Senior Counsel Litigation

SENIOR LITIGATION COUNSEL - Multinational FMCG

£150,000 - £200,000

LONDON (HYBRID - 2-3 DAYS PER WEEK IN THE OFFICE)

PERMANENT ROLE

Role Overview:

Morgan Philips are presently representing a globally operating Multinational FMCG business in their search for a Senior Counsel, Litigation. Reporting into the Head of Commercial Litigation, the successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the Legal function of the company by advising on and proactively managing strategic commercial and product liability litigation brought by or against any group company, manage external investigations and counsel the business on strategic contentious issues. Proactively identify and manage strategic litigation risks and develop defence strategies in anticipation of future strategic litigation on behalf of the group. Monitor, challenge and assure the quality of output from external lawyers. Help to ensure the delivery of functionally excellent strategic litigation and investigations services to the group.

Key Accountabilities:

1. Casework
   • Proactive direction, oversight and management of strategic commercial and product liability litigation claims and external investigations worldwide.
   • Coordinate defence efforts with (a) external law firms world-wide and (b) the end-markets involved, to ensure consistency of approach in defence strategies; efficiency of effort in defence preparation; and avoidance of duplication of effort.
   • Liaise with, report to and counsel other members of the legal function and business partners, as appropriate, in relation to strategic litigation and investigations case management.
   • Where providing these litigation and investigation services closely manage the provision of external support; contribute significantly to the strategic direction of cases; strictly maintain cost and budgeting subject area in external service purchasing; drive performance in the resolution of contentious issues; and co-ordinate the development of strategies crafted to reduce litigation risk throughout the group.
2. Reporting and Management Information
   • Production of clear management information concerning strategic disputable issues affecting group companies.
   • Fulfilment of all governance requirements such as contingent liability statements for the reporting cycle, demonstrating a strong detailed knowledge of reporting requirements and instilling confidence in stakeholders.
3. Relationship Management
   • Develop effective relationships with other colleagues of the Litigation & Regulation team and the LEX function generally.
   • Manage partner expectations regarding to case management, including providing proactive updates and reporting of developments.
   • Build and maintain relationships with key partners within the wider business.

Required Experience:

• Heavily regulated industry or other FMCG litigation experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of legal and strategic issues.
• Strong analytical ability and presentation skills to resolve and minimise legal risk issues.
• Willingness to embrace and develop expertise in new areas of law, with good influencing and negotiation skills.
• Excellent communicator, written and oral - clear and calm, with gravitas and the capacity to advise both legal peers and senior management clearly on legal and strategic cases.
• Self-starter with the ability to manage cases proactively without undue supervision or intervention of line management, adaptable and fast in dealing with issues.
• Business insight with commercial awareness, and ability to contribute in legal terms to group strategic objectives and excellent project management skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management, being able to instil confidence as a trusted adviser to LEX colleagues and the business.
• Qualified lawyer with at least 7 years' experience in a significant law firm or in-house legal department.