Solicitor, Defendant Insurance

Forbes Solicitors; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in Manchester seeks a Newly Qualified Solicitor to join their Insurance team. This full-time role offers 36.25 hours per week with hybrid working arrangements available. The ideal candidate should possess skills in managing Defendant Insurance matters, excellent client care, and a strong understanding of Insurance litigation processes. Benefits include 33 days annual leave, professional development, and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

33 days annual leave

Company pension

Health care benefits

Profit share scheme

Annual events

Qualifications

• Motivated and skilled lawyer with an understanding of Insurance litigation processes.
• Demonstrable experience in Employer's and Public Liability claims.
• Ability to generate fees in accordance with agreed targets.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied case load of Defendant Insurance matters.
• Communicate with clients, insurers, opposing solicitors, and Courts.
• Provide expert legal advice and guidance.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Client care skills

Legal research skills

Attention to detail

Verbal communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Qualified Solicitor or CILEX equivalent

Tools

Legal case management systems (e.g., PfW)

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

UK Employer of the Year 2024 : Silver (250+) - Investors in People Awards

Solicitor Insurance (Casualty Team) Manchester

Forbes Solicitors are looking for a Newly Qualified Solicitor to join our Insurance team based at our Manchester Office.

This is a full‑time role working 36.25 hours per week, Monday‑Friday, 9am until 5pm. Hybrid working arrangements may be available depending on operational requirements.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a dynamic Solicitor looking for a new challenge to join our Casualty team and progress their career, whilst bringing their skills and knowledge to a collaborative and professional team. Whilst the role will be working to the fast‑paced, customer focused and high standards of a law firm, it will also provide a sustainable work‑life balance and relate to the regional area in which it is based.

This exciting opportunity allows you to work in a supportive environment while handling a diverse caseload of Defendant fast‑track and multi‑track claims including Employer and Public Liability matters as well as Disease claims.

Responsibilities

• Managing a varied case load of Defendant Insurance matters, primarily consisting of Public and Employer's Liability claims but potentially including some Disease Claims and Fraud claims;
• Communication with clients, insurers, opposing solicitors and Courts to progress files;
• Provision of expert legal advice and strategic guidance to clients;
• Ensuring profitability and the successful attainment of all KPIs including time recording, financial management, and service delivery;
• Accurate completion of legal tasks and documentation, within the Solicitor’s area of expertise; this may include legal research analysis, drafting, and calculation of financial liability;
• Analyse legal matters, assessing risks, and determining case strategies;
• Negotiating, mediating, or litigating to achieve optimal client outcomes;
• Collaborate on complex cases with Associates, Senior Associates and Partners;
• Delivery of exceptional client care and maintain clear and effective communication;
• Represent clients in court or liaise with counsel as needed;
• Ensuring compliance with internal and external business requirements including ISO 9001 quality control, SRA Principles / Code of Conduct, and Court & Tribunal deadlines;
• Staying current and up to date with legal developments through ongoing CPD;
• Building positive relationships with current / prospective clients and enhancing the Firm’s profile, to drive business growth;
• Contributing to business development including training events, articles / newsletters, Chambers & Legal 500 submissions etc.

The Person

We are looking for a motivated and skilled lawyer with a strong understanding of Insurance litigation processes who can develop strong relationships and deliver exceptional service to our clients.

Essential

• Be a qualified Solicitor (or CILEX equivalent) or coming up to qualification in the next couple of months;
• Demonstrable experience and expert knowledge of Employer’s and Public Liability claims is essential;
• Expert knowledge of CPR and Insurance litigation processes;
• Experience using legal case management systems (e.g., PfW) to support the delivery of services;
• Proven experience of handling own caseload, working to and managing deadlines, alongside the capability to generate fees in accordance with agreed target;
• Demonstrates good client care skills, providing professional and competent legal advice in accordance with SRA Code of Conduct;
• Excellent attention to detail, including proof‑reading and editing skills to ensure accuracy and quality of legal documents;
• Demonstrates the ability to prioritise tasks, manage time effectively, and coordinate multiple activities simultaneously to meet deadlines;
• Demonstrates the ability to work as part of a team;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for interacting with clients, colleagues, and external parties;
• Demonstrates excellent IT skills and the ability to use multiple platforms such as Word, Excel, Outlook and other case management systems / databases;
• Aligns with the Firm’s values.

Desirable

• Previous experience with Business Development activities, with the ability to network with potential clients and introduce them to the Firm;
• Previous experience of advising local authorities and dealing with insurers;
• Demonstrable experience and expert knowledge of Disease claims and Fraud issues.

The Firm

At Forbes Solicitors, we believe in creating a supportive and collaborative environment where our team members can thrive and develop themselves and others. We offer a comprehensive range of legal services and have offices across the North, with deep roots in Lancashire. Our team are known for its genuine, practical advice and passion for achieving the best results. We are real people who listen to each other and work together to deliver exceptional service.

We are proud to have been awarded UK Employer of the Year : Silver (250+) at the Investors in People Awards 2024 and the Firm is ranked as a Legal 500 Top Tier Firm and a Chambers and Partners Leading Firm.

We are a values led Firm and are looking for people who embody our values: authenticity, striving for exceptional results, and unity in teamwork to join our award‑winning Firm.

The Benefits

• 33 days annual leave, including bank holidays
• Annual leave purchase scheme (Subject to T&Cs)
• Celebration leave
• Ongoing professional development
• Progression opportunities
• Company pension
• Profit share scheme
• Long service awards
• Subsidised tuck shops
• Health care benefits (Health Cash Back Plan and Mental Health Counselling Services)
• BUPA (Solicitor positions only, for self, not dependants)
• Retailer and gym membership discounts
• Recruitment and legal department referrals (Subject to T&Cs)
• Annual Events

Forbes is an Equal Opportunities and Disability Confident employer, accredited by Investors in People and ISO 9001 Quality Management certified. We are committed to equal opportunities in employment, service provision, and supplier engagement, and strive to maintain a workforce that reflects the local community.

We kindly remind all recruitment agencies to respect our policy which prohibits the acceptance of speculative CVs, and not submit candidates for a role that we advertise, unless explicitly instructed to do so. Any candidates that are submitted on a speculative basis will not be considered an introduction. Our dedication to this process is part of our commitment to equal opportunities for all applicants.