[Hiring] Assistant General Counsel - Claims & Litigation @FERGUSON

Role Description

The Assistant General Counsel - Claims & Litigation serves as dedicated in-house litigation counsel supporting Ferguson’s liability claims and defense strategy. Reporting to senior legal leadership, this position handles various liability and construction defect disputes, oversees external defense counsel, directs case strategy through all phases of claims administration and litigation, and provides proactive legal guidance to internal partners to mitigate risk across the organization.

This role is approved for remote work and preferably in Florida. The ability to travel as needed for depositions, mediations, trials, and site visits as well as periodic travel to corporate Headquarters in Newport News, Virginia and/or Tampa, Florida is required.

Responsibilities

• Handle high-volume claims administration and case strategy for auto/general/product liability and construction defect claims.
• Advise and supervise external defense counsel and third-party administrators, handle litigation deadlines, review pleadings, discovery, motions, and significant correspondence to maintain consistent case strategy.
• Attend and represent the company’s interests during critical litigation events, including material depositions, mediations, arbitrations, settlement conferences, and trials.
• Provide comprehensive reporting on the status of auto/general/product liability, construction defect, and related tort litigation, including establishing benchmarks, monitoring litigation budgets, and tracking financial metrics.
• Advise management, business units, and legal leadership on preventative options and risk-mitigation strategies.
• Conduct and be responsible for internal investigations regarding claims and prepare official responses to third parties, regulatory bodies, and opposing counsel.
• Evaluate, tender, and respond to tenders of defense and indemnification agreements with vendors, manufacturers, and insurers as appropriate.
• Argue the company’s position persuasively with third parties, including opposing counsel, investigative agencies, and auditors.
• Increase the efficiency and effectiveness of legal service delivery through preventative measures, including early issue identification, analysis, and dispute resolution.
• Communicate effectively and maintain professional and supportive relationships with company associates, witnesses, external counsel, and business partners.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from a law school fully accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).
• Active license and member in good standing of at least one state bar.
• A minimum of five (5) years of litigation experience with considerable focus on leading and being responsible for auto, general, and product liability matters, including interacting with third-party claims administrators.
• Prior corporate in-house experience handling high-volume or high-exposure claim portfolios for a national distributor, manufacturer, or retailer.
• Experience with a law firm or public agency leading complex tort defense and outside counsel relationships will also be considered.
• Significant product liability experience is highly preferred.
• Proven track record handling material litigation events, including depositions, dispositive motions, alternative dispute resolution, and trial preparation.
• Experience working with TPAs and claims management systems.
• Experience with multi-jurisdictional litigation.
• Familiarity with building products, plumbing, HVAC, or industrial distribution operations and supply-chain logistics is ideal.

Competencies and Skills

• Sound legal and business judgment capable of providing practical, risk-calibrated counsel to operational leaders.
• Strong communication skills; ability to interact optimally with all levels of corporate management.
• Poise and ability to present clearly to groups, including leading internal training and preventative education programs.
• Analytical rigor and the ability to apply logic and sound judgment in confrontational or high-stakes dispute situations.
• Excellent project management skills, with proven ability to prioritize and drive multiple complex matters simultaneously.
• High degree of self-motivation with the ability to work independently in a remote environment.
• Proficiency in legal technology, matter management systems, and standard business software (Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off.
• Life insurance.
• 401(k) with a company match.
• Mental health coverage.
• Gender affirming and family building benefits.
• Paid parental leave.
• Associate discounts.
• Community involvement opportunities.