Claims Counsel - Liability

About IAG

IAG is the largest general insurance group operating across Australia and New Zealand, focused on making insurance accessible and helping customers protect their ambitions. Our commitment is to create a safer world for everyday Australians and New Zealanders through our family of brands.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Claims Counsel specializing in liability to manage intricate liability claims with a strong emphasis on legal guidance that ensures fair and timely resolutions for customers, brokers, and partners. This role offers a balanced professional and personal experience, working within a collaborative team environment that champions continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and forging strong working relationships. The position is permanent, full-time, and located in Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau), Wellington (Te Whanganui-a-Tara), or Christchurch (Ōtautahi).

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee complex liability and financial lines claims, evaluate policy coverage, determine liability exposure, and develop resolution strategies.
• Deliver specialized legal advice regarding claims, litigation, and policy interpretation issues to internal teams.
• Collaborate effectively with external legal counsel and service providers to influence productive claims resolutions and manage ongoing litigation.
• Establish appropriate financial reserves, draft declinatures, and make settlement decisions, ensuring compliance with reserving and governance standards.
• Represent and support customers during mediations and judicial settlement conferences, initiating recovery efforts to secure efficient and commercially viable results.
• Provide mentorship and coaching to claims specialists by assisting with legal analysis, policy interpretation, and settlement planning.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven background in insurance litigation, liability claims, professional indemnity, or employment law.
• Holds a Bachelor of Laws degree and a current practising certificate or meets practising criteria.
• Ability to assess complex legal matters and translate them into actionable commercial solutions confidently.
• Experienced in managing relationships with diverse stakeholders including brokers, law firms, clients, and business partners.
• Excellent negotiation capabilities, communication skills, and dispute resolution aptitude in sensitive or complex scenarios.
• A collaborative approach, committed to coaching and sharing expertise within a team environment.
• Demonstrates curiosity and commitment to staying updated on legal developments, with the aim of enhancing claims practices and customer outcomes.

Benefits

• Employer KiwiSaver contributions boosted to 4.5% and complimentary life insurance coverage.
• Entitlement to 20 days of annual leave plus 5 additional 'MyLeave' days to be used flexibly.
• Flexible working options including remote work capabilities via the myFlex program.
• Discounts up to 50% on personal insurance products such as home and motor insurance.
• An annual health and wellbeing allowance of $500.
• Paid parental leave extending to 14 weeks.
• Access to professional development resources including LinkedIn Learning, IAG Academy, study assistance, and secondment opportunities.

Additional Information

Applications close on Monday 7 September 2026 at 9:59 PM NZST.

Adjustments and Support: If you require accommodations during the recruitment process to ensure equitable participation, please contact the recruitment team confidentially.

About Us

Joining IAG means engaging in meaningful work with a company driven by purpose, offering career growth, fostering inclusivity and belonging, and encouraging individual uniqueness. We actively support Māori economic and social wellbeing through He Rautaki Māori, our Māori Strategy, and embrace diversity in all its forms.