Associate, Volume Employer and Public Liability

Kennedys is seeking an ambitious Associate to join its growing Volume Employer and Public Liability team. The opportunity is suited to a lawyer developing a career in defendant personal injury litigation, with the role involving a varied caseload of complex and high-volume employers’ liability and public liability claims.

The successful candidate will work alongside Heidi Swales and experienced Partners and colleagues recognised as leaders in their field. The role provides exposure to litigated claims across the fast-track, intermediate-track and multi-track, as well as high-profile matters, leading insurer clients and cases requiring cross-border quantum investigations through Kennedys’ international network.

The position offers the opportunity to develop technical legal expertise, commercial awareness and client-management skills within a collaborative and forward-thinking environment. The team takes a practical approach to litigation, focusing on commercially appropriate solutions and using technology and process innovation to deliver efficient outcomes.

The Team

Kennedys' national personal injury practice operates across seven UK offices and provides specialist advice and representation in a wide range of personal injury claims.

The Sheffield team has a strong position in the local defendant personal injury market and handles complex and high-profile claims for major clients. The practice also deals with UK matters that require cross-border quantum investigations, drawing on Kennedys' international offices where appropriate.

The team combines specialist legal expertise with research, development, technology and process innovation to provide practical solutions for clients and avoid unnecessary legal process.

The Work

The role will involve managing a varied caseload of employer and public liability claims, including both high-volume and mixed-value matters.

The caseload includes:

• Employers’ liability and public liability claims.

• Fast-track, intermediate-track and multi-track litigation.

• Litigated personal injury matters.

• Mixed-value and volume claims.

• Claims involving SME insureds.

• Claims arising in the leisure and retail sectors.

• Matters for employer and public liability insurers.

• Cases involving leading insurer clients.

• Matters requiring cross-border quantum investigations.

The role provides exposure to a broad range of defendant personal injury litigation while allowing the successful candidate to develop their experience in managing claims and maintaining effective relationships with insurer clients.

Candidate Requirements

Employer and public liability litigation experience is essential.

The vacancy information identifies the position as an opportunity for a newly qualified lawyer or an Associate with up to two years’ PQE. However, the detailed experience requirements separately refer to a minimum of five years’ experience. Kennedys notes that stated experience levels are guidelines and that candidates with more or less experience may apply where they can demonstrate the requisite experience.

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Experience in employer and public liability litigation.

• Strong communication skills.

• Strong analytical and organisational abilities.

• The ability to manage a varied caseload effectively.

• A collaborative approach to working with colleagues and clients.

• Commercial awareness and a practical approach to legal work.

• The ability to supervise and mentor junior associates where required.

• A commitment to delivering high-quality client service.

Professional Development

Kennedys places significant emphasis on professional development. Lawyers have access to on-the-job and experiential learning, peer-to-peer learning, mentoring, and resources designed to support career development.

Further opportunities can include secondments to clients and Kennedys’ international offices, providing lawyers with the opportunity to broaden their experience and develop a wider understanding of the firm's global practice.

About Kennedys

Kennedys is a global law firm specialising in dispute resolution and advisory services. The firm has more than 3,000 people across 45 offices in 18 countries and has particular expertise in litigation and dispute resolution, including the defence of insurance and liability claims.

The firm's work covers both contentious and non-contentious matters across a range of sectors. Its approach combines specialist legal knowledge with technology, data and process innovation.

Kennedys describes its culture through the values of being approachable, straightforward, supportive, distinctive and ambitious. The firm also places emphasis on professional development, client service, diversity, equity and inclusion, and creating an inclusive working environment.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Kennedys is an equal opportunities employer and aims to make its recruitment processes as inclusive as possible. Candidates who require additional support or reasonable adjustments to submit an application are encouraged to request the assistance they need.

The firm also expects employees to comply with applicable policies and procedures relating to areas including information security, data protection and quality management, together with mandatory training requirements.