At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage legal disputes and provide strategic advice in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector focused on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, flexible working, and healthcare benefits.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture that values your unique contributions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while shaping your career in a dynamic legal role.
- Qualifications: UK-qualified solicitor with 4+ years' experience in civil litigation.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 £ per year.
Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose. At Pennon Group, we're proud to serve communities while protecting the environment. Together with our subsidiaries, we're leading the way in water and renewables.
We're proud to be recognised as a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we're working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and support farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.
Whether you're starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career. Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.
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
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
- Experience of criminal litigation processes
- Exposure to regulatory or enforcement matters
- Experience advising within regulated industries
- 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: Join us and help deliver a reliable, high-quality service for our customers across the South West. We believe in rewarding our people for their hard work and dedication. As our In House Lawyer you'll enjoy:
- 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. We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.
Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.
Our core values, which are essential to our success, are:
- Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
- Be You - We want you to bring your best every day. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
- Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.
Locations
In-house litigation lawyer in Devon, Plymouth employer: South West Water
At Pennon Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters personal and professional growth. With competitive salaries, flexible working options, and a strong commitment to sustainability, our team members are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the water sector while enjoying a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion. Join us in Exeter or Bristol and be part of a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to shaping a greener future.
