Job Description

Solicitor - Motor

Department: Legal

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Belfast

Compensation: £35,000 - £38,000 / year

You will handle a varied caseload of litigated Credit Hire and Personal Injury Motor cases within the County Court jurisdiction.

The role will suit solicitors with 0-2 years PQE.

Keoghs is the leading provider of legal and claims solutions to insurers, businesses and other suppliers to the insurance sector. Keoghs Northern Ireland has grown year on year since inception in the local market in 2019 and now has over 60 staff solely dedicated to defendant insurance litigation services. The strong and well-respected reputation of our experienced team has been recognised in the Legal 500 and Chambers Directories.

We work in partnership with our insurance clients and their policyholders, providing a supportive team focused approach, resulting in excellent outcomes. There is a great team ethos within our Northern Ireland office, where we encourage personal development and wellbeing. We offer hybrid working and a relaxed dress code, and we pride ourselves on our agile working policy. Our team is friendly and supportive, and there are opportunities to become part of our social committee, participate in charity events and to get involved in client development initiatives.

We have ambitious growth plans for our future. We have a clear Career Progression Pathway, and each team member engages in a Continuing Conversation with our Leadership Team to ensure we support you in developing your talent with internal promotions to Associate, Team Lead and Partner, as we celebrate and reward our successes. We are fully committed to recognising contribution and rewarding high performance, making Keoghs a great place to develop your career.
The cases you will work on will be varied and exciting, with opportunities to develop into specialisms of particular interest to you, as we play to the strengths of each team member.

Key Responsibilities

• Work within the Motor team as an insurance defence litigation specialist, to pursue completion of files in line with client instruction to the commercial benefit of Keoghs and clients.
• Communicate, build and utilise relationships with colleagues, clients and third parties in a professional and knowledgeable manner; including all methods of communication: in person, over the phone and written.
• Proactively identifying next steps required and handling cases within your agreed handling authority.
• Interviewing witnesses and drafting statements.
• Liaising with parties involved in claims including the insured, insurer, witnesses etc.
• Drafting pleadings and applications.
• Instructing counsel and attending conferences, consultations, mediations both remotely and in person.
• Attend court in person or by telephone, attend trials, settlement conferences etc as required.
• Delivery of agreed performance targets and quality standards.
• Maintaining case management systems with up-to-date management information for clients.
• To ensure compliance with the LSNI regulations

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Law Degree & qualified Solicitor (2-5 years PQE).
• Previous experience in defence insurance litigation is desired but not essential.
• Good telephone advocacy skills.
• Positive, confident and enthusiastic.
• Excellent listening, verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and client care skills.
• Understanding of case law and litigation practice and process, and Court Rules.
• Ability to prioritise work, keep to deadlines and work under pressure.
• Confidence to take initiative and adapt to changing situations.
• Ability to work to agreed targets and service level agreements.
• Excellent research skills.
• High level of analytical skills.
• Excellent IT skills.

Required Soft Skills

• Behaviours - displays a positive and professional attitude towards their work and colleagues in line with Keoghs Shared Behaviours
• Communication – ability to adapt communication style to ensure a mutual understanding is achieved both with customers and colleagues
• Planning & Organisation – ability to structure, manage and prioritise workload accordingly
• Adaptability – ability to adapt to different situations and tasks, whilst maintaining quality and service
• Quality of Service – to be able to demonstrate an understanding of all detailed aspects of the service and function, and how that contributes to the success of the division

Working Hours
35 hours per weekMonday – Friday 9am – 5pm with 1 unpaid hour for lunch.

Job Benefits

• 25 days holiday per year which increases with level of service (opportunity to buy & sell 3 days)
• 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 – after 1 years’ service
• 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