In-House Counsel

This is an In–House Legal Counsel position within one of the world's most exciting and dynamic law firms. The role will be based in London, with flexible working patterns and a competitive salary.

Client Details

Our client is one of the world's largest and most prominent international law firms. It has a global presence with offices in numerous countries across North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

Key characteristics and aspects of this firm include:

1. Global Reach: Operating in over 40 countries, making it one of the largest law firms with a truly global footprint. This extensive network allows them to provide legal services to clients on an international scale.

2. Full–Service Law Firm: They offer a wide range of legal services, covering various practice areas such as corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, litigation, intellectual property, real estate, employment law, and more. This comprehensive approach allows them to serve diverse clients, including corporations, governments, and individuals.

3. Client Base: The firm serves a diverse client base, including multinational corporations, financial institutions, governments, and nonprofit organisations. Their clients span various industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, energy, and more.

4. Innovation and Technology: Known for their commitment to innovation and technology in the legal industry. They have embraced digital tools and data analytics to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their legal services.

5. Inclusivity and Diversity: The firm places importance on diversity and inclusion within its workforce and client base. They have various initiatives and programs aimed at promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities for all.

6. Legal Rankings: Consistently ranking among the top law firms globally in various legal publications and industry rankings.

7. Pro Bono Work: The firm is actively involved in pro bono work and community service, contributing legal services to individuals and organisations in need.

8. Corporate Social Responsibility: Committed to corporate social responsibility and sustainability, focusing on ethical business practices and environmental initiatives.

Overall, our client is a prominent player in the legal industry, known for its global reach, diverse legal services, commitment to innovation, and dedication to diversity and social responsibility.

Description

The successful candidate will have exposure to a broad and varied workload across commercial contracts, firm governance, mergers/aquisitions/disposals, general corporate/commercial assistance, company secretarial work and procurement.

Key areas of responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

• being a member of the Office of General Counsel, providing strategic input to the delivery of the team's key functions and, where appropriate, investigating the use of technology to improve efficiencies and reporting
• taking a commercial and practical approach and offering appropriate and innovative solutions
• assisting with the negotiation, drafting and advising on a range of contracts both UK and International based, with support from the procurement team
• assisting the in–house finance and tax teams on finance and tax issues affecting the firm
• assisting with corporate restructurings and advising generally on the structure of the firm
• drafting intra–group service/loan agreements
• drafting heads of terms/memoranda of understanding
• assisting with acquisitions and the establishment of new offices
• drafting joint venture agreements
• drafting board and shareholder resolutions and minutes
• assisting with the drafting of reports for the Executive and Board
• providing day–to–day legal support and advice to the firm

Profile

The skills, experience and characteristics required for this role include:

• Have excellent legal knowledge and extensive experience in drafting (4+ years PQE desirable, but not essential)
• Previous experience in a similar role in private practice or in–house is a definitive advantage
• Build and maintain strong relationships both within and outside the firm, acting as an effective brand ambassador, and an internal change agent
• Have a strong client service orientation showing empathy, flexibility and be solutions focused
• Possess a high level of commercial acumen and analytical skills
• Be comfortable operating in ambiguous situations, demonstrating a flexible and collaborative personal working style
• Ability to multi–task and work to sometimes conflicting timescales and multiple priorities
• Be financially literate and technologically savvy
• Ability to take personal responsibility for and ownership of delivery
• Relationship management and the ability to work effectively at all levels including directly with management.

Job Offer

This role offers a competitive salary along with exposure to a wide range of complex work and the opportunity to communicate with key stakeholders within the wider business.

For further information about the package on offer for this position, and in order to find out more about the role, please contact Rosie Gage of Michael Page Legal (London)