Full job descriptionThe Claims Handler will manage a caseload of EL/PL delegated authority fixed fee cases on behalf of a number of insurance clients, working in conjunction with a Technical Support Lawyer who will be involved in setting strategies and making liability decisions, as well as responsible for their technical development. The role requires a forensic and analytical approach to the issues together with experience and/or appreciation of the documents and evidence required in these types of cases.

The work type likely to feature in the case load are Pre-action disclosure files, Infant Approval Hearings and EL/PL files handled on a Delegated Authority basis. In addition the Assistant File Handler will support File Handlers on tasks within their caseloads.

Key Responsibilities
*Considering concepts and merits of primary and secondary liability in employer and public liability claims.
*Handling matters in accordance with client SLA’s.
*Initial report/review and setting strategy for the management of the claim.
*Reviewing evidence (eg. Witness statements, GP records, Occupational Health/ Personnel records, property inspection reports).
*Dealing with Disclosure.
*Conducting investigations.
*Conducting CMC’s and applications.
*Review and report re exchange of evidence, receipt of medical evidence, joints statements or at any other stage.
*Instructing Counsel/investigators/medical and other experts.
*Drafting questions to medical experts.
*Costs Schedules.
*Dealing with routine correspondence & reviewing matters throughout.
*Drafting in general.
*Research.
*Counter Schedule.
*Pre-Trial reports.
*Attending Conferences and Trial with Counsel.
*Preparing/checking Trial Bundles.
*CRU appeal.
*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 Parklands, Bolton Office. We are hybrid workers with attendance required 1 day a week in the office









Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Essential
*Self-confident with good telephone and communication skills with people at all levels inside and outside the business
*An ability to organise and prioritise tasks using initiative
*Calm under pressure with the ability to re-prioritise and delegate effectively when required
*An ability to maintain attention to detail when dealing with repetitive tasks
*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 Behaviour framework
*Contributes actively to an environment in which colleagues work cooperatively with each other.
*Ability to meet performance targets
*Positive, confident and enthusiastic
*Excellent listening, verbal and written communication skills
*Good client care skills and evidence of working to client guidelines on a delegated basis
*Ability to prioritise work, keep to deadlines and work under pressure
*High level of analytical skills

Desirable
*Previous personal injury file handling experience
*Legal Education- ILEX, LPC or equivalent work experience
*Experience of handling a caseload of EL/PL files would be advantageous.
*Previous litigation experience is preferred
*Good advocacy skills

Values:

Our culture is focussed on making Keoghs sustainable and successful for our people and clients, with this our four values are at the heart of everything we do;

We are connected
We are Dynamic
We are Innovative
We succeed together

Benefits
*25 days holiday per year which increases with level of service (opportunity to buy & sell 3 days)
*Family Cover Private Medical Insurance ( Bupa) - will automatically be at single cover level but can opt into family option within first month of joining.
*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
*Critical Illness Cover
*PHI/Income Protection ( Private health insurance)
*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