Ben Harris
Claims Manager - Vancouver
Like many others I came to work in P&I without any real
design. I was always keen on studying law and in 2001 I
graduated with an Honours Degree and the Judges Award for
International Trade.
I was particularly keen on the latter subject due to my own
interest in the marine industry and whilst hesitating on whether to
continue my studies to enter the legal profession, I was (and I now
realise very fortunately) handed an advertisement for a trainee
Claims Handler position with Shipowners'. At this time I did
not have any real comprehension of P&I insurance but I liked
the idea of combining my interest in the law and the marine
industry.
I started with the Shipowners' Club (London office) in
September 2001 and have not looked back. After progressing to
a fully fledged Claims Handler I became responsible for handling
claims in many different jurisdictions around the world which, as
it does now, provided for a very varied and challenging role.
In 2003 I went on secondment to our legal correspondents in Cairns,
Australia for seven months which was a great experience.
Australia has since become one of my principle areas of
responsibility and I enjoy the relationships that I have developed
with the various brokers and correspondents in this region. I
have come to understand that this is a very important part of a
Claims Handler's role.
One of the good things about working at Shipowners' is the
opportunities available to develop and continue learning. In
2005 I decided to finish my legal training and studied part time
for two years to complete the Legal Practice Course. At the
same time I started my training contract with Shipowners', who
became authorised by the Law Society as a training contract
provider, and in June 2008 I qualified as a Solicitor. As
from the 1st of July I was promoted to Deputy Claims
Manager.
The Claims Department has grown since I started, mirroring the
growth of the Club itself but there is, as there has always been, a
very friendly working environment.