Complex / Multi-Track Claims Litigator

At DLG Legal Services, our mission is to make law easy and accessible to everyone. As part of the Direct Line Group, we provide legal services to over 50,000 DLG customers each year. Customers can access our legal Advice-line team and our growing list of services includes personal injury, employment, property, inheritance, and contract litigation. We also support our parent group, litigating on their behalf.

As the team takes on more responsibilities, it means we now have an exciting opportunity for a skilled Solicitor/Legal Executive to join our Legal Services team in either Leeds orBromley, on full-time and permanent basis.

The role

You will report to the Litigation Team Leader, and handle a caseload of complex and / or high value Claimant Personal Injury claims. You will be representing DLG Legal Services in the conduct of client matters in providing legal advice and assistance in a professional matter, in accordance with internal procedures and acting as an ambassador to the organisation

What you'll be doing

Managing client’s claim by using the firm’s technical process and accurately documenting each activity that has taken place and ensuring time is recorded accurately.  

Managing all client work allocated in accordance with the detailed procedures and quality standards contained in the firm’s manual and client protocol

Completing all necessary investigations into the circumstances of the incident and the value of the client’s claim, carrying out legal research as required, and collating and reviewing the evidence. 

Assessing the likely value of the claim for personal injury and recoverability of financial losses taking advice from Counsel if necessary.

Ensuring clients are provided the correct legal advice.  Where appropriate, managing clients’ expectations, explaining decisions and the steps in the claims process clearly and succinctly, and ensuring clients are treated fairly at all times.

Negotiating settlement on the best possible terms for the Client ensuring that instructions are complied with or taken at the necessary points.  Ensuring that the legal expenses provider is kept updated at all key stages.

Drafting the necessary documents to issue court proceedings, comply with court directions, draft statements and ready the file for a final court hearing. 

Identifying, owning and managing the risks involved in running our business appropriate to the role, in line with the relevant risk framework and in compliance with all DLG Legal Services policies and procedures, The Solicitors Accounts Rules and the SRA Code of Conduct at all times.

Managing cases efficiently and effectively.  Making sure that client work is progressed efficiently to meet departmental targets and Service Level Agreements and the client is kept proactively informed where appropriate.  Agreed levels of billing and time recording must be achieved.  Incoming post should be reviewed daily and responded to promptly. 

What we're looking for

• Experienced Claims handler, Legal Executive or Solicitor.

• Previous experience of personal injury claims handling in law firm environment is essential

• Knowledge of the Pre Action Protocol, the Court Procedure Rules (CPR) and Practice Directions as well as awareness of the Fatal Accidents Act, other statutes and changes in the law.

• Experience of using a Case Management System

• Experience of dealing with EL/OL/PL & RTA claims

• Knowledge of JC Guidelines for the assessment of general damages in personal injury cases and understanding and       ability to research different resources e.g Lawtel, Ogden tables,

• Ability to communicate efficiently with clients by telephone and written communication

• Proven track record of achieving targets

• Ability to work under pressure with attention to detail and manage time effectively

• Understanding issues and finding solutions with the ability to think out of the box

• Ability to work as a member of a team and collaborating for success

• Professional manner, enthusiastic and trustworthy

Location: Leeds (LS1), Bromley (BR1)

Hours: 35 Hours - Monday - Friday

Home Working: 3 days from home / 2 days from your local office

What we'll give you

We have a strong focus on developing you and your skillset and to give you the tools to do so. In addition to this we also offer a great benefits package;

• 9% Private pension contribution

• Annual bonus - up to 10%

• 50% off home, motor and pet insurance plus free travel insurance and Green Flag breakdown cover

• Additional optional Health and Dental insurance

• EV car scheme allows all colleagues to lease a brand new electric or plug-in hybrid car in a tax efficient way.

• Generous holidays

• Buy as you earn share scheme

• Employee discounts and cashback

• Company car scheme

• Plus many more

Being yourself

Direct Line Group is an equal opportunity employer, and we think diversity of background and thinking is a big strength in our people. We're delighted to feature as one of the UK's Top 50 Inclusive Employers and are committed to making our business an inclusive place to work, where everyone can be themselves and succeed in their careers.

We know you're more than a CV, and the things that make you, you, are what bring potential to our business. We recognise and embrace people that work in different ways so if you need any adjustments to our recruitment process, please speak to the recruitment team who will be happy to support you.

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