Principal Solicitor; Insurance and Risk Management

Details of the job are provided below. Further information is available in the Job Description and Person Specification.

Job reference REQ
05113 Date posted 18/02/2026 Final date to receive applications 26/02/2026 Location Port Talbot Civic Centre Salary £52,413 - £54,495 Per Annum Package Generous holiday entitlement, Employee Assistance Programme, Local Government Pension Scheme with 22.4% employer contributions, discounted gym membership with Celtic Leisure and excellent development opportunities Contractual hours 37 Basis Full time Job category/type Legal Attachments Principal Solicitor (Insurance and Risk Management) REQ
05113 JDPS.docx Reasons to Work for Neath Port Talbot Council.pptx Principal Solicitor (Insurance and Risk Management) REQ
05113 JDPS (Welsh).docx

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 witha 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…