Insurance Disputes Senior Associate

DLA Piper; Greater London; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

DLA Piper in London seeks a Senior Associate for its market-leading Insurance Disputes team. The role focuses on Warranty & Indemnity and transactional liability, advising insurers on complex cross-border coverage and disputes across litigation, arbitration and ADR.

You will lead case strategy, coordinate with international teams, develop client relationships and contribute to business development while delivering high-quality written work and commercial, clear advice.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor with strong insurance/disputes experience.
• Experience advising insurers on Warranty & Indemnity.
• Experience in cross-border, complex coverage claims.
• Strong communication and client development skills.

Responsibilities

• Advise on (re)insurance coverage and disputes for complex matters.
• Lead instruction of experts in accounting and loss issues.
• Manage multi-jurisdictional mandates with international teams.
• Support business development in the insurance sector.
• Deliver high-quality written work and client reports.
• Build relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• Develop case strategy and draft complex documents.

Skills

Warranty & Indemnity

Insurance disputes

Cross-border mandates

Client development

Education

Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales

Job description

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. 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 and Contingent Risk.

Although the role has a particular focus on Transactional Liability, there will be opportunity for exposure to a more diverse range of product lines and global market issues. The Insurance Disputes team works with our insurer clients in respect of coverage issues and claims across a wide spectrum of international issues arising, for example, in: aviation; directors & officers; financial institutions civil liability/crime/D&O; property and business interruption; and reinsurance.

The role will involve working on cross-border mandates and collaborating with DLA colleagues worldwide (across the US, Europe and APAC)

Main duties and responsibilities

• Advise on (re)insurance coverage and disputes, leveraging experience gained at a leading regional or City firm.
• Advise on complex coverage issues across a spectrum of international issues, including Warranty & Indemnity claims and broader Transactional Liability risks; 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 complex coverage 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.

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.

Role

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 wider lines of business (in particular 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.
• 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.

About Us

We're a global law firm helping our clients achieve their goals wherever they do business. Our pursuit of innovation has transformed our delivery of legal services. With offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, we deliver exceptional outcomes on cross-border projects, critical transactions and high-stakes disputes.

At DLA Piper, we understand that inclusion is not a one-size-fits-all concept. We embrace and celebrate the range of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences that each individual brings to our firm. By fostering a culture that welcomes and appreciates all aspects of our individuality, we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Our commitment to inclusion and positive social impact enables us to provide exceptional service to our clients and communities, while nurturing a unique and inclusive culture for all our people. We welcome the unique contribution that you will bring to our firm and actively encourage applications from all talented people – however your talent is packaged, whatever your background or circumstance and regardless of how you identify.

We are committed to being accessible and accommodating any reasonable adjustments needed throughout the recruitment process to ensure an inclusive experience for all. If you need any support or adjustments, please let us know.

Where local legislation permits, we will conduct relevant pre-engagement screening checks prior to your first day.