ–2 Years’ PQE | Belfast

The Role

We are looking for an enthusiastic NQ–2 years’ PQE Junior Associate / Associate to join our Defence Insurance team in Belfast.

Our team handles a broad range of litigation, including motor, disease, employers’ liability and public liability claims. This is an excellent opportunity for a newly qualified or junior solicitor looking to develop their career within an expanding team.

Based in our Belfast office, you will work closely with experienced lawyers and have regular contact with insurer clients and self-insured organisations. We have a collaborative and supportive team and provide an environment where junior lawyers can develop their technical skills, confidence and experience.

Previous experience of personal injury, insurance or litigation would be advantageous, whether gained during a training contract or since qualification. Experience of defendant insurance work would be beneficial but is not essential.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone at the early stages of their career who is keen to develop their expertise in defence litigation, gain greater responsibility and build strong client relationships.

Our PQE levels are intended as a guide and we welcome applications from candidates who can demonstrate the skills and experience required for the role.

Essential Skills & Experience

The successful candidate will:

• Be a newly qualified solicitor or have up to approximately two years’ post-qualification experience.
• Ideally have gained exposure to personal injury, insurance or litigation work during their training contract or post-qualification experience.
• Have an interest in developing a career within defendant insurance litigation.
• Be organised and able to effectively manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Have strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Enjoy analysing legal issues and developing their technical knowledge.
• Be committed to delivering a professional and responsive service to clients.
• Be comfortable working collaboratively as part of a busy and supportive team.

Key Responsibilities

Working with the wider team, you will gain exposure to a varied range of defence insurance work and will:

• Assist with and, as your experience develops, manage a varied caseload on behalf of insurance companies and self-insured commercial organisations.
• Carry out investigations with policyholders and take witness statements.
• Review and interpret medical records, medical reports and other evidence.
• Identify information and evidence requirements and liaise with relevant parties to obtain documentation.
• Prepare initial and updating reports, correspondence and advice to clients.
• Work in accordance with client service level agreements, reporting requirements and court deadlines.
• Draft legal documents and provide clear, practical advice to clients.
• Assist with interlocutory proceedings, Court Reviews, pre-trial meetings and client meetings.
• Attend and appear at court where appropriate, with support and supervision as required.
• Work closely with Partners, Associates and other members of the team on more complex matters.
• Develop effective relationships with clients and contribute to delivering a high-quality service.
• Support marketing and business development initiatives across the team and wider Clyde & Co casualty practice.

Learning & Development

You will join a friendly and supportive team where you will have the opportunity to develop your technical knowledge and practical litigation skills while gradually taking on greater responsibility.

You will have access to a range of learning and development opportunities designed to support your progression and help you build a successful career in defendant insurance litigation.

Flexible Working

We offer hybrid working, with two days in the office and three days working from home.

The Firm

When you work at Clyde & Co, you join a team of 500 partners, 2,400 lawyers, 3,200 legal professionals and 5,500 people in nearly 70 offices and associated offices worldwide. Our values are the principles that guide the decisions we make, unite us in our endeavours and strengthen our delivery, for both our clients and our firm. We work as one, excel with clients, celebrate difference and act boldly. We are committed to operating in a responsible way by progressing towards a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities and clients it serves. We are devoted to providing an environment in which everyone can realise their potential, using its legal and professional skills to support its communities. We do this through pro bono work, volunteering and charitable partnerships, and minimising the impact it has on the environment, including through our commitment to the SBTi Net-Zero standard and the setting of ambitious emissions reduction targets.

Our Commitment

Clyde & Co is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. Our values encourage us to support fairness, celebrate diversity and prohibit all forms of discrimination in the workplace to allow everyone to excel at work. Therefore, we welcome and encourage all applications from suitably qualified individuals, regardless of background or identity. Learn more about our interview process.

A Note on Privacy

Please take a moment to read our privacy notice. This describes what personal information Clyde & Co (we) may hold about you, what it’s used for, how it’s obtained, your rights and how to contact us as a data subject.

If you are submitting a candidate as a Recruitment Agency Partner, it is an essential requirement and your responsibility to ensure that candidates applying to Clyde & Co are aware of this privacy notice.

This is the job description as constituted at present; however, Clyde & Co reserves the right to reasonably amend it in accordance with the changing needs of the business.