Welcome to Team NPT

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 37 Full Time

Working Style: Your workstyle will be a mobile hybrid worker in this role which gives you the flexibility to work from home and from a variety of Council workplaces.

Neath Port Talbot Council is seeking an experienced and motivated legal professional to join its Legal and Democratic Services team as Principal Solicitor (Insurance and Risk Management). This permanent, full‑time role (37 hours per week), based at Port Talbot Civic Centre with hybrid working opportunities, will lead on all legal services relating to insurance, civil claims, and risk across the authority.

As the Council’s senior specialist in this area, the postholder will provide high‑level legal advice on insurance liabilities, civil litigation, coronial matters and risk management, as well as represent the Council in courts, tribunals, inquests, and alternative dispute resolution processes. The role involves overseeing the preparation of pleadings, legal documents and settlement agreements, managing complex litigation, and working closely with insurers, brokers, external counsel, and the Council’s Insurance Manager to ensure effective and efficient claims handling.

A key aspect of the position is advising on legal risk across the Council’s operations and contributing to the development of effective mitigation strategies, governance frameworks, and internal controls.

Applicants must be a qualified Solicitor or Barrister in England and Wales with a valid practising certificate, and possess extensive experience in civil litigation, local authority legal work, advocacy, insurance‑related legal matters, and the management of complex insurance and civil claims. Strong knowledge of public‑sector insurance law, litigation processes, risk management, and Welsh local government is essential, as are excellent analytical skills, negotiation abilities, interpersonal skills, and the capacity to manage a diverse and demanding caseload.

About you:

Applicants must be a qualified Solicitor or Barrister in England and Wales with a valid practising certificate, and possess extensive experience in civil litigation, local authority legal work, advocacy, insurance‑related legal matters, and the management of complex insurance and civil claims. Strong knowledge of public‑sector insurance law, litigation processes, risk management, and Welsh local government is essential, as are excellent analytical skills, negotiation abilities, interpersonal skills, and the capacity to manage a diverse and demanding caseload.

About us:

We believe in rewarding and recognising our colleagues’ efforts and achievements. We also believe that there’s life at work and life outside of work. We want everyone to be healthy and happy and have the financial resources and support they need.

Choose to work for us and you’ll be rewarded with a range of attractive benefits and support to help you live your best life.

• Hybrid working (in some roles) and flexible working schemes to improve your work life balance
• Benefit from a competitive employee package with a remarkable 22.4% employer pension contribution
• Enjoy a holiday entitlement of 25 days, increasing to 32 days after 5 years’ service (not forgetting the additional 8 bank holidays too)
• Access discounted gym membership with Celtic Leisure
• Utilise the cycle to work scheme with up to 40% off bikes and cycling equipment
• Purchase a new car through Tusker salary sacrifice scheme
• Enjoy exclusive discounts at local and national retailers with the Smart Spend app through our staff wellbeing group.

If you would like to start a rewarding career with a company that values and invests in its employees and you have the necessary experience and qualifications, this could be your dream job and we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion, please contact Craig Griffiths on email: c.griffiths2@npt.gov.uk

DBS requirements:

• This post is not subject to a DBS check

Neath Port Talbot Council is totally committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  Our schools/employees are equally committed to ensuring the safety and protection of all children and young people/vulnerable adults and will take action to safeguard their wellbeing.

The recruitment process for this post will be underpinned by rigorous safer recruitment assessment to ensure that children and young people are protected.

Welsh Language Requirements:

Welsh Language skills are desirable when appointed to the post.

Additional Information:

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who have a disability and armed forces veterans.  In support of employees of Tata Steel who are at risk of redundancy, or have been made redundant in 2024, Neath Port Talbot Council is offering a guaranteed interview for jobs across the Council.  Please note that applicants must meet all the essential criteria, as shown in the person specification, to qualify for a guaranteed interview.  If you are or going to be affected by the job losses at Tata Steel then we would welcome an application from you.  Just make it known on your application form that you are currently at risk of redundancy or you have been made redundant.

At Team NPT, we all work together to serve the people, communities and businesses of Neath Port Talbot.

We are committed to providing training opportunities and the professional development of all our employees.

We look forward to welcoming you to Team NPT.