Insurance – Senior Associate

• Advise and act as defence and coverage counsel on behalf of leading Australian underwriters and self-insured corporates in relation to a mix of casualty and professional indemnity claims.
• Within the casualty space, handle public liability, product liability, third party property damage and statutory liability claims, including claims by workers and the Victorian Workcover Authority.
• Within the professional indemnity space, act on behalf of building consultants, accountants, tax and financial advisors, real estate agents, property managers and other professional across a variety of industries in different Victorian jurisdictions.
• Benefit from close interaction with and hands-on training from partners and senior team members: we’re a strong coaching group and we want all of the people around us to maximise their talents and succeed.

About us

HWL Ebsworth Lawyers is Australia’s largest and fastest growing legal partnership, with offices in every state and territory in Australia. Our Melbourne Insurance Practice Group comprises of 7 partners 25 solicitors and 6 PAs across a number of speciality areas and is part of a national firm of over 280 partners and over 1700 staff.

The Opportunity

We have an opportunity in our highly regarded Melbourne general insurance practice working with one our partners, Ashley Harding, and his team. You’ll work on an interesting and broad mix of casualty and professional indemnity claims specialising in the provision of coverage and risk management advice, and the defence of public liability, product liability, professional indemnity and third-party property damage claims, in addition to statutory claims brought by workers and the Victorian Workcover Authority. Our team has a demonstrated track record of building and maintaining longstanding relationships with corporate and underwriter clients in the Australian general insurance market and mentoring talent from junior solicitor ranks through to partnership.

You’ll also:

• Be mentored by leading industry specialists.
• Participate in advising a broad portfolio of corporate and underwriter clients in respect of public liability, property damage, professional indemnity, product liability and statutory liability claims.
• Manage your own file load, whilst having access to a supportive group of junior solicitors to delegate work and, at the same time, handling claims, in tandem, with an experienced, supervising partner to provide increased claim exposure and to facilitate continued learning and development.
• Get direct client access and be genuinely involved in business development and marketing opportunities.
• Form part of a high-performing, collaborative and friendly team.

To be successful in this role, you might have:

• Ideally 4+ years PAE.
• Substantial experience in general insurance casualty and professional indemnity claims, including defence work and the provision of coverage advice.
• Ability to manage a file load autonomously, whilst delegating work tasks effectively.
• Excellent written skills and ability to use plain English to explain legal concepts concisely.
• Great interpersonal skills to be able to deal with policyholders, insurers, other parties to litigation and the courts.
• A desire to develop your career and professional networks in the general insurance industry.
• A ‘can do’ approach and a team player attitude.

What we offer

• Unrivalled career pathways: Our unique meritocracy model proudly offers our staff career development, promoting talent based solely on merit. Our size, range of experience and competitive pricing model will provide you with everything you need to succeed. Unlike our competitors, our Solicitor to Partner ratio enables greater mentoring and client engagement. Our 180 day career forecasting sessions provide the platform to fast-track your progression.
• Culture: Be part of a firm renowned for its friendly and down-to-earth culture.
• Prestige: Join a firm consistently ranked at the forefront of the Australian legal market, where your work is recognised nationally.
• Location: Be located in the heart of the action, based in the Collins Arch building with luxurious end of trip facilities and access to a complimentary wellness centre and yoga studio. We are open to candidates in our other office locations too.
• Work-life balance: Flexible 3:2 work arrangements, as well as generous leave policies including purchased, parental and performance reward leave.

How to apply

For a confidential discussion or to apply, please submit your CV and cover letter to Eve Durand on edurand@hwle.com.au.

Applicants must have full working rights in Australia and a valid practicing certificate to apply. HWL Ebsworth also strongly encourages applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.