About Ashurst:

Ashurst is a leading global law firm with a history spanning 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

Business Area: Office of General Counsel

Role: Legal Counsel

Location: Glasgow office/Hybrid

Reporting to: Legal Counsel, Office of General Counsel

Hours of work: Full-time (Hybrid Working Model)

Department/ Role Overview:

The Office of General Counsel is a global team made up of the Global General Counsel (London), two General Counsel (Glasgow and Brisbane) and four Counsel (three in Brisbane and one in London). We are looking to add a new Solicitor role, based in the UK , to the team. This role description is for the new UK-based role.

The Office of General Counsel is the in-house legal team for the Ashurst Group globally. It is responsible for advising the firm on constitutional, legal and regulatory issues as well as the management of risk and governance issues, development of policies and preparation and negotiation of contracts with third parties. The Office of General Counsel also works closely with the Risk and Compliance team (which also reports in to the Global General Counsel). The Office of General Counsel is the point of escalation from the Risk and Compliance team for a range of legal and regulatory questions, including in relation to client terms of engagement, ethics queries, data protection, anti-money laundering, bribery and corruption, tax evasion and conflicts issues.

The role will involve working with the partners and lawyers at all levels of seniority across the business as well as with members of the business support functions. An important part of the role is the ability to be able to analyse complex questions and provide clear and accurate guidance for practical use.

Main responsibilities:

Commercial contracts, Data Protection and Privacy:

• Drafting, negotiating and advising on a wide range of commercial contracts and agreements entered in to by the Ashurst Group, primarily on the supply side, including confidentiality agreements, variation agreements, data protection agreements, vendor terms, benefit provider terms, IT hardware and software licensing/SAAS/PAAS agreements.
• Working closely with Procurement, Risk and Compliance and other internal stakeholders to (a) develop the current supplier contract management lifecycle and related policy and processes with a view to driving further efficiencies and consistencies; (b) on-board a new contract management system and embed this within the supplier contract management lifecycle; (c) review, amend and add to Ashurst template agreements and related playbooks for continual improvement; (d) oversee any outsourcing arrangements put in place with third parties in relation to commercial contract related services.
• Supporting privacy and data protection compliance needs including drafting, amending and negotiating data protection and data sharing agreements and provisions in supplier and client side contracts.
• Supporting negotiation and drafting of contract renewals and terminations.
• Supporting development of related policies, processes and notices.
• Providing insights into governing laws and common practices in varying jurisdictions.
• Developing and providing training to Procurement, Contract Owners and other relevant teams.
• Supporting on related governance, regulatory and compliance matters and new office openings.

Strategic projects:

• Assisting Counsels with legal and regulatory aspects of key strategic projects (e.g. joint venture arrangements, new offices, new services or products) providing high quality and commercially sound research and advice.

General advice and support:

• Providing support to internal Business Service teams and New Law Practice Areas as required such as the Human Resources team (for example in relation to secondments, consultancy agreements, practising certificates), the Finance team (for example, in relation to client account issues) the Pro Bono and Social Impact Team; Ashurst Advance Digital (for example, in relation to platforms and tooling).
• Assisting with regulatory compliance matters, primarily in EMEA, for example, queries in relation to SRA Standards and Regulations.
• Providing advice to partners and lawyers on a variety of issues, for example, ethics and privilege queries, escrow agreements, flexible resourcing contracts, reliance letters, NDAs for the firm and the use of our brand.
• Acting as a point of escalation for the Risk and Compliance Team, including in relation to client engagements, Ashurst's liabilities to third parties, client pitches, client due diligence and audit related queries and similar.
• Developing and delivering regulatory and ethical training across the business.
• Developing and keeping under review OGC templates, guidance notes, FAQs etc alongside other team members.
• Working with various Ashurst internal groups and committees including the Risk Committee, where required.

Essential skills and experience:

•  Qualified lawyer eligible for a current unrestricted England and Wales or Scottish (or ideally both) practising certificate.
•  Minimum 5 years' experience, ideally gained in-house or in a law firm in a role that deals with commercial contracts.
•  Specific expertise and interest in contract law and commercial contracts - especially drafting and negotiating commercial contracts (including IT contracts and platform/tooling agreements) to manage risks and maximise opportunities.
•  Experience with privacy/data protection matters, including drafting and negotiating data protection and data sharing agreements and provisions.
•  Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
•  Some knowledge of employment law, including TUPE, is desirable.
•  Some knowledge of IR35 is desirable.
•  A basic understanding of enterprise risk management concepts is desirable, but not necessary.
•  A commercial approach and an ability to negotiate effectively and with confidence.
•  Strong attention to detail with well-developed analytical and research skills.
•  The ability to be adaptable, 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.
•  Ability to manage a high-volume, varied and often complex work load in a fast paced environment.
•  Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills.
•  Confidence to develop strong working relationships with Partners, lawyers and business support staff across the firm and to manage relationships with external parties as required.
•  Flexibility in mindset and approach to work.
•  An ability to understand and support the culture and values of Ashurst.