Small Claims Track Handler

Keoghs LLP; Bolton; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Keoghs LLP in Bolton seeks an experienced Small Claims Track File Handler to manage a caseload of motor litigation cases up to £150k. The role focuses on strategic portal limitation matters and may involve non-personal-injury or subrogated defendant work.

Full induction and ongoing supervision are provided. Ideal candidate has established law experience and strong file handling skills, with a proactive approach to planning, prioritising, and meeting court deadlines.

Qualifications

• Established experience in law through further education or experience.
• File handling experience within a law practice or Insurer.
• Good understanding of highway code and basic road traffic act principles.
• Ability to plan and prioritise workloads.
• Efficient in a process driven environment.
• Drive to take development opportunities when they arise with a positive attitude.
• Excellent listening and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent written communication skills and the ability to compose professional written communications.
• Ability to follow instruction with attention to detail.
• Ability to recognise when sensitivity and tact are required.
• Effectively work within a team.
• Basic knowledge of the Court Practice Rules.

Responsibilities

• Management of a caseload of Small Claims Track cases, including effective planning and organising of the workload to ensure Court deadlines are met.
• Delivery of agreed performance targets and quality standards
• Analysis of the available evidence to create an initial case strategy on liability and quantum as part of a wider strategy.
• Undertake effective telephone discussions and negotiations with the client, Defendant, third party insurer and third party Solicitors to pursue the efficient and appropriate settlement of cases and apportionment of costs
• Proofing witnesses, assessing their evidence and drafting statements.
• Drafting of Court document and complying with all Court deadlines are met.
• Instructing, briefing and liaising with Counsel.
• Guiding the Defendant through the litigation process where required and setting expectations.
• Timely and accurate maintenance of all case management, billing and management information systems to ensure completeness of records and aid business decision making
• Delegation of tasks where available and appropriate to other members of the team
• Dealing with correspondence and telephone calls within strict service level agreements,
• Delegation of tasks where appropriate to other members of the team
• Updating reports upon receipt of evidence as required.
• Adhering to Client Guidelines
• that they receive up to date and accurate information about progress when requested
• Ensuring files are kept within ISO 9001 guidelines
• To ensure compliance with the SRA Code of Conduct 2011

Skills

Law experience

Caseload management

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Team player

Education

Legal experience from education or practice

Job description

This role is positioned within our non-Delegated Motor Litigation Unit which deals with motor litigation across all tracks to a value of £150k. The unit is made up of three file handling teams servicing RTA litigation on behalf of a variety clients.

The unit offers clear progression pathways, both technically and operationally allowing candidates to continue their career journey within the business.

The role of Small Claims Track File Handler involves manging a caseload of small claims motor litigation, specifically strategic portal limitation injury matters. There would also be opportunities to manage non personal injury, subrogated defendant litigation also where needed.

The cases would be managed from the point of service through to resolution.

All claims would be handled on behalf of key insurer clients as Defendant.

The role would suit an established Small Claims Litigator looking for opportunities to progress their career longer term or Portal (MOJ / OICP) litigators looking to move into a more technical area. The role could also suit a strong pre-litigation file handler looking for their first litigation handling role.

Full induction training will be provided along with continued on the job training and supervision.

Key Responsibilities

• Management of a caseload of Small Claims Track cases, including effective planning and organising of the workload to ensure Court deadlines are met.
• Delivery of agreed performance targets and quality standards
• Analysis of the available evidence to create an initial case strategy on liability and quantum as part of a wider strategy.
• Undertake effective telephone discussions and negotiations with the client, Defendant, third party insurer and third party Solicitors to pursue the efficient and appropriate settlement of cases and apportionment of costs
• Proofing witnesses, assessing their evidence and drafting statements.
• Drafting of Court document and complying with all Court deadlines are met.
• Instructing, briefing and liaising with Counsel.
• Guiding the Defendant through the litigation process where required and setting expectations.
• Timely and accurate maintenance of all case management, billing and management information systems to ensure completeness of records and aid business decision making
• Delegation of tasks where available and appropriate to other members of the team
• Dealing with correspondence and telephone calls within strict service level agreements,
• Delegation of tasks where appropriate to other members of the team
• Updating reports upon receipt of evidence as required.
• Adhering to Client Guidelines
• that they receive up to date and accurate information about progress when requested
• Ensuring files are kept within ISO 9001 guidelines
• To ensure compliance with the SRA Code of Conduct 2011

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Established experience in law through further education or experience
• File handling experience within a law practice or Insurer
• Good understanding of the high way code and basic road traffic act principles
• Ability to plan and prioritise workloads
• Efficient in a process driven environment
• Drive to achieve to take development opportunities when they arise with a positive attitude
• Excellent listening and verbal communication skills
• Excellent written communication skills and the ability to compose professional written communications
• Ability to follow instruction with attention to detail
• Ability to recognise when sensitivity and tact are required
• Effectively work within a team
• Basic knowledge of the Court Practice Rules