Solicitor

We are seeking a highly skilled, professionally qualified, and experienced Solicitor to manage the legal documentation, contractual matters, and compliance requirements of our car rental business in the UK. The ideal candidate must be a fully qualified and authorized practicing solicitor, with completed postgraduate legal qualifications and proven practical experience in handling legal documentation specifically related to the car rental or vehicle hire industry. The successful candidate will be responsible for drafting and reviewing rental agreements, ensuring legal compliance, managing contractual disputes, providing legal advice to management, and protecting the company's legal and commercial interests. Key Responsibilities:

1. Legal Documentation & Contract Management

• Draft, review, and amend vehicle rental agreements, contracts, and legal documentation.
• Prepare and maintain legally compliant rental terms and conditions.
• Review contractual clauses concerning vehicle damage, accidents, insurance liabilities, deposits, excess charges, and customer responsibilities.
• Ensure all rental agreements are legally enforceable and protect the company's interests while complying with consumer protection requirements.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date legal records and documentation.

2. Car Rental Legal Matters

• Provide legal guidance on matters specifically related to the car rental and vehicle hire industry.
• Review and manage documentation concerning vehicle accidents, damage claims, insurance disputes, and customer liabilities.
• Handle legal issues arising from rental agreements, vehicle misuse, unpaid rental charges, and contractual breaches.
• Prepare legal notices, formal correspondence, and other necessary legal documentation.
• Liaise with insurance providers, external legal representatives, and relevant authorities when required.

3. Legal Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with applicable UK laws and regulations, including consumer protection, contract law, and data protection legislation.
• Review company policies, rental procedures, and documentation to identify and minimise legal risks.
• Advise management on legal obligations and potential liabilities.
• Keep the company informed of relevant changes in UK legislation affecting the car rental industry.
• Support compliance with applicable BVRLA industry standards and codes of conduct.

4. Dispute Resolution & Legal Representation

• Handle and resolve customer disputes concerning rental contracts, vehicle damage, insurance, and financial liabilities.
• Prepare responses to legal complaints, claims, and contractual disputes.
• Manage debt recovery matters and legal correspondence related to outstanding rental payments.
• Represent the company's interests in negotiations and legal proceedings where appropriate.
• Coordinate with external solicitors and other legal professionals when necessary.

5. Legal Advisory & Management Support

• Provide professional legal advice to senior management on operational and commercial matters.
• Assist management in making legally informed business decisions.
• Develop and improve standard legal templates, rental agreements, and internal documentation.
• Coordinate with operational, customer service, and management teams to resolve legal issues.
• Ensure confidentiality and professional handling of all legal matters. Essential Qualifications & Requirements:
• Must be a fully qualified solicitor authorised to practise in England and Wales and registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
• Must hold a current and valid SRA Practising Certificate.
• Must have completed a recognised law degree and a postgraduate legal qualification, such as the Legal Practice Course (LPC), LLM, postgraduate diploma, or equivalent.
• Proven practical experience in car rental or vehicle hire legal documentation is mandatory.
• Demonstrated experience drafting, reviewing, and managing vehicle rental contracts and legal agreements.
• Strong knowledge of UK contract law, consumer protection legislation, and commercial legal matters.
• Experience handling vehicle damage disputes, insurance-related documentation, and contractual claims.
• Excellent legal drafting, documentation review, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to independently manage legal matters and provide practical legal solutions.
• Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and professional judgement.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Must have the legal right to work in the UK. Preferred Experience:
• Previous experience working as an in-house solicitor or legal adviser for a car rental, vehicle hire, fleet management, or automotive business.
• Experience handling motor insurance claims, vehicle damage disputes, and debt recovery cases.
• Familiarity with BVRLA standards, rental contract requirements, and dispute resolution procedures.
• Experience advising businesses on commercial contracts and operational legal risks.