Everything you need to know about being a Claims Legal Counsel in the UK
by Hayley Logue, Consultant
The claims legal market has always been one of the more stable areas within in-house legal, but it’s also becoming one of the most interesting. Insurers are investing heavily in their legal and governance functions, and claims teams in particular are growing fast.
For lawyers thinking about moving from private practice into an in-house claims role, here’s what companies are really looking for, where the challenges sit, and what the career path tends to look like.
What insurers look for when hiring from private practice
When insurers hire claims counsel, they’re looking for lawyers who can blend solid technical knowledge with commercial judgement. Coverage analysis, policy interpretation and litigation experience are key, but so is the ability to explain what that means for the business.
They want people who can look at a live issue and say, “Here’s the risk, here’s the impact, and here’s what I recommend.” If you can do that confidently and quickly, you’ll stand out.
I’m also finding that companies really value candidates who can show how their work links to wider business outcomes. That might mean improving claims cycle times, reducing indemnity spend, or helping teams make faster decisions. A strong understanding of the regulatory backdrop, especially around the FCA’s Consumer Duty and complaints handling, is becoming a clear differentiator.
Common stumbling blocks when hiring
One of the biggest challenges for lawyers moving across is mindset. In-house teams need short, actionable advice, not a five-page opinion.
Another stumbling block is narrow experience. For example, someone with purely policy coverage work but no litigation or ADR can seem too specialist. Likewise, someone who hasn’t seen the operational side of claims may find the learning curve steep.
I’ve also found that expectation mismatches can cause frustration on both sides. In-house teams tend to be lean, so roles are hands-on and require comfort with prioritising. Lawyers coming from private practice sometimes expect large teams or rapid progression, which doesn’t always match the structure internally.
The benefits of moving in-house
The main draw is proximity to decision making. You’re sitting next to the people making calls on claims strategy, settlement and customer handling. You get to see the full picture, not just one instruction.
The work is broader too. One day you’re advising on coverage, the next you’re helping to refine complaints MI or reviewing a panel counsel framework. You also tend to have more predictable hours than in private practice, even though the pace is still quick.
From speaking with candidates who’ve made the move, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive. They often say they feel more embedded in the business and can see the impact of their advice immediately. Many also find that their skills become more transferable. The mix of legal, commercial and stakeholder work opens up routes into product, compliance, and broader governance roles across financial services.
What the market is showing right now
Hiring across claims legal remains busy. The most active areas are insurers, MGAs and brokers strengthening their claims and governance functions.
A lot of this is being driven by the FCA’s continued focus on Consumer Duty and complaints handling. Firms want lawyers who understand the link between good claims handling and customer outcomes.
We’re finding that there’s been a real shift in the type of lawyer insurers want to hire. It’s less about pure coverage expertise and more about genuine business partnership. The people landing roles right now are those who can take something complex and make it clear, structured and practical for the business. They’re collaborative, commercially minded and confident engaging directly with claims and underwriting teams.
We’ve also seen more insurers open to candidates from broader disputes or regulatory backgrounds. As long as they can demonstrate transferable skills and a strong learning mindset, they’re being seriously considered.
It’s an encouraging time to be in this space. While the market is slightly more measured than it was a year ago, hiring has been steady and consistent. That consistency shows how integral these roles have become within the insurance and wider financial services sector.
Team structures and career progression
Claims legal teams tend to be fairly flat but still have a clear hierarchy.
- Head of Legal or Chief Legal Officer – sets strategy and manages the broader legal team
- Claims Legal Lead or Manager – runs the claims portfolio, oversees external counsel and governance
- Legal Counsels – own specific lines such as property, casualty, motor, or financial lines
- Specialist roles – cover litigation management, complaints, delegated authority or regulatory oversight
Progression usually follows a clear path: Legal Counsel, Senior Legal Counsel, Claims Legal Lead, then into a Head of Claims Legal or broader legal leadership role.
We’ve found that lawyers who progress quickest are those who take an interest in the data and governance side of claims. Being able to use MI, complaints trends or external counsel spend analysis to shape decision-making really helps people move up into senior or leadership positions.
Making the move from private practice
To position yourself well, you’ll want to show three things:
- That you can link your advice to business outcomes. Talk about what your work achieved, not just what you drafted.
- That you can communicate clearly and concisely. In-house teams want someone who can get to the point and help them move forward.
- That you understand the regulatory context. Be prepared to talk about complaints handling, outcomes monitoring and delegated authority.
You don’t need to have been in-house before, but you do need to show commercial awareness and a collaborative style. The more you can evidence that you’re used to working closely with clients and operational teams, the stronger your application will be.
Final thoughts
The UK claims legal market is evolving quickly. Teams are hiring, expectations are rising, and the mix of legal and commercial skill is more valued than ever.
These are just my own observations from recent months, but I’d be really interested to hear what others are seeing. If you’re finding different trends in your part of the market, I’d love to compare notes and discuss where you think things are heading.
I’ll be keeping a close eye on how claims legal roles continue to develop next year, particularly around the balance between governance, regulatory oversight and traditional claims work. It’s one of the most consistent and rewarding areas of in-house legal, and it’s definitely one to watch.
Feel free to comment on the article on LinkedIn or follow up with me directly hlogue@lawabsolute.com https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/everything-you-need-know-being-claims-legal-counsel-uk-hayley-logue-ke3ae/?trackingId=okynUXL%2BRD%2ByTF5Af2CdqA%3D%3D
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