Keoghs are seeking to recruit one Trainee Solicitor for the Casualty Team. The Trainee Solicitor will assist the fee earners in their team and manage their own caseload.
Key Responsibilities
You will work as part of a team, supporting those with responsibility for progressing each file from receipt of papers from the insurer/corporate client to resolution of the case. You will also have your own caseload of pre and post litigation casualty files which you will handle under supervision. You will also support the supervising partner The role will include:
- Arranging meetings, consultations, site visits, expert appointments
- Client, third party, court liaison
- Instructing counsel as required
- Assisting other file handlers as required
- Review and analysis of documents
- Attending with policyholders and witnesses and preparing witness statements
- Drafting court documents and correspondence to clients/court/expert witnesses
- Conducting research to assist in considering liability, quantum and legal disputes
- Drafting articles, blogs, e-shots commenting on court decisions
- Preparation of documents for lodging at court
- Conduct watching briefs at hearings, drafting notes of evidence
- During the course of the training contract, it is expected the Trainee Solicitor will make sufficient progress in their technical capability, file handling and performance to progress to handle their own files under close supervision. In this role, the Trainee Solicitor will be required to:
- Analyse liability, quantum and causation
- Draft initial client reports
- After 12 months appear in court both virtually and at in person hearings including Proofs
- Completing all Proof preparation including citing witnesses and lodging court documents
- Negotiating settlement of claims within level of authority
- Any other tasks as they arise to efficiently handle a caseload
Skills & Expertise
- Law degree or equivalent and Diploma in Legal Practice
- An ability to organise and prioritise workload using initiative
- Ability to pay attention to detail
- Ability to work with case management systems
- The personal skills to deal with insureds in a sensitive manner given the nature of claims handled
- Good telephone and communication skills with people at all levels inside and outside the business
- Calm under pressure with ability to re-prioritise
- Self-confidence, with 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 Values framework
Personal Effectiveness
- Team Commitment: Values others perspective
- Resilience: Demonstrates self-control
- Passion for Growth and Improvement: Systematically improves performance
- Embracing Change: Responds positively to change
Business Focus
- Client Care: Works to add value for the client
- Decision Making
- Negotiation, Influence and Persuasion
- Commercial Insight: Considers and understands commercial implications
