Associate/Senior Associate Catastrophic Loss

DWF; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

DWF is seeking an Associate or Senior Associate in the Major Injury & Casualty team in London. You will manage a spectrum of high-value defendant claims, including catastrophic injuries, EL/PL, and motor matters, from £100,000 up to £20m+. The role involves drafting pleadings, instructing experts, and meeting court deadlines.

We value experience in complex loss work and collaboration with Partners to develop the team and client relationships, with flexible hybrid working from our London office.

Qualifications

• 3+ years PQE within litigation and EL/PL, catastrophic injury or large loss experience.
• Experience handling high value defendant files or assisting senior team members.
• Familiarity with working in a commercial environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage own caseload of high value claims (£100k+ to £20m+).
• Draft pleadings and client reports; attend court hearings and meet deadlines.
• Instruct experts, gather evidence, and assess medical causation issues.
• Prioritise workload efficiently while complying with SLAs and directions.
• Support and supervise junior colleagues; contribute to team growth.

Skills

Catastrophic Injury

Large Loss

EL/PL Litigation

Education

Solicitor (England & Wales)

Job description

Why join us?

The Major Injury & Casualty team at DWF is one of the largest in the UK and is nationally recognised.

We act for a large number of well‑known Tier 1 insurers, many of whom are household names, dealing with complex, catastrophic and large loss claims. The team is currently recruiting for a Associate or Senior Associate with a background in dealing with Catastrophic Loss and EL/PL cases. The role will be assisting Partners deal with a range of high value files, including injuries of the utmost severity such as brain injury, spinal injury, amputations, polytrauma, brachial plexus injury, severe psychiatric injury, and chronic pain of £100,000+ value. The team are based from our London office, but we are flexible on hybrid working arrangements.

Responsibilities

• Managing your own caseload of high value claims, compromising of a variety of defendant catastrophic injury, EL/PL, and Motor matters ranging in value from £100,000 – £20m+ 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 supervision and act as the 'go to person' for more junior members in the team.
• Support the Partners in the development and growth of the team and function.

What will help you succeed in this role?

Essential Criteria:

• 3+ years PQE within litigation and EL/PL, catastrophic injury, large loss or serious injury case experience, with case values over £100,000+.
• We will also consider Solicitor or Senior Solicitors that have done a significant experience in these areas.
• Technically experienced in Employers Liability (EL), Public Liability (PL), Motor, Catastrophic Injury, Serious Injury, Personal Injury, Large Loss or Complex Loss work.
• Ideally experienced handling high value defendant files either in your own right, or as an assistant to more senior team members.
• Familiar with working in a commercial environment.

Desirable Criteria:

• 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.

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.

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.