At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice and support to ensure compliance and governance.
- Company: Join Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, a not-for-profit company dedicated to the environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 33 days leave, and great employee perks.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace that values every voice.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a role that supports essential services for millions.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with at least 3 years of relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 52793 - 62032 £ per year.
Reporting to the Senior Solicitor (Operations), the Solicitor (Operations) provides legal advice and support across Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, to assist the organisation to deliver its strategic and operational objectives in a lawful, ethical and commercially sound manner. The post holder will support governance, regulatory compliance and continuous improvement in legal service delivery within their area of responsibility.
Key Responsibilities of the role:
- Providing pragmatic, commercial and user-friendly legal advice on a variety of contentious and non-contentious matters.
- Support regulatory enforcement and prosecution activity (as prosecutor and defence).
- Conduct commercial, customer and property disputes/litigation and enforcement matters under appropriate supervision.
- Instruction of external legal advisers.
- Preparing cases to support the organisation in the exercise of its statutory rights and powers in relation to land and assets.
- Occasional Court attendance in support of warrant applications.
- Supervise and mentor junior legal professionals, supporting capability development and effective workload management.
- Support with horizon scanning for legal and regulatory change and assessing the impact on the organisation.
- Supporting with the preparations of responses to complaints from customers and third parties that require legal interpretation.
- Legal research and interpretation.
- Non-contentious legal drafting.
- Maintain and enhance precedents, guidance notes, FAQs, and know-how libraries to improve legal processes and controls.
- Support the management of matter intake for the Legal team - from instruction to completion, tracking deadlines, dependencies, and stakeholder inputs.
About you:
The following are essential requirements for the recruitment of the role:
- Qualified solicitor with a current practicing certificate.
- 3 years PQE (PQE is a guide and other relevant skills, and experience will be considered).
- Working in a city or regionally based firm, or an in-house legal team.
- Some experience relevant to PQE of the key responsibilities listed below.
- Experience of taking responsibility for own performance (including managing a busy workload).
- Demonstrable experience of delivering practical and solution-orientated advice and legal services.
- Strong applied knowledge in at least one of either contentious property, general litigation, non-contentious property, prosecutions or environmental law.
- Excellent drafting and negotiation skills; able to produce clear, concise advice with minimal supervision.
- Advanced legal research and analysis; sound judgment on when/how to escalate.
- Ability to frame legal risks in business terms and propose pragmatic, proportionate solutions.
- Confident communicator; credible, calm, and solutions oriented.
- Strong organisation: manages competing deadlines, prioritises effectively, and maintains accurate records/matter hygiene.
- Water industry (or other regulated industry/utility) knowledge (desirable but not essential).
- Understands the legislative competence of Senedd Cymru.
Benefits:
As well as a market competitive salary, 33 days annual leave (pro rata, including public holidays), we offer a range of employee benefits and rewards including:
- Variable pay schemes (your salary will always stay the same, but depending on the performance of the company you could receive a yearly bonus).
- Enhanced employer pension contributions – Up to 11% employer contributions.
- Enhanced family friendly policies.
- Progression opportunities, including the ability to apply for funded training and coaching and mentoring programmes.
- Reduction on gym memberships and high street shopping.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Car-leasing scheme.
- Health CashBack scheme.
- An employee assistance programme for employees and their immediate family.
We know that the most successful teams are the most diverse teams. Equality, diversity and inclusion provide the very foundation to our culture at Welsh Water. We want every individual to feel confident, proud and able to bring their whole selves to work.
Solicitor (Operations) in Cardiff employer: Welsh Water
Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water is an exceptional employer, offering a rewarding Cook position in the stunning location of Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire. With a commitment to employee growth through full training and flexible working hours, staff enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises high standards of food hygiene and customer service. Join our dedicated team at Llys y Fran, where you can contribute to a not-for-profit organisation that values both its employees and the beautiful environment we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solicitor (Operations) in Cardiff
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
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Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Welsh Water, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Solicitor (Operations) in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Welsh 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 Welsh Water and the specific role of Solicitor (Operations). 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 Welsh Water’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Welsh 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 Welsh 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 Welsh Water.
