About

‘I’ve been here six and a half years and I’m still learning’, says Jim Harper, Ireland GC to one of the world’s largest insurers. ‘Being able to provide technical legal advice with a pragmatic commercial focus and see the results of that advice is very satisfying. My role is very varied and every day raises new challenges’. During this period, Harper has drawn particular praise for his pivotal role in transferring Zurich’s EU non-life insurance business over to the Irish head office. Heading a 12-strong team across legal and company secretarial, he particularly prides himself on his role in developing the potential of his team members. ‘I have the pleasure of working with very talented people’. When it comes to outside counsel, Harper says firms need to provide something extra. ‘Technical expertise is taken as a given and so innovative (and – more importantly – relevant) value add provides a differentiating factor ‘. The common issue of fees is also a concern. ‘I expect complete transparency on fees from the outset and law firms could do more to avoid surprises in this context’.