Legal Advisor

Knowledge and skills

1. Proven ability to: 

• Assess claims or similar transactions in an efficient and effective manner (speedily and error free);
• Manage high volumes of work;
• Administer high volumes of files manually and electronically.

1. Proven knowledge in the process followed when doing assessment of claims

• Must have the legal knowledge necessary in order to be able to decide on legal liability issues, dealing with aspects of classes of claims, compliance with all regulatory internal systems controls, draw up claim notes recommending admission or rejection of claims, conduct regulation 8 (bis) enquiries.

• Must have interview and interrogation skills
• Must have knowledge on how to retain the safe custody of evidence gathered
• Must be able to give objective and unbiased opinion on matters within his/her expertise
• Must be able to have a bird’s eye view of the case in front of him/her and be able to recognise different possible irregularities and devise plans to tackle them pro-actively and ensure that the right people are involved and that they get the right information in regards to this.

1. Good administration skills

• Ability to receive a claim and to decide how to proceed from start to finish bearing in mind the set procedures and processes in the Claims Department already.
• Must have excellent time management skills (ability prioritize claims and decide on time resource allocation)

1. Proven knowledge of accounting standards and procedure

• Ability to interrogate accounting records
• Ability to interrogate bank statements and other bank related documents

1. Proven knowledge of applicable national laws and regulations

 
Behavioural Competencies

• Must have high ethical standards in carrying out their work functions
• Must be able to stay objective at all times
• Must be a team player
• Must be able to keep confidential information
• Must be a person of integrity
• Commitment to continuous learning and an inquisitive mind
• Ability to work under pressure and with tight deadlines
• Tenacity
• Attention to detail
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Good organizational skills
• Conflict resolution skills
• Excellent oral and written skills
• Excellent relationship building skills
• Report writing skills

 
Responsibilities & duties
 
As a claims handler, you will deal with every aspect of a claim. Duties will include: The provision of a first class client service; Deciding on legal liability issues; Compliance with all regulatory and internal systems controls; Dealing with all aspects of all classes of claims; interrogating and handling claims through to settlement; Handling claims in accordance with laid down quality and service standards; Maintaining paper files and computer records in relation to own claims; handling incoming written and telephone enquiries from clients and other stakeholders. Receive and consider claim documentation; Draft necessary letters and other correspondence; Research relevant information like accounting records; Research and peruse relevant opinions and case law; draw up claim notes recommending admission or rejection of claims; Conduct Regulation 8 (bis) inquiries; Compile documents and evidence; Subpoena witnesses; Liaise with Board Members; Attend to payment of claims, other relevant expenses and costs.

Academic & trades qualifications

• LLB or relevant Law degree
• Admitted Attorney

Desirable:
Experience in insurance law

Essential:

• 3 – 4 years post admission working experience as an attorney

Desirable:

• Experience working in a similar claims environment
• Experience working in a similar claims environment

Professional Relationships
 
Build Key Relationships with:-
 

1. NPA
2. Asset Forfeiture Unit
3. RAF
4. Legal Practice Council
5. SAPS