In-house litigation lawyer

In-House Counsel - Litigation

Location: Exeter, EX2 7HR or Bristol, BS13 7AT
Salary: £70,000-£80,000 per annum + excellent benefits
Job Type: Full-time, permanent

The In-House Litigation Lawyer plays a key role in managing and overseeing legal disputes and contentious matters across the business. You will be responsible for handling civil litigation, instructing and managing external counsel, and providing clear, commercially focused legal advice to support the organisation's strategic objectives. This is an excellent opportunity for a proactive legal professional who enjoys working in a fast paced, regulated environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee civil litigation matters, including nuisance, negligence, property and commercial disputes
• Provide expert legal advice on business risk, statutory duties and regulatory obligations (including water regulations)
• Represent the company in defended debt recovery claims and property damage actions
• Support customer complaint resolution, including engagement with the Consumer Council for Water's mediation and adjudication processes
• Partner with the Insurance team to respond to third party recovery claims
• Negotiate, draft and advise on settlements and legal agreements
• Lead legal risk assessments and support internal stakeholders in mitigating exposure
• Stay informed on legal developments and industry trends impacting operations
• Support enforcement actions under the Water Industry Act 1991 and related regulations
• Deliver training to colleagues on key legal and regulatory topics

About You

You are a confident and commercially aware litigation lawyer who thrives on solving complex legal challenges and translating them into practical business advice. You enjoy building strong relationships across an organisation and can operate effectively in a busy, multi case environment.

Essential Requirements

• UK qualified solicitor with a minimum of 4 years' PQE
• Strong experience in dispute resolution and the civil litigation process
• Ability to analyse complex legal issues and develop practical, creative solutions
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain legal concepts clearly to non legal stakeholders

Desirable Experience

• Experience of criminal litigation processes
• Exposure to regulatory or enforcement matters
• Experience advising within regulated industries

Key Skills & Attributes

• Strong negotiation skills with a track record of successful dispute resolution
• Strategic mindset, aligning legal advice with business objectives
• Ability to manage multiple matters effectively under pressure
• Clear and concise written and verbal communication
• Collaborative team player with a proactive approach

What you'll get

• Competitive Salary - Based on experience and skills
• Annual Bonus Scheme - Recognising company performance
• Pension Scheme - Helping you plan for your future
• Flexible Working Options - We value work life balance and offer flexible hours and hybrid working where possible
• Healthcare Benefits - Access to employee assistance programs
• Employee Discounts - On various products and services
• Annual Leave - Take time to recharge with our holiday entitlement

Closing Date: 23rd June 2026

Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.