Associate – Defendant Insurance Litigation

We are working in partnership with a leading international law firm to recruit an Associate Solicitor (2–5 years PQE) to join its expanding Defendant Insurance Litigation team in Belfast. This is an excellent opportunity to join a high-performing, collaborative team handling complex and varied insurance litigation work for major national and international clients.

The successful candidate will join a well-established practice dealing with a broad range of defendant insurance matters including motor, employers’ liability, public liability and disease claims. This is a strong opportunity for an ambitious litigator looking to develop within a structured and supportive environment offering genuine progression.

The PQE level is a guide only and candidates outside of this range who can demonstrate relevant experience will also be considered.

Key Responsibilities
Working as part of a busy defendant insurance team, you will:

• Manage and assist on a varied caseload of defendant insurance litigation matters
• Act for a range of insurance companies and self-insured commercial clients
• Conduct investigations, including taking witness statements and liaising with policyholders
• Review, analyse and interpret medical records and expert reports
• Draft legal documentation, pleadings and client advices
• Handle interlocutory applications, court hearings and procedural matters
• Prepare initial, ongoing and final client reports in line with SLA and MI requirements
• Attend court and pre-trial meetings, ensuring compliance with court timetables
• Support Partners and senior lawyers on complex and higher value matters
• Contribute to client relationship management and service delivery
• Assist with business development and wider team initiatives where appropriate

Essential Skills & Experience
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• 2–5 years PQE with experience in personal injury or defendant insurance litigation
• Strong understanding of litigation processes and court procedures
• Ability to manage a busy caseload in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication skills with a client-focused approach
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail
• Confidence in handling court appearances and procedural work
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment

What’s on Offer
• Opportunity to join a leading international law firm with a strong Belfast presence
• High-quality, complex and varied insurance litigation work
• Excellent training, development and structured career progression
• Hybrid working model (2 days in office / 3 days remote)
• Supportive and collaborative team culture
• Exposure to major national and international insurance clients

For further information, please contact Orla Milligan at Pathway Legal.