Associate - Sydney

Overview of HBA

Crawford Legal Services (operating as HBA Legal) is a team of award-winning solicitors offering a highly competitive suite of legal and technical claims services to meet the needs of today’s insurance marketplace. We have offices across the country in Perth, Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and Newcastle. Whether as a stand-alone service provider or synchronising with other parts of the Crawford & Company network, we offer something very different when compared to traditional law firms. Our integrated model means clients’ challenges are tackled by our end-to-end approach across claims, adjusting and legal.

While recently becoming part of the global Crawford business, we are continuing to operate as a stand-alone firm and trusted advisor to underwriters, brokers, insurers, insureds, corporates and governments across Australia. We lead the way in these markets when it comes to creative problem solving and commercially oriented solutions. We pride ourselves on alternative solutions to legal challenges and exceptional outcomes for clients aligned with their business goals.

The Role

As an Associate within the HBA Legal Team, you will be responsible for helping to lead our team defending liability claims across primarily New South Wales. Your focus will be on professional indemnity and commercial litigation. You will ensure high quality advice and representation is provided to our clients whilst maintaining strong and collaborative relationships to drive positive results.

This is a permanent full-time opportunity located within our Sydney office!

Key Responsibilities

In this role you will be responsible for:

• Provide advice and manage files in a clear and logical manner within required timeframes whilst developing sound case management strategies
• Foster and maintain strong client relationships through participating in value adding activities that support clients and keep them informed of case progress during the matter
• Draft, engross and settle varied types of advices and legal correspondence
• Conduct liability investigations, including interviewing witnesses and reviewing policy documents
• Drafting pleadings (e.g. Defence, Cross Claim, Interrogatories etc.)
• Appear in Court for call-overs, directions hearings, motions or to instruct Counsel
• Speak to witnesses and briefing experts
• Attend Mediations and Settlement Conferences autonomously
• Prepare and engross reports for insurers, brokers and insureds
• Train and mentor paralegals and graduate/junior lawyers as required
• Delegate work to other members of the team i.e. Solicitors and Administrative Assistants and provide them with the required guidance and supervision
• Prepare and present seminars to clients (alone or with a senior lawyer);
• Prepare and distribute case notes internally and prepare case notes and papers for distribution to clients
• Proactively share knowledge, experience and insights with the immediate and wider team in order to enhance client experience and internal knowledge management
• Ensure understanding and compliance with firm’s policies and procedures
• Stay abreast of industry updates including constitution, statutes, decisions, regulation and ordinances of quasi-judicial bodies to determine ramifications for cases
• Be a HBA brand ambassador through demonstrating support and contributing to the firm’s strategic vision, values and employer brand marketing (LinkedIn)

Essential:

• Bachelor of Laws degree or equivalent
• Current Practising Certificate
• 3+ years PAE
• Demonstrated ability to provide sound legal advice in areas of professional indemnity, casualty, commercial litigation, building and construction and general insurance law matters
• High level oral and written communication skills

Desirable:

• Commercial and strategic approach to claims
• Understanding of key stakeholders (competitors, players, industry bodies) within the insurance industry

Why HBA?

We strive to create an environment where people can and do perform at their very best. They understand what we are creating, and they want to be a part of it, because they understand the difference that we make to our client’s lives. And where we succeed, we share the rewards and recognise people in ways that celebrate our achievements.

HBA is all about doing things differently. We challenge the stereotypes associated with traditional law firms in terms of our structure, management style and way of life. Creativity and innovation are at the heart of everything we do.

Benefits & Perks?

• Up to 12 weeks Paid Parental Leaving depending on years of service.
• Complimentary in office or pharmacy flu vaccinations every year
• Employee discounts on thousands of retailers via Rewards @ Crawford. Save on all things electronics, fitness, health, accessories and more!
• Enjoy your birthday off with friends and family with an extra day of birthday leave per year.
• Internal mobility: have the desire to work in other locations within our HBA/Crawford ecosystem? after 12 months of tenure, the world is your oyster!
• Interested in furthering your career by undertaking professional qualifications? Apply to have your fees covered by HBA.
• Fun nights out, team bonding events, and bi annual parties (EOFY & Christmas) with the celebration of moments that matter throughout the year through our Culture Committee!
• Our Mental Health Offering: Employee Assistance Program with24/7 complimentary confidential counselling, nutrition, legal, and financial advice. Corporate headspace membership.
• Flexibility: work in a way that works best for you.

Next steps

If you’re interested in a career with HBA, then please apply to this vacancy via Seek or reach out to us directly at ***********@hbacrawford.com.au

Please know that as much as we would like to, we can’t always get back to everyone. At this stage, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

We encourage people of all genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities and people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to apply for this role.

Please note: in order to comply with our regulatory obligations, all successful candidates must consent to HBA Legal conducting background checks (Police, Sanctions and ASIC).