Solicitor (Fd&d)

The FD&D team deals with a wide variety of contractual and tortious claims for our global membership of ship owners and operators. Given the worldwide nature of shipping, this role involves handling legal proceedings in numerous jurisdictions. The role is both challenging and interesting, with most well-publicised world events impacting shipping and our Members' underlying commercial arrangements.

**Job Requirements**:
This position offers you a unique opportunity to develop a legal specialism while working for a global, industry-leading company.

**Purpose**

To run many different FD&D claims and enquiries, taking responsibility for the progress and management of a caseload with support from the Management team as required. To demonstrate a strong commitment and contribution to the department and company as a whole and be dedicated to the delivery of high levels of service to Members and colleagues alike. To develop Member relationships and expertise in FD&D law and practice.

**Key Responsibilities**
- Run a high level of claims, including difficult and complex cases with guidance from the Group Director (FD&D), Deputy Director (FD&D) and Senior Solicitors from notification to completion within the authority levels as stipulated. Assist the Accounts department in difficult debt collection from Members.
- Travel, as may be required by management from time to time, both locally and abroad, a) to visit Members in order to ensure their interests are being protected by NorthStandard and b) to attend settlement meetings, conferences with Counsel, arbitrations, High Court proceedings and seminars etc..
- Ensure the interests of Members and NorthStandard are appropriately protected and provide support to the FD&D Directors in looking after the interests of the various FD&D Members.
- Reflect our Company ethos by providing SMART service excellence to Members and colleagues at all times.
- Handle a high level of FD&D claims for Members with FD&D cover arising during the period of their entry including, if necessary, handling London arbitration proceedings and as appropriate instructing lawyers, surveyors or experts both locally and abroad and co-ordinating their activities to protect Members' interests, but always bearing in mind the mutuality of the FD&D Class.
- Handle claims in a timely, efficient, and cost-effective manner; follow SMART working guidance.
- Be aware of and follow FD&D Guidelines, policies, and procedures.
- Provide FD&D advice to Members and assist in reviewing / drafting documents and agreements as may be required, within the scope of FD&D cover.
- Provide reports to FD&D management including agenda notes for Board Meetings, FD&D Large Claims reports and verbal reports as required.
- Provide information to the Area Management Teams (“AMTs”) as required.
- Pool and share relevant experience and knowledge of legal and other developments with the FD&D department, and other departments as necessary.
- Follow the Rules and procedures of NorthStandard and operate within authority levels as stipulated.
- Take responsibility for and engage in ancillary projects and activities of the department, such as actively volunteering and assisting with training, team development and Member relationships.
- Take on and build relationships with specified Member accounts and volunteer to assist with any new or existing claims.
- Build and develop relationships with external parties, in particular external lawyers, correspondents, and other service providers.
- Add additional capacity and support to the management team in handling claims in order to provide excellent SMART service levels.
- Set an example by ensuring close compliance with and the following of general company guidelines, policies, and procedures.
- Actively engage in firm-wide activities and initiatives to promote the department and the organisation as a whole.

**Skills and Experience**

**Technical skills / Experience**
- Qualified Barrister, Solicitor or other practising Lawyer/Attorney.
- Knowledge of the laws of shipping, insurance, contract tort and litigation.
- IT Literate with the ability to quickly adapt to new systems. Working knowledge of MS office and Worksite.
- Efficient & effective administration skills, demonstrating an attention to detail concerning work produced.

**Soft Skills**
- Honesty and integrity with ability to manage confidential information.
- The ability to run cases in a controlled, efficient and cost-effective manner, in accordance with FD&D guidelines, policy, and procedure (in particular SMART working).
- Highly proactive: the ability to lead by example.
- Self-motivated and able to work on own initiative.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to demonstrate sound written and verbal communication skills.
- Commitment to gaining further professional or industry qualifications if necessary.
- Good planning and organisational skills with the ability to cope with demanding workloads and a high level of c