Associate - Industrial Disease

DWF Law LLP; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Inclusive work environment

Opportunity for professional development

Support for diverse candidates

Job summary

A leading law firm is seeking an experienced Associate to join its Casualty team in Birmingham. The ideal candidate will have over 3 years of post-qualification experience in defender litigation and a strong background in managing casualty and disease claims. The role requires both technical expertise and the ability to build strong client relationships. Working in a hybrid model, the Associate will handle high-value cases while supporting junior team members. A commitment to diversity and inclusion is at the core of the firm's values.

Qualifications

• Experience in Casualty, Disease, Abuse, and Large Loss claims.
• Interest in Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) and Occupational Asthma cases.
• Ability to manage caseload efficiently under pressure.
• Ability to build and maintain strong client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Manage high value major casualty and disease claims.
• Draft pleadings and reports, attend court hearings.
• Provide support for junior team members.
• Support junior team members and develop internal and external relationships.

Skills

Technically experienced in Casualty claims

Adaptable to change

Strong oral and written communication skills

Client relationships

Education

3+ years PQE in defender litigation

Job description

Why join us?

The Casualty team at DWF is one of the largest in the UK and is nationally recognised. We act for a large number of prestigious Tier 1 insurers, many of whom are household names, dealing with major Casualty & Disease claims and we are currently recruiting for an Associate to join the team in Birmingham.

We are seeking an Associate with previous experience providing expertise in Casualty & Disease claims. The team manage a varied defendant caseload including, Casualty, Disease, Abuse, and Large Loss claims.

The role is hybrid, with office attendance required in Birmingham 2 days per week. We are potential open to flexibility on this for the right candidate.

Responsibilities

As an Associate in our Casualty & Disease team, you will engage in a wide range of activities, such as:

• Working with the Partners to manage a caseload of high value major casualty and disease claims, compromising of a variety of defendant Casualty, Disease, Abuse, and Large Loss claims matters, with claim ranging in value.
• Drafting pleadings, reports to clients, attending court hearings, working to court deadlines, liability investigations, gathering evidence, instructing experts and considering interesting medical causation issue
• Prioritising work effectively and to maximise efficiency in working practices, adhering to court deadlines and directions, as well as the client's service level agreements
• Building working relationships internally and externally in order to maintain client relationships, develop business networks and create a solid understanding of the Firm’s direction and client needs
• Providing support and act as the 'go to person' for more junior members in the team

What will help you succeed in this role?

Essential:

• 3+ PQE, within defender litigation and Casualty and Disease claims.
• Technically experienced in and/or a real interest in Casualty, Disease, Abuse, and Large Loss Claims. With experience in Disease related cases such as Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL), Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) & Occupational Asthma
• Ideally experienced handling Casualty and Disease defendant files either in your own right, or as an assistant to more senior team members. We will also consider those with Claimant experience.
• Familiar with working in a commercial environment

Desirable:

• Enthusiasm to develop your skills and knowledge.
• Adaptable to change and willing to embrace new ideas and processes.
• Ability to work to deadlines, prioritise own workload effectively under pressure and manage conflicting priorities.
• Confident oral and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong client relationships.
• A commitment to delivering outstanding service and results.
• Strong academics.

What we offer?

We are committed to ensuring that each member of our team feels valued and duly rewarded during their time at DWF.
We are an equal opportunities employer that celebrates diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We aim to create a positive experience for all candidates and offer any adjustments or additional support needed. If you're excited about the opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all the requirements, please apply anyway. You may be the right candidate for the role or others across the wider team.

About us

DWF is a leading global provider of integrated legal and business services. We empower people to be themselves within an inclusive and supportive environment, enabling everyone to achieve their full potential in line with their abilities and career aspirations.