Deputy General Counsel

Search-Select LTD; East Devon; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job description

Our client seeks a Deputy General Counsel to join their team.

Role Profile: The Deputy General Counsel will support the General Counsel in managing the legal affairs of the company, with a particular focus on litigation, dispute resolution, and regulatory matters. The role requires a strategic legal advisor who can mitigate risks, handle complex legal disputes, and ensure compliance with relevant laws and industry regulations while protecting the company's reputation and commercial interests.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead and manage all litigation related to policyholder claims.
2. Develop a litigation strategy in collaboration with internal stakeholders and external counsel.
3. Provide strategic legal advice to senior management on litigation risks and outcomes.
4. Manage legal budgets and relationships with external counsel, ensuring cost-effective legal representation.
5. Advise on regulatory requirements and industry developments affecting life assurance, including cross-border regulations.
6. Collaborate with compliance and risk teams to ensure company policies align with legal and regulatory obligations.
7. Support the implementation of regulatory changes affecting the company's operations.
8. Provide legal advice on corporate governance, commercial contracts, and financial services matters.
9. Assist in drafting and reviewing contracts.
10. Review policy wording as well as other documentation issued to clients or potential clients to ensure that the Group's interests are properly protected, and these documents comply with appropriate legislation.
11. Offer guidance on risk management strategies and emerging legal challenges within the life assurance sector.
12. Deputise for the General Counsel.
13. Mentor and develop junior legal team members, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous learning.
14. Work cross-functionally with internal teams, including compliance, risk, finance, and operations.

Key Skills and Experience

1. Qualified solicitor/barrister with a strong litigation background (UK, Isle of Man, or equivalent jurisdiction).
2. Minimum 5 years of post-qualification experience in litigation and dispute resolution.
3. Experience in litigation and civil liability insurance, preferably within financial services or insurance sectors.
4. Strong knowledge of life assurance regulations, insurance law, and financial services litigation.
5. Ability to quickly comprehend complex legal and regulatory issues.
6. Excellent communication, organisational and presentation skills.
7. Ability to manage and prioritise own workload in a fast paced environment.
8. Self-motivated with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
9. Be able to work as part of a team as well as the ability to work independently.
10. Competent in Microsoft applications: Including Word, Outlook, SharePoint and Excel.