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Deputy General Counsel

Employer
Ashurst
Location
London (Central), London (Greater)
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
3 Apr 2019

Job Details

About Ashurst

Ashurst is a leading global law firm with a history spanning almost 200 years, and clear strategy for our future growth. Our in-depth understanding of our clients and commitment to providing exceptional standards of service have seen us become a trusted adviser to local and global corporates, financial institutions and governments in all areas of commercial law. To find out more please visit here.

In order to comply with regulatory and client requirements, Ashurst will undertake appropriate vetting of staff. When applicants accept a job offer, Ashurst, alongside a specialist provider, will undertake professional verification and background checks.  These checks are only undertaken with consent, and in accordance with our legal and regulatory obligations.

Team overview:

The Office of General Counsel is a global team made up of the General Counsel (based in London with Global responsibility), two Deputy General Counsel (London and Sydney) and a Legal Counsel (Brisbane).

The General Counsel team is responsible for advising the firm on all constitutional, legal and regulatory issues as well as the management of risk, development of policies and preparation of contracts with third parties.  It also draws on internal subject matter experts to assist with the provision of such advice to the firm.  The team works closely with the Risk and Compliance team (which also reports to the General Counsel).  The Risk and Compliance team has primary responsibility for matter intake and on-going matter related compliance issues such as conflict assessments and anti-money laundering, sanctions, anti-bribery and corruption, tax evasion and data protection compliance as well as client terms of engagement.  The General Counsel team is the point of escalation from the Risk and Compliance team for a wide range of legal and regulatory questions including in relation to client terms of engagement.

Job overview:

This role is able to be based in either our London or Glasgow office. 

Main responsibilities:

  • Assisting the General Counsel with a variety of matters
  • Providing quality and commercial advice on legal matters involving the firm
  • Assisting with drafting, negotiating and advising on a wide range of contracts and agreements entered in to by the firm
  • Assisting in the provision of constitution advice for the firm including maintenance of the standard form terms of engagement with clients
  • Liaising where needed with the Solicitors Regulation Authority
  • Providing advice to partners and lawyers for example on escrow agreements, reliance letters, NDAs for the firm and the use of our brand
  • Advising on legal, regulatory and practical aspects of a wide range of operational issues and projects, in particular in relation to:
    • the strategy of the firm
    • the development of relationships with law firms in other jurisdictions
    • the development of new technologies
    • the development of innovative ways of delivering legal services
    • issues arising from the operation of a law firm in multiple jurisdictions
    • developments in the business environment
  • Providing support to:
    • the Human Resources team (for example in relation to secondments, consultancy agreements, on boarding of employees and practising certificates)
    • the IT team (for example in relation to new technology issues)
    • the Partnership Office and Tax team (for example on issues relating to partners and regulatory filings)
    • to the Pro Bono Team and Corporate Responsibility team, and
    • the other business support teams
  • Advising on regulatory compliance matters (except in relation to conflict assessments and anti-money laundering and sanctions compliance which is handled by the Risk and compliance team)
  • Advising in relation to a range of issues escalated from the Risk and Compliance Team including in relation to client engagements, conflicts, Ashurst liabilities to third parties, answers to client questions in pitches, audits and similar
  • Helping prepare advice in relation to any complaints
  • Assisting the General Counsel manage professional indemnity insurance claims
  • Helping advise in relation to risk management issues across the business
  • Working with the Risk Committee the Information Security Steering Group, the Data Interaction Committee and other committees
  • Managing regular reviews of the Risk Register
  • Drafting firm policies
  • Developing and delivering regulatory, ethical and risk management training across the business
  • Helping record and advise on material incidents which affect the ongoing operation of the business
  • Participation in external regulatory committees and consultations
  • Participating as needed in the business continuity planning processes

Essential skills and experience:

  • Qualified England and Wales Solicitor with at least six years' experience at a top-tier law firm
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Excellent drafting skills to ensure all advice is clear, relevant and useable by the recipient whether they are a lawyer or support personnel
  • A commercial approach and an ability to negotiate effectively
  • Strong attention to detail with well-developed analytical skills
  • The ability to be collaborative and team-focused and also work independently in an international organisation
  • A proactive, positive and energetic approach with a commitment to providing excellent service and, a desire to interact with the market and build client relationships
  • Ability to manage a high-volume work load in a fast paced environment
  • Excellent organisational, legal and technical skills
  • Confidence to develop strong working relationships with partners, lawyers and business support staff across the firm
  • Excellent project management skills
  • Flexibility in mindset and approach to work
  • An ability to understand and support the culture and values of Ashurst

Company

Ashurst is a leading progressive global law firm with a rich history spanning more than 200 years. We are proud of our history and are future-focused, having expanded into new technologies through our NewLaw division, Ashurst Advance, and our consulting arm. Our in-depth understanding of our clients and commitment to providing excellent standards of service have seen us become a trusted adviser to local and global corporates, financial institutions and governments in all areas of commercial law. To find out more please visit  www.ashurst.com

Company info
Telephone
+44 20 7638 1111
Location
London Fruit & Wool Exchange
1 Duval Square
London
E1 6PW
United Kingdom

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