Regulatory Principal Associate Solicitor

Regulatory Principal Associate Solicitor – Unique In-House Style Opportunity

£75,000 – £100,000

Are you an experienced regulatory lawyer looking for an exciting opportunity within a dynamic and well-established legal team?

We are seeking a Regulatory Principal Associate Solicitor to join our Operations & Regulatory team as part of a managed legal service for a key utilities client.

This is a unique role within an embedded legal team, offering a breadth of regulatory work across water, waste, environmental permitting, planning, property, and competition law. You’ll work closely with senior stakeholders, manage a team of talented lawyers, and provide expert legal guidance on high-impact regulatory matters.

Why Join Us?

• A genuine in-house experience with direct client engagement within an international law firm.
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements available.
• Work with a leading utilities client at the forefront of regulatory developments.
• A culture of collaboration, innovation, and professional growth.
• Competitive salary of £75,000 – £100,000
• Clear career progression opportunities within a globally respected legal services provider.

The Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and career growth:

Financial & Security Benefits:

• Private medical insurance – single cover paid by the firm, with options to add dependants.
• Life assurance – 4x annual salary.
• Income protection insurance – financial security in case of illness or injury.
• Matched pension contributions – up to 5% (increasing to 6% after five years of service).
• Discretionary bonus scheme – based on individual and firm performance.
• Chargeable hours bonus – up to 10% of annual salary.

Work-Life Balance & Wellbeing:

• 26-30 days annual leave dependant on role (plus an extra firm-wide holiday day in December).
• Flexible and hybrid working options with 2 days from home as standard.
• Employee Assistance Programme – free counselling and support for you and your immediate family.
• Voluntary benefits – including a Cycle to Work scheme, GymFlex, dental insurance, and holiday buy/sell options.

Career Development & Growth:

• Structured learning and development programmes with access to workshops, mentoring, and coaching.
• Secondment opportunities for international and cross-functional experience.
• Recognition awards celebrating innovation and growth.

The Role

• Act as a subject matter expert on regulatory matters relating to water and waste, water fittings, resources, street works, charges schemes, and drought regulations.
• Work closely with specialists in environmental permitting, planning, property, competition, procurement, and commercial law.
• Lead and manage a team of lawyers, overseeing caseloads, performance, and development.
• Advise and negotiate on regulatory matters, ensuring compliance and best practice.
• Provide training and updates on regulatory changes to the client’s business and legal teams.
• Drive process improvements and operational efficiencies within the legal function.
• Ensure service level agreements (SLAs) and key performance indicators (KPIs) are met.

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified solicitor with at least 8 years’ PQE in a regulated sector, ideally within water and sewage.
• Experience in an in-house or secondment role is highly desirable.
• Expertise in regulatory frameworks, including the Water Industry Act 1991, New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, and Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016.

If you\’re looking for a challenging and rewarding role in a dynamic in-house setting at a private practice firm, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today and take the next step in your legal career!

If you need more information about this role, please contact James @ Wilson Mannion Recruitment.