Graduate Solicitor - Sydney

The Role

As a Solicitor within the HBA Legal team, you will provide junior level advice and assistance to our clients in dealing with their legal matters. You can contribute to the firm’s success by supporting senior fee-earners to build relationships with clients, and representing our values-based approach to our work within the market.

Working under the guidance of the senior members of your team, you will grow your technical skills in key areas such as legal writing, research and information synthesis, analytical thinking, and commercial acumen. Guidance surrounding these competencies are provided within the HBA Solicitor Framework.

This role is based in our Sydney office and reports through to our Casualty and Commercial Practice Group Leads, Courtney Steele, and Iona Sjahadi. This role is being offered as a permanent Full-time opportunity.

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.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will be responsible for:

• Prepare orders for online Court and manage the online Court process.
• Preparing cases for court by conducting liability investigations including interviewing witnesses, undertaking research and arranging witness preparation and statements.
• Attending court as required
• Arrange Agents to appear in country Court.
• Drafting requests for particulars, letters, correspondence
• Draft Court documents including subpoenas and simple pleadings.
• Instruct investigators.
• Arrange conferences.
• Prepare chronologies/summaries.
• Review and asses medical evidence and evidence pertaining to claims for damages.
• Attend and prepare for settlement conferences and Hearings.
• Preparation of settlement documents, general letters and correspondence
• Prepare briefs to Counsel.
• Prepare case notes, papers and presentations.
• Assist with mentoring and supervising paralegals

What we're looking for

To be successful in this role, you must be able to:

• Contribute well to the team and work collaboratively and effectively across the firm.
• Demonstrate effective time management and work organisation; engaging in conversations with colleagues to challenge priorities and agree a way forward effectively.
• Demonstrate resilience and tenacity; does not give up when obstacles and problems present themselves.
• Balance competing priorities and coordinate work effectively in order to meet deadlines.
• Motivate yourself to achieve financial targets.
• Lead by example in your direction to more junior or administrative employees.
• Work autonomously, work under pressure and work collaboratively when required.
• Identify when you need to ask for help or confirmation from senior fee-earners prior to taking action.

Selection Criteria

Essential:

• Bachelor of Laws degree or equivalent
• Current Practising Certificate
• High level oral and written communication skills

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!
• 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).