ASSOCIATE – DISPUTES (INSURANCE & PROFESSIONAL NEG)

• Deliver excellent client service and manage and deliver discrete pieces of legal work.
• Make an effective contribution to the firm’s work by aiming to meet and exceed target hours.
• Build a solid foundation of commercial and legal expertise within a chosen area of law and strengthen relationships with clients, frequently acting as a direct point of contact.
• Be responsible for some management and delegation of work to and support of junior colleagues.

Key responsibilities

• Role-specific – this role will entail a range of contentious insurance work including coverage disputes. It will also involve assisting clients in the insurance sector with contentious regulatory matters and some advisory work in the context of policy reviews. It will also entail handling significant professional negligence claims (mainly involving insurance brokers and solicitors).
• Manage work to support optimal utilisation; assist senior lawyers as required, acting as lead lawyer, where appropriate; delegate and provide feedback to juniors and communicate progress on tasks to supervisor and team members, consulting and offering solutions on difficult technical client issues; and manage the billing process as appropriate.
• Manage, develop and strengthen client relationships through anticipating client needs and expectations; and provide prompt responses and updates on progress.
• Support the firm and others – establish effective relationships with individuals and groups, across the global network; uphold the firm’s values; contribute to the firm’s initiatives (eg corporate social responsibility and diversity and inclusion activities); mentor and support juniors; raise profile by being involved with external bodies and supporting and attending marketing/industry events; and assist with internal training and preparation of legal precedents.
• Comply with risk requirements, firm policies and all relevant professional responsibilities and legislation and contribute to billing, engagement and client acceptance processes.

• Qualified/admitted legal practitioner in relevant jurisdiction.
• 2-4 PQE, however we are open to considering candidates with more or less experience.
• Solid knowledge of chosen area of law and industry sector(s).
• Strong legal skills, including drafting, negotiation and project management skills; foundation level people management and business development skills.
• Good understanding of law firm profitability and key drivers for financial efficiency; and ability to help manage costs and budgets.

Competencies

Personal leadership

• Takes initiative, embraces challenge and brings energy and drive to their work

Technical capability

• Seeks opportunities to grow and develop to deliver value for our clients

Collaborates with others

• Works as a team player, learns from and supports others

Plans and delivers outcomes

• Operates as an effective legal project manager

Enhances the client experience

• Builds relationships and innovates for the firm’s future

Contributes to building the firm

• Builds relationships and innovates for the firm’s future

The team also handles significant professional negligence cases involving mainly solicitors and insurance brokers.
Areas of expertise include:

• Coverage disputes across all classes of business including property damage/business interruption, professional indemnity, D&O, Cyber, Warranty & Indemnity, Credit and Political Risk, Contractors All Risk and public and product liability
• Contentious regulatory matters in the insurance sector
• Professional Indemnity claims

Key clients include: Marsh, Willis, BP, Chevron, Aviva and numerous corporate policyholders in the FTSE100 and FTSE250.
Recent matters include:

• FCA in successfully representing policyholder interests in the High Court and the Supreme Court in the Covid-19 business interruption test case
• Single Buoy Moorings Inc in Commercial Court proceedings on a US$1.3 billion construction all risks insurance claim concerning the Yme platform in the North Sea
• a purchaser of a pharmaceutical services company in relation to breach of warranty and associated escrow claims in relation to breach of warranty against both insurers under a W&I policy and the warrantors
• a global insurance broker on potential E&O exposures arising from the placement of an aviation Hull War Risks policy and coverage of a subsequent claim
• a global law firm in connection with a potential claim for negligence relating to advice given in connection with arbitration proceedings
• a leading UK insurer in Commercial Court proceedings seeking to recover multi-million pound payment protection insurance losses pursuant to various indemnification agreements
• a major UK company to recover over £100 million in relation to extensive reinstatement works following damage to its flagship office premises, helping them navigate a multi-party dispute and complex coverage issues under a joint project policy
• a leading international broker in connection with the UK FCA’s market study into wholesale insurance broking

Herbert Smith Freehills is ranked in Tier 1 by both Legal 500 UK and Chambers UK in insurance litigation for policyholders. It is also ranked in Tier 1 by Chambers Global for Insurance Sector: Policyholder (International & Cross-Border)