Insurance Litigation Associate (mid-level)

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is a world-leading global law firm, where our ambition is to help you achieve your goals.

Exceptional client service and the pursuit of excellence are at our core. We invest in and care about our client relationships, which is why so many are longstanding. We enjoy breaking new ground, as we have for over 170 years.

As a fully integrated transatlantic and transpacific firm, we are where you need us to be. Our footprint is extensive and committed across the world’s largest markets, key financial centres and major growth hubs.

At our best tackling complexity and navigating change, we work alongside you on demanding litigation, exacting regulatory work and complex public and private market transactions. We are recognised as leading in these areas.

We are immersed in the sectors and challenges that impact you. We are recognised as standing apart in energy, infrastructure and resources. And we’re focused on areas of growth that affect every business across the world.

All of this is achieved by supporting the growth of our people, who help us deliver on our ambition – which is to help you achieve yours.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer: Your goals. Our ambition

The Opportunity

Our Insurance and Professional Risks team in the Disputes division in London is made up of around 30 lawyers headed up by Alex Oddy. The team has a unique practice carrying out high profile and complex work for policyholders, insurers and brokers across all sectors but with a focus on energy, real estate and financial institutions.  

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, AerCap, SkyChevron, various law firms and numerous corporate policyholders in the FTSE100 and FTSE250.

Recent matters include:

• Aercap on securing a US$1.035 billion win in the High Court under aviation insurance policies for the loss of aircraft and engines in Ukraine and Russia following Russia's invasion of Ukraine

• Marks & Spencer on its cyber insurance claim following a widely reported attack, securing a policy-limit payout of £100m within five months

• Sky on its successful £100+ million Construction All Risks policy claim in the English High Court and Court of Appeal

• 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 law firm in connection with a potential claim for negligence relating to advice given in connection with arbitration proceedings

• a leading international broker in connection with the UK FCA's market study into wholesale insurance broking

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is ranked in:

• Tier 1 by both Legal 500 UK and Chambers UK in insurance litigation for policyholders.

•  Tier 1 by Chambers Global for Insurance Sector: Policyholder (International & Cross-Border).

• Tier 2 for Professional Negligence in Legal 500 and Chambers UK.

Primary objectives

• 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.

Qualifications, skills and experience

• 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

Team

Location

Contract type

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone thrives. We see this as essential to our success, including our ability to innovate and achieve sustained high performance. This is a key part of our Values—Human, Bold, and Outstanding.