This is an exciting opportunity for a legal executive or litigation lawyer seeking a rewarding and fast-paced role in a friendly and supportive environment.

You will be working closely with the Third Party Damage and Illegal Connections team, managing a busy caseload of claims on behalf of Thames Water. The caseload will be varied, interesting and challenging, incorporating strict liability, negligence and infrastructure charges claims.

What you’ll be doing as a Litigation Lawyer

• Identify and assess legal risks.
• Provide general legal advice and support to the Third Party Damage Team and Illegal Connections Team.
• Where required, seek support and advice from specialist legal advisors internally and externally, Counsel and expert witnesses (including sending legal instructions).
• Progress cases through the Court from the issue of proceedings through to enforcement.
• Negotiate with third parties, their insurers or legal representatives to secure the best possible outcome in Thames Water’s claims.
• Work closely with the Third Party Damage Team and the operational teams, gathering further evidence and witness statements where required.
• Arrange and attend mediations and settlement meetings with third parties.
• Attend court with Counsel when required.
• Manage ongoing training and personal development to meet CiLex or SRA requirements.

This is a Maternity cover fixed-term contract, 12 – 14 months. Base location – Hybrid – Clear Water Court, Reading. Requirement – UK valid driving licence.

What you should bring to the role

To thrive in this role, the essential criteria you’ll need are:

• Knowledgeable and experienced qualified Legal Executive or solicitor.
• Extensive experience in managing a busy caseload of civil litigation claims.
• Strong organisation and drafting skills, managing cases from the point of instruction through to settlement, judgment and enforcement.
• A strong understanding of relevant Pre-Action Protocols and Civil Procedure Rules is essential for this role.
• The ability to advise on costs, mediation and other forms of dispute resolution, expert reports and disclosure is also essential.
• Experienced in managing own self-development and professional requirements.
• An essential aspect of the role will be to keep abreast of legal and procedural developments and to provide adequate updates or training to the Third Party Damage Team, including updating the legal precedent pack.

Extra qualities that would be a great fit for our team:

• Knowledge of the waste industry.

What’s in it for you?

Competitive salary of up to £58,000 per annum depending on experience. Annual Leave - 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays). Performance-related pay plan directly linked to both company and individual performance measures and targets. Generous Pension Scheme through AON. Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances.

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive.

Thames Water is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from everyone. We are committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work.

Disclaimer: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.