In-house Legal Counsel (3–5 Post Qualified Experience)
Taunton, Somerset (predominantly office-based)
Competitive salary and excellent benefits package
About WPA
WPA is a leading not-for-profit health insurer based in Taunton. Our Legal team is small, collaborative and highly integrated into the business, working across supplier and provider relationships, insurance products and services, strategic projects and day-to-day operational matters. This is an opportunity to join a team where Legal is viewed as a trusted business partner and where your contribution will have a direct impact on how the business operates[KS1] .
The Role
We are looking for a commercially minded solicitor with around 3–5 years' post-qualification experience to join our Legal team. We would particularly welcome applications from commercial solicitors looking to make their first move in-house, as well as candidates already working in-house seeking broader responsibility and business exposure.
The role will focus primarily on supporting WPA's relationships with third-party suppliers, healthcare providers and business customers, including negotiating, drafting and advising on a wide range of commercial contracts. You will also work closely with the Senior Legal Counsel in supporting the delivery of WPA's insurance products and services, providing legal advice across the customer journey from individual consumers through to SME and corporate clients.
Because we are a small team, this is a broad in-house role covering commercial contracts, customer-facing documentation, operational legal advice and business projects. You will be expected to take ownership of matters from instruction through to completion and work closely with stakeholders across the business.
Key Responsibilities
· Draft, review and negotiate commercial contracts.
· Support WPA's supplier and provider relationships.
· Take day-to-day responsibility for the legal aspects of WPA's third-party risk management process.
· Act as a trusted adviser to business teams on legal and commercial issues.
· Advise on legal issues arising from relationships with individual customers, SME clients and corporate policyholders.
· Support the development and review of policy documentation, customer communications and contractual terms.
· Support strategic business initiatives, projects and new product developments.
· Support Senior Legal Counsel across a broad range of in-house legal matters.
About You
You will be a qualified solicitor with approximately 3–5 years' PQE, although we will consider candidates with different levels of experience who can demonstrate the skills and attributes we are looking for.
· Strong experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts.
· Experience gained in private practice, in-house, or a combination of both.
· The ability to take ownership of matters from instruction through to completion with limited supervision.
· Strong legal and commercial judgement, with the ability to identify key risks and provide practical, commercially focused advice.
· Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
· The ability to build effective relationships across the business.
· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
· A collaborative approach and enjoyment of working as part of a small team.
We are looking for a lawyer who is curious, commercially minded and enjoys understanding how a business operates. You will be comfortable working across a broad range of legal issues and providing practical recommendations rather than purely technical legal analysis.
Strong commercial contracts experience is essential. Experience in supplier and procurement arrangements, healthcare, insurance, financial services or data protection would be advantageous, but is not essential.
Why Join WPA?
· Competitive salary
· Annual bonus
· Pension scheme
· Private medical cover
· Life assurance
· Generous benefits package
· Ongoing training and professional development
· Regular social events and team activities
Our Culture
WPA is a not-for-profit organisation committed to treating others as we would wish to be treated ourselves. We believe different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives make us stronger and are committed to creating [KS2] an inclusive environment where people can thrive.
Closing date: This remains flexible subject to us finding the right candidate, we therefore recommend that you apply at your earliest convenience.
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
- Referral programme
- Store discount
Application question(s):
- Are you willing to attend the office in Taunton on a regular basis. This role is not available for fully or mainly remote working.
Work Location: In person
