Senior Counsel Litigation

BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. With products like VELO, VUSE and GLO we are on a mission to decrease the health impact of our industry

To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to Be The Change. Come, join us on this journey!

The key objectives and expectations from this role are : advise on and proactively manage 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.

Your key responsibilities will include

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.

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

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.

What are we looking for?

• 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

What we offer you?

• We offer a market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility).
• Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work-life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives.
• Your journey with us isn't limited by boundaries; it's propelled by your aspirations. Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn't just a statement – it's a reality we're eager to build together. Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here.
• You'll have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills.
• We prioritise continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes.

WHY JOIN BAT?

We’re one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions.

At BAT, we champion collaboration, inclusion, and partnership as the bedrock of our values. We wish to foster an environment where every individual can thrive, irrespective of factors such as gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio-economic and professional background, as well as diverse perspectives and thinking styles. We recognise that our strength lies in embracing talent from all walks of life, empowering us to develop our culture of inclusivity and better achieve our business objectives.

We view career breaks not as obstacles but as opportunities and encourage everyone, without hesitation, to apply. Through our Global Returners program, we provide support to professionals seeking to re-enter the workforce after an extended absence, be it for family care, parental leave, national service, sabbatical, or starting their own venture.

Come bring your difference and see what is possible for you at BAT. Learn more about our culture and our award winning employee experiencehere.

We take pride in being a Disability Confident Employer. If you need any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to be made during the recruitment process to support you performing at your best, please inform the recruitment partner who will be in touch should your profile be selected for the role you applied for. We are wholeheartedly committed to optimising your prospects of success by making suitable arrangements so that you may showcase your full potential.