File Handler Assistant

Department: Legal

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Bolton

Description

The role is positioned within our Non-Delegated Authority (NDA) motor unit, which deals with motor litigation exception matters up to GBP 150k in value and offers opportunities to progress into full file handling roles across all RTA tracks.

The Unit it currently made up for three distinct teams, the candidate being aligned to one of those teams within the wider unit.

The role of a File Handler Assistant is to support file handlers manage their caseload of Small, Fast, Intermediate and Multi Track cases on behalf of key insurer clients, from the issue of proceedings through to Trial. They will also aid in the management of litigated project files. Supervision and support will be provided in the role as part of our competency development framework.

There may also be a selection of non-litigated cases if they fall into the NDA remit.

The cases can often be non-standard motor litigation cases involving policy indemnity disputes, multi-party disputes, vulnerable road users, Part 20 and cases involving counter claims providing an excellent opportunity to gain insight into these more complex claims.

All claims would be handled on behalf of the Defendant.

The role would suit either an established pre-litigation RTA handler looking to move into litigation or junior/property damage only litigator looking to progress into personal injury litigation enhancing their wider competency with a view to moving into litigating file handling.

Due to the nature of the work being handled the candidate should be able to demonstrate an ability to impress the client with the extent of their legal knowledge and provide clear unambiguous advice on the strategy for bringing a claim to its resolution

Key Responsibilities

• Acknowledging instructions, initially liaising with client's, Court and parties;
• Drafting appropriate Court documentation;
• Filing appropriate documentation at Court and serving upon any third parties where applicable;
• Liaise with the Insured and witnesses with a view to drafting witness statements;
• To undertake negotiations with the Claimants solicitors to achieve a rapid and appropriate settlement on small claims/low value-tariff only personal injury claims;
• Obtain additional information and/or documentation from the insurer client and/or third parties to progress the negotiations;
• Follow up on outstanding instructions and other actions to ensure that responses are received within required timescales;
• Obtaining additional information and/or documentation as required from parties;
• To provide general assistance and ad hoc duties to support the lead File Handlers as and when required;
• To ensure all case management and matter information is inputted on to the system in a timely and accurate manner to ensure completeness of records and to ensure accurate reporting of information to our clients;

To ensure compliance with the SRA Code of Conduct 2015

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Some experience of working within a legal environment or alternatively holds an appropriate qualification
• Experience of negotiating with and influencing 3rd parties to obtain information
• Strong organisational skills, together with the ability to prioritise their workload
• Able to effectively work to set deadlines
• Dealing with calls and enquiries from customers, suppliers and/or the public.
• Gathering and recording information
• IT Literate
• Experience of using a Claims/Case Management system.