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 individuality and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while shaping your legal career in a dynamic industry.
- Qualifications: UK-qualified solicitor with at least 4 years' experience in civil litigation.
At Pennon Group, we're proud to serve communities while protecting the environment. Together with our subsidiaries, we are leading the way in water and renewables. Our goals include lowering our carbon footprint, planting 300,000 trees, restoring peatlands, and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.
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.
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.
In-house litigation lawyer in Exeter employer: South West Water
At Pennon Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where legal professionals can thrive. With a strong commitment to sustainability and community service, our in-house litigation lawyers enjoy competitive salaries, flexible working options, and ample opportunities for professional growth while contributing to meaningful projects that protect the environment. Join us in Exeter or Bristol, where you can make a real impact in the water sector and be part of a diverse and inclusive culture that values every individual.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land In-house litigation lawyer in Exeter
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We think you need these skills to ace In-house litigation lawyer in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at South West Water, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in South West Water and the specific role of In-house litigation lawyer. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for South West Water’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at South West Water.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at South West Water.
