DLSS Seasonal Clerkship Guide 2023

INSURANCE The role of an insurance lawyer involves more than just figuring out whether an insurance policy will cover a particular injury or damage. Most of the time, your job is to act on instructions from your insurer client to defend a party who may be liable for an injury or damage, or to bring action against a liable party to recover money on behalf of your insurer client. Ultimately, your goal is to resolve the tort-related dispute in a way that best achieves your insurer client’s interests based on what is shown in the evidence.

At Hall & Wilcox there are two insurance teams. The general insurance team acts for various large private and public insurers with respect to a variety of claims including personal injury, property damage, cyberattacks and professional indemnity. The statutory insurance team represents workplace safety regulators and self-insurers in statutory benefit disputes, common law claims and recoveries actions.

What I enjoyed most about rotating through both insurance teams was the uniqueness of each case and the opportunities to deal with a wide range of professions, industries, and scenarios. There is always something new to learn every day, whether it's in the mechanism of a particular illness or injury, or in litigation strategies that help you resolve a dispute in the best way possible.

As you progress through your career at Hall & Wilcox, the learning never stops. I have found that everyone at the firm is willing – even excited, actually – to pass on their wisdom to clerks, paralegals, and graduates. There are plenty of ongoing opportunities to meet new people and experience situations that bring you out of your comfort zone. The culture of the firm is one which will help you grow and become a well-rounded professional.