The Legal Counsel will play a critical role in providing comprehensive legal guidance and support across the organisation. The ideal candidate will oversee a wide array of legal responsibilities, including ensuring compliance with data protection regulations, upholding UK legal standards, and mitigating potential legal risks. This position demands a proactive, meticulous, and detail-focused professional with excellent analytical and communication capabilities.
Please note, the role will be based in the London office 3 days per week & days WFH.
Key Responsibilities:
Compliance and Risk Management:
- Develop and enforce internal policies and strategies to ensure legal risk management and best practices.
- Ensure full compliance with applicable UK and EU regulations, including GDPR and employment law.
- Oversee data privacy strategies, conduct data privacy impact assessments (DPIAs), and manage data subject access requests (DSARs).
- Address data privacy incidents with effective measures.
- Deliver prompt and actionable legal advice across various departments within the business and its affiliated companies.
- Draft, review, and negotiate a diverse range of legal contracts and documents, such as commercial agreements, NDAs, and partnership agreements.
- Oversee the resolution of legal disputes, coordinating with external counsel as necessary.
- Represent the company in legal proceedings, mediations, and negotiations to achieve favourable outcomes.
- Provide guidance on corporate governance matters, assisting with board meetings, documentation, and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements.
- Maintain and manage corporate records and other essential documentation.
- Organize and lead legal training sessions and workshops to improve employee understanding of legal issues and compliance requirements.
- Keep the team updated on changes in relevant laws and regulations and develop training materials accordingly.
- Provide legal assistance during mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate transactions, including conducting due diligence and managing transaction documentation.
- Support financing and investment activities by coordinating with external advisors and stakeholders.
- Safeguard and manage the company’s intellectual property portfolio, handling IP-related disputes and ensuring compliance with relevant laws.
- Stay informed on regulatory changes affecting the company and provide timely advice on compliance.
- Interact with regulatory bodies as needed, ensuring timely submissions and responses.
- Analytical and Problem-Solving: Ability to navigate complex legal issues and devise practical solutions.
- Collaboration and Independence: Capable of working both independently and as part of a team.
- Detail-Oriented: High level of accuracy and attention to detail in all legal matters.
- Interpersonal Skills: Strong ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Effective Communication: Proficient in conveying complex legal concepts clearly, both verbally and in writing.
- Adaptability: Comfortable adapting to evolving legal landscapes and business needs.
- Data Privacy Expertise: Extensive experience in advising on data privacy matters, ensuring compliance with GDPR.
- Qualified Solicitor/Barrister: Minimum of 2 years PQE.
- Relevant Experience: Proven experience in a similar in-house legal role or with a reputable law firm.
- Legal Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of UK laws and regulations pertinent to the company’s operations.
- Excellent Drafting and Negotiation Skills: Proficiency in contract drafting, negotiation, and legal communication.
- Organisational Skills: Ability to manage multiple projects effectively with strong organisational skills.
- High Ethical Standards: Demonstrates integrity and a proactive, solution-focused approach.
- Employment Law Knowledge: Understanding of UK employment law.