Pre-Litigation Credit Hire File Handler

Davies; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Belfast seeks a Pre-Litigation Credit Hire File Handler to manage a caseload of credit hire files. The role involves negotiation, strategy formulation, and ensuring compliance with guidelines. Opportunities for career progression exist, along with a supportive team environment and hybrid working options.

Benefits

Davies Incentive Plan

25 days holiday per year

Simply Health Care Cash Plan

WeCare – online GP and mental health support

Death In Service after 1 year

Pension contributions: 5% Employee / 3% Employer

Employee Volunteering Programme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Gym Flex

Access to online discounts

Qualifications

• Experience handling pre-litigation claims is essential.
• Experience with pre-litigation credit hire claims is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Review pre-proceedings files and adhere to Client Guidelines.
• Negotiate with Credit Hire Organisations and Third Party Solicitors.
• Build strong working relationships with insurer clients.

Skills

Negotiation

Analytical Skills

Communication

Team Working

Education

A Level or equivalent

Degree

Tools

Case Management Systems

Word

Outlook

Job description

Pre-Litigation Credit Hire File Handler

Application Deadline: 23 May 2025

Department: Legal

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Belfast

Description

To pursue settlement of a caseload of pre-litigation credit hire files in accordance with agreed cycle times and spend targets, ensuring Client Guidelines are adhered to. The job holder must quickly review files, formulate initial strategies, commence early telephone negotiations with Credit Hire Organisations and Third Party Solicitors, and liaise with Insurers where necessary.

This role suits experienced Paralegals or individuals with experience in the Credit Hire sector, including within Insurance Companies.

Keoghs is a leading provider of legal and claims solutions to insurers, businesses, and other insurance sector suppliers. Since establishing in Northern Ireland in 2019, we have grown annually, now employing over 50 staff dedicated to defendant insurance litigation. Our reputation is recognized in the Legal 500 and Chambers Directories.

We collaborate with our insurance clients and policyholders, providing a supportive team-focused approach that delivers excellent outcomes. Our Northern Ireland office fosters a strong team ethos, encouraging personal development and wellbeing. We offer hybrid working, a relaxed dress code, and an agile working policy. Our team is friendly and supportive, with opportunities to participate in social and charity events, and client development initiatives.

Progression: We have ambitious growth plans and a clear Career Progression Pathway. Each team member engages in regular discussions with our Leadership Team to support talent development, with opportunities for internal promotions to Trainee Solicitor, Associate, Team Lead, and Partner. We recognize contributions and reward high performance, making Keoghs a great place to develop your career. The cases you work on will be varied and engaging, with opportunities to specialise in areas of interest.

Key Accountabilities

• Review pre-proceedings files, noting and adhering to Client Guidelines.
• Formulate, implement, and update strategies as needed.
• Deliver market-leading indemnity spend and strong results for clients.
• Negotiate robustly with Credit Hire Organisations and Third Party Solicitors.
• Apply current legal doctrine and case law strategies to expedite settlement.
• Build strong working relationships with insurer clients where appropriate.
• Proactively handle cases to prevent complaints or issues.
• Ensure tasks are completed as per Schedule in the Case Management System.
• Maintain files within ISO 9001 guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with LSNI Regulations.

Working Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday – Friday, 9.00 am – 5.00 pm, with 1 unpaid hour for lunch. Hybrid and flexible working arrangements are available.

Experience, Skills, and Qualifications

• Some experience handling pre-litigation claims is essential.
• Experience with pre-litigation credit hire claims is highly desirable.
• Educated to A Level standard or equivalent; a degree is preferable.
• Ability to use own initiative, plan, and prioritize workloads.
• Excellent listening, verbal communication, and negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow work processes and strategies.
• Sensitivity, tact, and decision-making under pressure.
• Effective team working skills.
• Confidence to innovate, adapt, and seek guidance when needed.
• Proficient IT skills, including Word, Outlook, and experience with Case Management Systems preferred.

Benefits

• Davies Incentive Plan
• 25 days holiday per year, increasing with service (option to buy & sell 3 days)
• Simply Health Care Cash Plan
• WeCare – online GP, mental health support, and wellbeing resources
• Death In Service after 1 year of service
• Pension contributions: 5% Employee / 3% Employer
• Employee Resource Groups
• Employee Volunteering Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme*
• Tech Scheme*
• Season Ticket Loan*
• Gym Flex*
• Access to online discounts and memberships

*Conditions apply after probation completion.