About us
To oversee the management of public liability and similar third party claims (as handled by the Claims team), and debt recovery litigation handling services (as managed by the Debt team), to the UU Group and manage associated external suppliers to ensure claimants debtors are treated in an equitable and cost effective manner from inception through to trial if applicable. · Provide senior line management and escalations within the Claims team and Debt team or as required and agreed from time to time. · To support the Principal Group Solicitor and other the wider Legal Department leadership team in managing strategic, high value and/or complex civil litigation matters (including providing the supporting role in relation to contractual disputes and civil litigation arising out of the wider legal and regulatory framework) providing specialist litigation input as required. · Work to raise awareness of (and embed) the relevant legal framework and associated processes and procedures, both within our organisations and with insurers and external suppliers.
The role
To oversee the management of public liability and similar third party claims (as handled by the Claims team), and debt recovery litigation handling services (as managed by the Debt team), to the UU Group and manage associated external suppliers to ensure claimants debtors are treated in an equitable and cost effective manner from inception through to trial if applicable. · Provide senior line management and escalations within the Claims team and Debt team or as required and agreed from time to time. · To support the Principal Group Solicitor and other the wider Legal Department leadership team in managing strategic, high value and/or complex civil litigation matters (including providing the supporting role in relation to contractual disputes and civil litigation arising out of the wider legal and regulatory framework) providing specialist litigation input as required. · Work to raise awareness of (and embed) the relevant legal framework and associated processes and procedures, both within our organisations and with insurers and external suppliers.
Key accountabilities
· Provide, and manage the provision by others of, accurate, appropriate and timely legal advice for litigation and disputes matters, particularly in relation to third party claims and debt recovery matters. This work includes: o supporting the provision of legal input in relation to major incidents; o assessing liability and quantum issues and providing advice on merits; o conduct of all stages of legal proceedings including preparation of pleadings, discovery of documents, preparing witness statements, instructing expert witnesses, briefing Counsel and preparing for trial where appropriate; o tactical input on settlement proposals and litigation strategy, and negotiating settlements. · Assume day to day responsibility for the management of the Claims team and Debt team and associated personnel, including performance assessment, training, development and technical support. · Provide matter level and consolidated reporting and statistics to the Principal Group Solicitor and wider Legal department leadership team. · Support Principal Group Solicitor and wider Legal department leadership team to manage and advise finance and external auditors on appropriate provisions for liabilities arising from claims. ·
Skills & experience
A Solicitor, or Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives or someone of equivalent qualification, with a background in litigation. • Good knowledge of litigation protocols, procedures and practices and relevant areas of law. This includes either having, or being willing to develop, knowledge of relevant water and sewerage industry law. • Good management and interpersonal skills, and as a team leader, will be able to motivate colleagues. • Good drafting skills, strong attention to detail and research skills and will be able to work with different sources of information (legal and/or factual). • Good IT skills • Respect for, understanding of and a commitment to relevant UU and water industry processes and governance, their intent and their practical implementation • Good management, communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to respond under pressure, work to tight deadlines and prioritise a high case load of matters within a busy team. • An awareness of our business culture, custom and practice, together with a high level of diplomacy. • A willingness to support relevant emergency requirements, often at short notice.
Other
Manage external advisors (including solicitors’ firms and Counsels’ chambers and experts), and support the development and embedding of relationships with those external advisors to ensure consistency of approach and common standards. · Ensure that all standard documentation is maintained, and that all protocols, Court rules, practices and procedures are complied with. · Provide advice on the interpretation and application of the Group insurance cover. · Support the Principal Group Solicitor and wider Legal Department leadership team with strategic initiatives (e.g. risk management strategies). · Approve offers and payments on all third party claims within limits of authority agreed from time to time. · Manage other external providers involved in the claims handling process, including loss adjusting and restoration services and insurers. · Support the Principal Group Solicitor and wider Legal Department leadership team in handling escalated complaints and major incidents/emergency matters.
Senior Litigator (Claims and Debt) in Warrington employer: United Utilities
United Utilities is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where commercial professionals can thrive while contributing to vital infrastructure projects that benefit communities across the North West. With competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and robust career development opportunities, we empower our employees to grow and make a meaningful impact in their roles. Join us to be part of a purpose-driven organisation that values innovation and collaboration.
