What is the size of your legal team and how is it organised?

My legal team is made up of approximately 20 attorneys and several additional support personnel spread over four locations in the US.  We are organized into five separate units:  Corporate/Shared Services, Regulatory, Compliance, Litigation and Business Unit Support.  

What are the main industry issues that you face in your department? 

Our primary industry issues revolve around the ever changing regulatory environment in which our business operates.  Not only do these changes affect the financial services industry generally, but there are always “business as usual” developments that focus on specific lines of insurance we write.  Either way, it keeps everyone on their toes; making sure we are aware of these and keeping our internal clients informed and offering practical advice and our client’s needs.  

Are external lawyers, in your experience, becoming more or less efficient in serving your sector? 

External lawyers are becoming more and more efficient in serving the insurance sector.  The world of legal advisory services is as competitive as ever and there is no shortage of smart lawyers out there.  In light of this competition, external lawyers have to work hard to really listen to their clients’ needs in order to provide high quality legal services. 

Which parts of your job do you enjoy most?

There are two areas of my job that I find most satisfying.  The first is advising my internal clients (our CEO and rest of our management team) on significant legal issues that impact our businesses.  The second is working with the members of my legal team to make sure we are providing the best legal support to our clients.   

Your daily life as a lawyer: can you describe some of it?

Every day is different and presents a new challenge which makes my role at QBE incredibly exciting.  My day begins with a very early workout at the gym.  Once I get to the office, a typical day involves a number of different things; attending a department strategy session, meeting with our senior management team to discuss an ongoing project, or simply spending time with my reports learning about what they are working on.  I spend about half my day in prescheduled meetings with the remainder of my day working directly with my team addressing legal or administrative issues that may arise.  

 What do you see as your department’s main achievement or two in the last couple of years?

QBE NA has been undergoing an incredible amount of change over the last couple of years.  Throughout this period, the Legal team has remained fully committed to the organization and is completely focused on bringing the best level of service to our clients.  I believe our clients have appreciated our professionalism along with the sound advice the legal tram has provided over this period of time.      

QBE North America is part of QBE Insurance Group Limited, one of the top 20 insurers and reinsurers worldwide.