Motor Damage Solicitor

Direct Line Group; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance provider in Leeds is seeking an ILR Motor Damage Solicitor to lead litigation within the Insured Loss Recovery team. You will be responsible for managing litigated cases, ensuring compliance with legal standards, and guiding junior staff. The ideal candidate will be a qualified solicitor with proven civil litigation experience, strong drafting and negotiation skills, and the ability to coach others. This role offers a flexible hybrid working model with excellent benefits.

Benefits

Annual performance-based bonus

50% off home, motor, and pet insurance

Free Green Flag breakdown cover

Health and Dental insurance options

EV car scheme

Buy-as-you-earn share scheme

Employee discounts and cashback

Qualifications

• Solicitor with solid experience in civil litigation, ideally motor or insurance related.
• Experience supervising or directing junior or non-qualified staff.
• Ability to coach and build capability in others.

Responsibilities

• Manage and progress litigated matters within Insured Loss Recovery function.
• Conduct litigation across an allocated caseload.
• Oversee handlers working on supporting tasks.

Skills

Civil litigation experience

Strong drafting skills

Negotiation skills

Case management skills

Coaching ability

Commercial awareness

Supervisory experience

Education

Solicitor (England & Wales) with current practising certificate

Job description

DLG is evolving. Across every facet of our business, our teams are embracing new opportunities and putting customers at the heart of everything they do. Whether you’re already part of the team or thinking about joining us, you’ll be working in a place where empathy meets expertise. Within our own dedicated law firm, our diversely experienced team support and guide customers through life’s toughest moments. It’s a fast‑paced and collaborative working environment, but our comprehensive training and tools will help ensure you’re ready for the challenge. You can find more details about DLG Legal Services on our website.

We have an exciting new opportunity to join our Litigation Team at DLG Legal Services as an ILR Motor Damage Solicitor. This role is offered on 12 Months Fixed Term Contract basis and will be based from our Leeds office (smart hybrid working).

The role

Reporting to Claimant Recoveries Operations Lead you will be responsible for managing and progressing litigated matters within the Insured Loss Recovery (ILR) function. Working with the support of a small team of case handlers, the role ensures litigation is conducted effectively, efficiently, and in line with professional obligations. As the qualified legal lead on those cases, the role holder will take overall conduct of litigated ILR claims providing expertise and knowledge to drive case strategy, delivering positive outcomes, and maintaining compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

What you’ll be doing

• Responsible for the conduct of litigation across an allocated caseload.
• Oversee handlers working on supporting tasks within those cases.
• Ensure quality and consistency of work prepared by case handlers.
• Apply professional judgment to case strategy, progression and settlement decisions.
• Work closely with ILR team leaders and colleagues to ensure seamless case management.
• Ensure matters are managed in accordance with procedural rules and professional obligations.
• Safeguard compliance with SRA regulations, Civil Procedure Rules, and client protocols.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure supporting staff work within defined processes.
• Keep up to date with developments in litigation practice and insurance recovery.

What we’re looking for

• Solicitor (England & Wales) with a current practising certificate.
• Solid experience in civil litigation, ideally motor/insurance related.
• Experience supervising or directing junior or non‑qualified staff.
• Strong drafting, negotiation and case management skills.
• Previous insurer litigation or motor damage recovery experience.
• Ability to coach and build capability in others.
• Commercial awareness in balancing litigation strategy with cost effectiveness.

What we’ll give you

We wouldn’t be where we are today without our people and the wide variety of perspectives and life experiences they bring. That’s why we offer excellent benefits to suit your lifestyle and a flexible working model combining the best parts of home and office working, varying with the nature of your role. Core benefits include:

• Annual performance‑based bonus
• 50% off home, motor and pet insurance plus free Green Flag breakdown cover
• Additional optional Health and Dental insurance
• EV car scheme allows all colleagues to lease a brand new electric or plug‑in hybrid car in a tax efficient way.
• Buy‑as‑you‑earn share scheme
• Employee discounts and cashback
• Plus many more

Ways of Working

Our hybrid model offers a 'best of both worlds' approach. When you’ll be in the office depends on your role and team, but colleagues spend at least 50% of their working week in our Leeds office.

We want everyone to get the most out of their time at DLG. Which is why we’ve looked beyond the financial rewards and created an offer that takes your whole life into account. Supporting our people to work at their best – whatever that looks like – and offering real choice, flexibility, and a greater work‑life balance that means our people have time to focus on the things that matter most to them. Our benefits are about more than just the money you earn. They’re about recognising who you are and the life you live.

Be yourself

Direct Line Group is an equal opportunity employer, and we think diversity of background and thinking is a big strength in our people. We’re delighted to feature as one of the UK’s Top 50 Inclusive Employers and are committed to making our business an inclusive place to work, where everyone can be themselves and succeed in their careers. We know you’re more than a CV, and the things that make you, you, are what bring potential to our business. We recognise and embrace people that work in different ways so if you need any adjustments to our recruitment process, please speak to the recruitment team who will be happy to support you.

Location: Leeds (LS1 4AZ)

Working hours: 35 hour per week (Monday – Friday)