Specialist Fast Track File Handler
Permanent - Full TimeJob Overview
Are you ready to take your litigation skills to the next level? Join our team as a Fast Track Specialist File Handler and make an impact in a challenging, rewarding role.
As a Specialist Handler you will handle litigated delegated and non-delegated motor instructions on behalf of key insurer clients as well as the MIB.
As a Specialist Handler you will handle litigated delegated and non-delegated motor instructions on behalf of key insurer clients as well as the MIB.
The successful candidate will work in a small team dedicated to dealing with cases involving indemnity issues, on behalf of the MIB and other UK's largest insurers and will report directly to the Team Leader in respect of day-to-day tasks. The team handle cases valued from £0-£150,000 in value.
It will be necessary for the candidate to be able to demonstrate an ability to impress the client with the extent of their legal knowledge as well as their understanding of the litigation process and provide clear unambiguous advice on the strategy for bringing a claim to its resolution. A clear view on both relevant case law and appropriate evidence will be necessary.
The successful candidate should therefore be able to recognise cases with a technical bias, e.g. whether the MIB is the correct party to pursue (having an understanding of the Uninsured Drivers and Untraced Drivers Agreement) or whether an Insurer is a contractual Insurer, RTA Insurer, or Article 75 Insurer, and what actions are required if the policyholder is a Claimant and there is a counterclaim be pursued. The successful candidate should have a good understanding of Part 7 litigation process and dispute resolution. There will also be claims involving multiple parties, as well as progression opportunities to handle more high valued multi-track value claims.
Key Responsibilities
- Reviewing files, noting and abiding by Client Guidelines
- Knowledge of Part 7 litigation, the CPR Rules and Court procedures
- Formulating initial and ongoing Strategy, efficiently and effectively, having in mind the appropriate fee structure.
- Comply with SLA requirement and critical dates.
- Draft reports confirming Strategy and agreeing the most suitable approach with the client.
- Draft legal documents and comply with Court orders/deadlines
- Throughout the lifetime of a case, being aware of the overall spend on a claim, whether fixed fee or hourly rate.
- Undertaking negotiations with Third Party Solicitors
- Liaising with Insured and Insurers and Brokers where necessary
- Ensuring ‘actions’ are carried out as per Action Lists in Case Management System
- Undertaking Court Hearings
- Ensuring relevant tasks are delegated to the paralegals
- Accurately recording time and management information
- Accurately processing bills in accordance with Client Guidelines
- Ensuring files are kept within ISO 9001 guidelines
- To ensure 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 Bolton, Parklands Office.
Hybrid working: First 4 weeks, 3 days office attendance then 1 day a week thereafter
Hybrid working: First 4 weeks, 3 days office attendance then 1 day a week thereafter
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Minimum of 18 months experience of handling litigated claims, including Part 7 claims.
- Sound and practical experience of handling Fast Track RTA litigated files is essential, with evidence of managing own case load and reporting skills
- Have an understanding of indemnity and/or the MIB would be beneficial.
- Reporting to, liaising with and meeting clients with a high level of professionalism.
- Drafting of legal documents, including defences, applications, witness statements, Part 35 Questions, Part 18 Questions
- Preparing instructions to counsel and experts and attending and advising in conference.
- Conducting research and keeping up to date with legal and industry practices.
- A high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- The ability to meet deadlines and work efficiently by managing time in a fast-paced environment.
- A Professional manner with the ability to build relationship internally and externally.
- Recognise when sensitivity and tact are required
- Identify key facts/issues and make early investigations and decisions to bring a case to a conclusion
- Follow work processes and keep to Strategy
- Ability to make decisions
- Assertive and confident to managing expectations.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience of managing fixed fees whilst delivering quality
- Good telephone negotiation skills
- Good IT skills including Word, Outlook, and experience of a Case Management System, and preference for working paperless
Also have the ability to:
- Work as part of a Team
- Use own initiative
- Plan and prioritise workloads and effectively use delegation
- Remain calm under pressure