Assistant General Counsel - Claims & Litigation

Ferguson Inc.; Tampa (FL); Remote; USD 127,000 - 209,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligibility

Health, dental, vision, PTO

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Ferguson, a Fortune 500 distributor of plumbing and building supplies, seeks an Assistant General Counsel – Claims & Litigation to lead in-house litigation strategy for auto/general/product liability and construction defect matters. This role reports to senior legal leadership and collaborates with internal partners to mitigate risk.

The position supports remote work with a preference for Florida residency, and occasional travel to depositions, mediations, trials, and to corporate offices.

Qualifications

• J.D. from ABA-accredited law school required.
• Active bar license in at least one state.
• 5+ years of litigation experience including auto/general/product liability.
• In-house corporate experience with high-volume claims preferred.
• Experience with TPAs and multi-jurisdictional litigation.

Responsibilities

• Handle high-volume claims administration and case strategy for auto/general/product liability and construction defect matters.
• Advise and supervise external defense counsel and third-party administrators; manage deadlines, pleadings, discovery, and motions.
• Represent Ferguson during depositions, mediations, arbitrations, settlements, and trials; monitor budgets and metrics.
• Provide risk-based guidance to management, business units, and legal leadership.
• Conduct internal investigations and respond to third parties, regulators, and opposing counsel.

Skills

Strong communication

Litigation leadership

Analytical reasoning

Remote work independently

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from ABA-accredited law school

Job description

Job Posting: Since 1953, Ferguson has been a source of quality supplies for a variety of industries. Together We Build Better infrastructure, better homes and better businesses. We exist to make our customers’ complex projects simple, successful, and sustainable. We proactively solve problems, adapt and grow to continuously serve our customers, communities and each other. Ferguson, a Fortune 500 company, is proud to provide best‑class products, service and capabilities across the following industries: Commercial/Mechanical, Facilities Supply, Fire and Fabrication, HVAC, Industrial, Residential Trade, Residential Building and Remodel, Waterworks and Residential Digital Commerce. Ferguson has approximately 36,000 associates across 1,700 locations. Ferguson is a community of proud associates who operate with the shared purpose of building something meaningful. You will build a career that you are proud of, at a company you can believe in.

Position Summary

The Assistant General Counsel - Claims & Litigation, serves as dedicated in‑house litigation counsel supporting Ferguson’s liability claims and defense strategy. Reporting to senior legal leadership, this position handles various liability and construction defect disputes, oversees external defense counsel, directs case strategy through all phases of claims administration and litigation, and provides proactive legal guidance to internal partners to mitigate risk across the organization.

Location and Travel

This role is approved for remote work and preferably in Florida. The ability to travel as needed for depositions, mediations, trials, and site visits as well as periodic travel to corporate Headquarters in Newport News, Virginia and/or Tampa, Florida is required.

Responsibilities

Handle high‑volume claims administration and case strategy for auto/general/product liability and construction defect claims. Advise and supervise external defense counsel and third‑party administrators, handle litigation deadlines, review pleadings, discovery, motions, and significant correspondence to maintain consistent case strategy. Attend and represent the company’s interests during critical litigation events, including material depositions, mediations, arbitrations, settlement conferences, and trials. Provide comprehensive reporting on the status of auto/general/product liability, construction defect, and related tort litigation, including establishing benchmarks, monitoring litigation budgets, and tracking financial metrics. Advise management, business units, and legal leadership on preventative options and risk‑mitigation strategies. Conduct and be responsible for internal investigations regarding claims and prepare official responses to third parties, regulatory bodies, and opposing counsel. Evaluate, tender, and respond to tenders of defense and indemnification agreements with vendors, manufacturers, and insurers as appropriate. Argue the company’s position persuasively with third parties, including opposing counsel, investigative agencies, and auditors. Increase the efficiency and effectiveness of legal service delivery through preventative measures, including early issue identification, analysis, and dispute resolution. Communicate effectively and maintain professional and supportive relationships with company associates, witnesses, external counsel, and business partners.

Qualifications

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from a law school fully accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). Active license and member in good standing of at least one state bar. A minimum of five (5) years of litigation experience with considerable focus on leading and being responsible for auto, general, and product liability matters, including interacting with third‑party claims administrators. Prior corporate in‑house experience handling high‑volume or high‑exposure claim portfolios for a national distributor, manufacturer, or retailer. Experience with a law firm or public agency leading complex tort defense and outside counsel relationships will also be considered. Significant product liability experience is highly preferred. Proven track record handling material litigation events, including depositions, dispositive motions, alternative dispute resolution, and trial preparation. Experience working with TPAs and claims management systems. Experience with multi‑jurisdictional litigation. Familiarity with building products, plumbing, HVAC, or industrial distribution operations and supply‑chain logistics is ideal.

Competencies and Skills

Sound legal and business judgment capable of providing practical, risk‑calibrated counsel to operational leaders. Strong communication skills; ability to interact optimally with all levels of corporate management. Poise and ability to present clearly to groups, including leading internal training and preventative education programs. Analytical rigor and the ability to apply logic and sound judgment in confrontational or high‑stakes dispute situations. Excellent project management skills, with proven ability to prioritize and drive multiple complex matters simultaneously. High degree of self‑motivation with the ability to work independently in a remote environment. Proficiency in legal technology, matter management systems, and standard business software (Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

At Ferguson, we care for each other. We value our well‑being just as much as our hard work. We are committed to a holistic approach towards benefits plans and programs that support the mental, physical and financial well‑being of our associates. Our competitive offering not only includes benefits like health, dental, vision, paid time off, life insurance and a 401(k) with a company match, but our associates also enjoy additional meaningful and inclusive enhancements that are adaptable to their diverse situations and needs, including mental health coverage, gender affirming and family building benefits, paid parental leave, associate discounts, community involvement opportunities and more!

• Pay Range:
• $11,400.30 - $18,700.00 - Estimated Ranges displayed are Monthly for Salaried roles OR Hourly for all other roles.
• This role is Bonus or Incentive Plan eligible.
• Ferguson complies with all wage regulations.
• The starting wage may be higher in certain locations based on local or state wage requirements.
• The Company is an equal opportunity employer as well as a government contractor that shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a), which prohibits discrimination against qualified protected Veterans and the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(A), which prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability.
• Ferguson Enterprises, LLC. is an equal employment employer F/M/Disability/Vet/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.
• Equal Employment Opportunity and Reasonable Accommodation Information Ferguson is a project success company providing expertise, solutions and products from infrastructure, plumbing and appliances to HVAC, fire, fabrication and more.
• As a leading value‑added distributor of residential and commercial plumbing supplies and pipe, valves and fittings in the U.S., we exist to make our customers’ complex projects simple, successful and sustainable.
• The professionals we serve help transform the world we live in, and we are their trusted partners with the scale to provide peace of mind.
• Founded in 1953, Ferguson is part of Ferguson plc, which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: FERG) and London Stock Exchange (LSE: FERG).
• With approximately 36,000 associates across 1,700 locations, Ferguson plc serves customers in all 50 states, Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico and the Caribbean.