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Senior Counsel Litigation

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BAT

17d ago

  • Job
    Full-time
    Senior Level
  • Legal
  • London

AI generated summary

  • You must have 7+ years' legal experience, preferably in tobacco/FMCG, strong analytical skills, excellent communication, commercial awareness, and be a proactive self-starter.
  • You will manage global litigation and investigations, coordinate defense strategies, liaise with legal and business partners, oversee external support, and maintain governance and reporting standards.

Requirements

  • Tobacco 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 negotiations 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.
  • 2:1 honours (or better) degree or equivalent experience.
  • Qualified lawyer with at least 7 years’ experience in a significant law firm or in-house legal department.

Responsibilities

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

FAQs

What is the primary responsibility of the Senior Counsel, Litigation role?

The primary responsibility is to advise on and proactively manage strategic commercial and product liability litigation, oversee external investigations, and counsel the business on strategic contentious issues.

What qualifications are required for this position?

A qualified lawyer with at least 7 years of experience in a significant law firm or in-house legal department, along with a 2:1 honors degree (or equivalent experience) is required.

Is experience in the tobacco industry necessary for this role?

While tobacco industry experience is preferred, other FMCG litigation experience may also be relevant.

What skills are essential for the Senior Counsel, Litigation position?

Essential skills include strong analytical ability, excellent communication skills, good influencing and negotiation skills, and the ability to manage cases proactively.

What kind of team will I be working with in this role?

You will be working with the Litigation & Regulation team and liaising with members of the LEX function, as well as building relationships with key partners in the wider business.

Does British American Tobacco offer benefits for this role?

Yes, BAT offers a market-leading annual performance bonus, diverse health plans, work-life balance initiatives, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan.

What opportunities for personal and professional development are available?

Employees will have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs designed to nurture leadership skills and support career progression.

Are there any initiatives in place to support workplace inclusivity?

Yes, BAT champions collaboration, inclusion, and partnership, fostering an environment where every individual can thrive, regardless of diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

How does BAT view career breaks?

BAT views career breaks as opportunities and encourages professionals seeking to re-enter the workforce to apply, especially through their Global Returners program.

Will I need to manage external law firms in this role?

Yes, managing external law firms worldwide and ensuring consistency in defense strategies will be a key aspect of the role.

Manufacturing & Electronics
Industry
10,001+
Employees
1902
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

BAT (British American Tobacco) is a leading international tobacco company engaged in the manufacturing, marketing, and sale of cigarettes, tobacco, and nicotine-related products. With a presence in over 180 countries, BAT's primary focus is on satisfying consumer preferences and delivering quality products responsibly. Their ultimate mission is to provide adult consumers with a range of enjoyable and less risky alternatives to smoking traditional cigarettes, including vaping and tobacco heating products. BAT's purpose extends beyond the products they offer; they are committed to operating sustainably, promoting responsible farming practices, supporting communities, and advocating for the reduction of smoking-related harm. By leveraging their expertise and innovative approach, BAT aims to transform the tobacco industry and contribute to a future where tobacco-related harm is significantly reduced.

Culture & Values

  • We are bold

    The people here are creative, adaptable and dedicated. These qualities form a powerful culture of resilience and a relentlessness to continually be better.

  • We are fast

    On our transformation journey, speed really matters. We set clear direction for the future and move fast. I like that we work together as a team and share learnings with each other.

  • We are empowered

    What I particularly like is that I’ve been given responsibility from day one. I have the freedom to come up with own ideas and drive decision making on the right level.

  • We are diverse

    We absolutely value different perspectives and build on each other’s ideas, knowledge and experiences. BAT is a uniquely diverse organization where everyone can bring their difference.

  • We are responsible

    Our A Better Tomorrow agenda gives a clear purpose to those working at BAT. We want to reduce the health impact of our business. I believe we all feel responsible for delivering upon this goal.