Legal Counsel – Underwriting & Claims
Location: London
Type: Permanent, full time
Happy to talk flexible working
The Opportunity
QBE Europe have a great opportunity for a Legal Counsel to join a highly regarded in house Legal team as a trusted legal advisor across our UK insurance and reinsurance operations, supporting them in the execution of their strategy by providing pragmatic solutions on a wide range of legal and regulatory matters.
Having the right to work in the UK is a requirement for this role. QBE may consider sponsorship at its discretion.
About QBE
At QBE, we get to the heart of what matters for our customers. And we do it all with a human touch.
We’re an international insurer with more than 13,000 people working across 26 countries – which means we’re big enough for your ambitions, yet small enough for you to make a real impact. It’s an exciting time. We’re building momentum towards our vision to become the most consistent and innovative risk partner.
What if you could have a positive impact – at work and in the world? As part of the QBE team, you’ll get to spend every day working with people who are passionate, talented and kind.
Your new role
Provide clear, practical legal advice on a broad range of insurance and reinsurance related underwriting and distribution matters, , regulatory developments, and business projects.
Support the Senior Legal Counsel and Head of Legal, Underwriting & Claims in delivering legal strategy and frameworks for managing legal risk.
Draft, review, and negotiate contracts with a focus on legal robustness and commercial viability.
Ad hoc advice on contentious matters, claims coverage, contract interpretation, and legal aspects of claims handling.
Assist in training on legal and regulatory topics.
Monitor and analyse legal developments and emerging risks, ensuring the business remains informed and compliant.
Build strong relationships with stakeholders across the business and promote the Legal team as a valued and accessible resource.
Contribute to the continuous improvement of legal processes, controls, and risk awareness.
Represent the Legal team in cross-functional initiatives and support group-level projects.
Participate in the legal duty solicitor rota.
Foster strong internal relationships within the legal team.
About you
Qualified solicitor or barrister with a minimum of 4 years’ post-qualification experience.
A thorough understanding of English insurance law and the London insurance market and a good technical insurance knowledge across commercial insurance business
Sound understanding of UK general insurance regulation relevant to insurance distribution and product governance is preferable
Experience of multi-jurisdictional work is preferable
Excellent drafting and client management skills
Ability to prioritise and work under pressure
Good presentation and negotiating skills
Experience of direct client contact
Confidence to act independently and make technical decisions within competence, with ability to judge when to seek advice
Forward thinking and proactive in approach to work
Benefits
We offer a range of benefits to help provide holistic support for your work life, whatever your circumstances. As a QBE employee you will have access to and benefit from:
30 days holiday a year with the option to buy up to 2 additional days.
Flexible working - balancing work and life is important so our flexible working opportunities are open to all, this can include part-time, job share and compressed hours.
Pension – you are automatically enrolled into the QBE pension plan, which entitles you to receive employer contributions of 10% of your basic salary.
To learn more about benefits of working with us, click Rewarding our people - QBE European Operations
Awards & Recognition
We value our employee’s experience with us and are proud to have been recognised for the following awards:
Insurance Post British Insurance Awards 2025:
Winner: Commercial Lines Insurer of the Year, Winner: Reinsurer of the Year - QBE Re, Winner: ESG, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative of the Year, Winner: Insurance Personality of the Year - Chris Wallace, Executive Director UK insurance
AXCO Global Insurance Awards 2024 Winner: Network Management of the Year
Insurance Business UK 5-Star Cyber Awards 2024: QBE rated as a 5-Star Cyber Insurer
To learn more about our achievements, click here
Apply now and let’s make it happen!
If you’re looking for a career that combines your expertise and your empathy, click Apply today.
Your career. At the heart of it.
Skills:
Business Law, Communication, Contract Management, Critical Thinking, Intentional collaboration, Legal Consulting, Legal Documents, Legal Risk, Litigation Management, Managing performance, Negotiation, Research Analysis, Sound Judgment, Stakeholder Management, Team ManagementHow to Apply:
To submit your application, click "Apply" and follow the step by step process.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
QBE is an equal opportunity employer and is required to comply with equal employment opportunity legislation in each jurisdiction it operates.
