Legal Counsel - Commercial, Corporate, Data Protection & Privacy

Purpose of the Role

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 & 2 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.

Legal Counsel and Support:

• 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.

Dispute Resolution:

• 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.

Corporate Governance:

• 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.

Training and Development:

• 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.

Transactional Support:

• 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.

Intellectual Property Management:

• Safeguard and manage the company’s intellectual property portfolio, handling IP-related disputes and ensuring compliance with relevant laws.

Regulatory Affairs:

• 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.

Key Competencies:

• 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.

Qualifications:

• 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.