We are looking for ambitious, driven candidates who are looking to advance their legal career in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Many of our leadership team and partners started their careers at Keoghs which underlines both what a great place it is to work and also the commitment to our people and the development of their potential and their careers. Whilst our counter-fraud team is the largest and longest-established in the UK, we don’t do stuffy and formal; we are down to earth and enjoy the delivery of legal excellence. We are incredibly proud of our reputation and of the work we do with our clients in defeating dishonest motor claims and developing strategies and to identify and prevent new and emerging risks. We seek like-minded candidates who want to join us in this exciting and important work and to develop and further their careers with us. JOB PURPOSE The Pre-Litigated File Handler role involves working within a team of fraud specialists and legal support staff. The Handler will run a caseload of pre-litigation cases covering a variety of fraud types. The File Handler will work in conjunction with the Team Leader and the relevant Lead Lawyer so to achieve the best possible results in a commercially sound manner. The role requires both an ability to follow defined processes and a forensic and analytical approach to dealing with evidence. In addition, a high level of commercial awareness in relation to fixed fee work is essential. A key element of this role is decision making, to be reached within a set timeframe in accordance with the case strategy and within the best interests of the client. The File Handler will work with strategic foresight so to ensure all opportunities are taken in order to work towards shaping the future of the counter-fraud arena. The caseload will consist of a range of suspected fraudulent insurance claims consisting of various fraud types. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES It will be the responsibility of the Pre-Litigated File Handler to handle cases from the point of identification through to the resolution of the case, or point of litigation. Responsibilities in case management include, but are not limited to: Strategic Excellence • Detailed review and analysis of evidence throughout the life of the case • Setting the case strategy on files, ensuring adherence to any KYO or generic strategies that may be put in place by Lead Lawyer and Technical Leads • Adhering to all work type process stages • Identifying strategic litigation opportunities and complex cases when appropriate • Identifying client trends and any opportunities to raise profile with clients Client Excellence • Handling files in accordance with agreed client guidelines • Ensuring maximum client satisfaction on each case • Ensuring accurate and timely completion of all client and internal MI • Achieving both client and internal KPIs Technical Excellence • Liaising with all appropriate involvements on the case in order to carry out agreed investigations to meet the set strategy • Complying with all procedural (MOJ, OIC or PAP) and investigative deadlines • Protecting the client’s position in relation to litigation by ensuring the nomination and indemnity stance is clearly stated to all parties • Dealing pro-actively and achieving the best results with the case investigations and strategy from receipt until point of resolution • Delegating tasks as appropriate to assistants to take the case forward • Timely and accurate maintenance of all Case Management Systems from opening to closure • Adherence to file management policies • Complying with the SRA Standards & Regulations Financial Excellence • Be commercially aware, by working in an efficient and effective manner, where working within a fixed fee price • Commercial awareness so as to retain profitability • Achieve financial targets • Ensure timely and accurate billing Cultural Excellence Adhere to the Keoghs Values WORKING HOURS 35 hours per week Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm with 1 unpaid hour for lunch The location for this role is Bolton, Parklands Office This is an agile working role with attendance at the office at least 1 day per week ESSENTIAL SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES • Experience of handling pre-litigated case load • High level of analytical skills • Excellent listening, verbal and written communication skills • Ability to prioritise work, keep to deadlines and work under pressure • Ability to anticipate problems and identify solutions • Excellent IT Skills • Adhere to the Keoghs Values • Experience of time recording and billing systems REQUIRED SOFT SKILLS • Client Care/Service • Organisation • Ability to prioritise and adaptability • Teamwork and collaboration • Oral and written communication • Interpersonal and social