Litigation Counsel

We are seeking a qualified UK-based Litigator for a flexible contract position focused on managing and advising on European Union (EU) related claims. The role centers on complex legal matters involving product liability risk, product safety, emissions standards, and class action litigation originating within the EU. The ideal candidate will bring a combination of litigation experience and familiarity with the relevant regulatory landscapes. This position is specifically designed for legal professionals with experience equivalent to 5-10 years of post-qualification experience (PQE).

Responsibilities:

• Manage a caseload of EU-based legal claims pertaining to product liability, product safety, and emissions issues.
• Develop and implement litigation strategies for cases across various EU jurisdictions, potentially overseeing or collaborating with local counsel.
• Handle aspects of class action lawsuits within the EU, including risk assessment, strategic defense, and settlement negotiations where applicable.
• Provide legal advice on EU regulations concerning product safety standards and emissions compliance.
• Assess legal and regulatory risks associated with products marketed or sold within the European Union.
• Draft legal documents, including pleadings, motions, settlement agreements, and advisory memos.
• Work with internal stakeholders (such as engineering, compliance, and business units) and external parties (including opposing counsel, regulators, and external legal advisors).
• Stay updated on relevant legal and regulatory developments within the EU impacting product liability, safety, emissions, and class actions.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Strong litigation skills, including case analysis, strategic planning, legal research, and drafting.
• Demonstrable understanding of product liability principles and litigation processes.
• Familiarity with the EU legal and regulatory framework, particularly concerning product safety and, ideally, emissions.
• Ability to manage complex cross-border legal matters effectively.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently and manage priorities effectively in a flexible work arrangement.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of class action mechanisms and procedures within key EU jurisdictions.
• Proficiency in another major European language (e.g., German) would be a significant asset for communicating with local counsel or reviewing documents.

Experience:

• Relevant experience equivalent to 5-10 years PQE as a Solicitor or Barrister in the UK, or equivalent legal experience if qualified in another relevant jurisdiction.
• Proven experience in handling contentious matters, specifically litigation.
• Direct experience in product liability cases is essential.
• Desirable: Experience dealing with EU-based claims or regulatory matters related to product safety or emissions.
• Desirable: Previous exposure to class action litigation.

Education & Licensing:

• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister in England & Wales, or an equivalent legal qualification enabling practice in the UK.
• Current SRA Practicing Certificate or equivalent non-UK approval to practice as a lawyer.
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent law degree.

About Elevate:

Elevate provides consulting, technology and services to law departments and law firms across the globe. Headquartered in Los Angeles, our 1,600+ strong team of legal professionals, lawyers, consultants, project managers, and engineers operate across the United States, Europe, UK, and Asia, Hong Kong and Australia. ElevateFlex is the flexible resourcing capability within Elevate, we define and support a new flexible career within the legal industry. We match exceptional legal professionals to the evolving needs of our Customers through the curation of a world-class, global Community of Talent, and advanced, technology-enabled search. We were recently proud to be assessed in Band 1 of Chamber’s Global Flexible Legal Resourcing category.

Our Vision is a world where legal and business teams achieve incredible outcomes, together. Equitability and Inclusion are critical to ElevateFlex’s success. As The Law Company, changing the legal business landscape, we know a diverse, inclusive work culture is at the heart of attracting, retaining, and celebrating the industry’s most talented people. We empower our employees to bring their whole selves to work because we know that diversity of experience and perspective drive innovation and is simply good business. As a strong proponent of diversity, equitability, and inclusion, ElevateFlex is committed to hiring diverse candidates from all backgrounds. We invite you to apply to become part of the ElevateFlex Team – help us change the legal business landscape and make a dent in the legal universe.