Vertu Motors, Group Solicitor

Vertu Motors is the 4th largest motor retail group in the UK with 190 dealerships nationwide, and we are continuing to expand.  

In order to achieve that goal, we need to have a strong professional infrastructure in place to support our successful retail colleagues.  We are looking for a qualified solicitor with litigation experience to join our established in-house legal team.  This role offers flexibility and autonomy while still having the support of our experienced team.

Working for the General Counsel you will act as the team's first point of contact on disputes and litigation.  You will be required to manage and respond to court claims, provide a support service to dealerships on customer concerns by providing advice and assisting with drafting responses to customers, and supervising junior members of the team in responding to Motor Ombudsman cases.  You will also manage the relationship with the group's external litigation lawyers, utilising their resource where appropriate.

Ideally you will work from our Support Services Centre in Gateshead for 4 days a week with 1-day a week working from home, but for the right person we would consider other locations and/or a different mix.  The key to your success will be your attitude!  We look for passionate, hardworking people who strive to deliver great customer outcomes and support for our dealerships.

 The role:

• Providing support to the legal team, and advice to the wider group management team.
• Drafting and managing responses to court claims and escalated customer complaints and disputes, and supervising responses to Motor Ombudsman cases.
• Managing external litigation lawyers

In order to be successful, you will possess the following:

• Legal contentious experience with a commercial approach;
• The ability to provide practical and commercial advice within a legal framework;
• The ability to interrogate matters to ensure that responses are not only legally appropriate but also fit with the Vertu values;
• Confidence and organisation in managing your own caseload and associated deadlines; and
• Strong interpersonal and team skills, and an ability to effectively deal with colleagues at all levels of the business that inspires trust and confidence.

A knowledge of consumer law would be an advantage, but this can be developed in the role with the support of the team.

We are proud to be the Motor Retailer who invests more in our colleague's personal development than any other, so if you are successful, you can look forward to on-going training opportunities that provide you with the right career path, career progression and a range of benefits you would expect from an employer of choice which includes:

• 25 days holiday rising with length of service - plus bank holidays
• Access to our online rewards platform giving you cash back and discounts for multiple retailers
• Preferential Service Rates
• Colleague Purchase Scheme
• Share Incentive Scheme
• Pension
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity

If your application is successful, we will need to complete employment checks prior to you starting with us. Your role will include us verifying your recent employment, credit history and a criminal record check.

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