Insurance Disputes Senior Associate

We are currently recruiting for a Senior Associate within DLA Piper's market leading Insurance Disputes team in London.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a team which is recognised for its international capability to advise on a wide variety of complex, large-scale insurance and reinsurance disputes. You will have the opportunity to represent insurers and reinsurers in all forms of dispute resolution – litigation, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution.

The role has a particular focus on Warranty & Indemnity and other forms of Transactional Liability insurance. While there will be some opportunity for exposure to a more diverse range of product lines and global market issues (such as sanctions), predominantly, this role will be focused on advising insurers on the response of (mainly buyer-side) Warranty & Indemnity policies; other Transactional Liability insurance products such as Tax Indemnity policies; with likely exposure also to Contingent Risk and Judgment Protection insurance policies.

The role will involve working on cross-border mandates and collaborating with DLA colleagues worldwide (across the US, Europe and APAC). There may also be opportunities to advise on Financial Lines claims (eg Directors & Officers, Financial Institutions Professional Indemnity/Civil Liability and/or Crime). All work will be "coverage" work, ie advising insurers on coverage issues.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Advise on (re)insurance coverage and disputes, leveraging experience gained at a leading regional or City firm.
• Predominantly provide specialist advice on Warranty & Indemnity claims and broader Transactional Liability risks; as required, also advising on Financial Lines claims (eg Directors & Officers, Financial Institutions Professional Indemnity/Civil Liability and/or Crime).
• Lead the instruction of financial and forensic experts specialised in accounting, loss and valuation issues in the context of Transactional Liability claims.
• Manage multi-jurisdictional mandates and co-ordinate with international legal teams.
• Deliver high-quality legal services in a timely and professional manner, ensuring compliance with all regulatory and professional standards.
• Deliver high-quality written work product tailored to client needs and spanning across detailed written reports, client Memos, PowerPoint presentations and focused email content.
• Communicate effectively and build strong relationships with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.
• Collaborate within a high-performing team, sharing knowledge and contributing to collective success.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for repeat business and client growth, actively developing a network of internal and external contacts.
• Support and lead business development initiatives within the insurance sector, contributing to the team’s strategic goals.
• Demonstrate strong technical, commercial, and sector knowledge, with a clear understanding of global re/insurance market dynamics and emerging trends.

Please note: this job profile is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities. You may be required to undertake additional tasks or responsibilities as reasonably requested to support the team and wider business.

About you

We’re proud of our collaborative and supportive environment, and we’re looking for approachable lawyers with strong potential, who communicate effectively, demonstrate sound professional judgement, and can present ideas and advise stakeholders.

We do not set upper or lower limits of PQE for any of our vacancies. We have however given an indicative PQE as an approximate guide for applicants. Candidates who are between 5 and 8 years' PQE are likely to have the right level of knowledge and have gained the right level of experience needed to be able to undertake this role. The ideal candidate will:

• Be a qualified Solicitor in England and Wales.
• Have a strong insurance / reinsurance coverage and disputes experience gained in a leading regional or City firm and/or have strong experience in wider M&A / SPA disputes.
• When applying from an insurance background: have a detailed knowledge of - and a depth of experience advising and representing (re)insurer clients on Warranty & Indemnity and/or wider Transactional Liability coverage issues. Experience of Financial Lines, Directors & Offers, and/or with drafting policy wordings and endorsements would also be beneficial.
• Will be able to demonstrate a high level of technical, commercial and sector expertise and will have a strong understanding of the dynamics and emerging issues relevant to Transactional Liability product areas.
• Will be able to evidence client development activities and efforts that have increased client engagement, new relationships or new work. 
• Will have developed strong communication skills and have experience of providing advice to clients that is solution-focused, commercial, clear and succinct.
• Will have experience of regularly leading the development of case strategy and the drafting of complex documents with minimal levels of supervision and always to a high standard.
• Will have experience of delegation and providing support to others to facilitate their professional development and promote a culture of high performance.  

More generally, suitable candidates should be able to demonstrate that they:

• Have a deep understanding of the technical issues that are key to our clients.
• Are commercially astute and stay current on key legal and business news.
• Have excellent skills in communication, client relations, and team-working.
• Provide a professional, quality service in a timely manner, and respond effectively to requests from internal and external clients.
• Comply with professional standards and all relevant regulatory obligations.
• Understand and can deliver high-quality, proactive client support, ensuring a positive and professional client experience.
• Work co-operatively in a team, sharing information and knowledge.
• Recognise and seize opportunities for the firm, including repeat business.
• Build and develop their own network of internal and external contacts.
• Have an awareness of business development opportunities in the sector, can identify ways to contribute, and lead on those initiatives.

This job description is not designed to be exhaustive and can be varied as required to develop or fulfil this role.

We offer excellent training, learning and development programmes, as well as a genuine opportunity to experience a wide range of work and clients in a friendly, supportive environment.