Senior Legal Counsel in London

With day-to-day responsibility for a broad range of legal matters, the primary purpose of the role is to manage legal risk/matters arising across the ZEDRA Group. You will provide and/or procure legal assistance and advice for a variety of offices across the Group on a broad range of topics spanning:

• Traditional Private Client/Fiduciary Matters
• Litigation
• Company Law
• Employment Law
• Regulatory Law
• Data Protection Law
• Funds
• Mergers & Acquisitions

Reporting to the Group’s General Counsel (and acting in his place in his absence), you will provide support to the wider ZEDRA Group with regards to legal problem solving in the context of its routine operations, assist in growing and developing service offerings in conjunction with the Commercial and Compliance teams, and generally act as a trusted advisor on matters requiring legal assistance.

You will assist and support the business in achieving its strategic, financial, and operational goals in line with the local regulatory and legal framework. This role aims to safeguard ZEDRA’s reputation and integrity within the legal and regulatory frameworks it operates.

Key Accountabilities

• Give accurate and timely counsel to executives on a variety of legal topics (and across a variety of jurisdictions).
• Collaborate with management to devise efficient strategies in connection with contentious matters.
• Research and evaluate different risk factors regarding business decisions and operations.
• Apply effective fiduciary risk management techniques and offer proactive advice on possible legal issues arising across the ZEDRA Group.
• Communicate and negotiate with external parties (external counsel, public authority etc.), on a broad range of legal matters arising.
• Draft and negotiate agreements, contracts, and other legal documents to ensure protection of the ZEDRA Group.
• Deal with complex matters with multiple stakeholders.
• Provide clarification on legal language or specifications to everyone in the ZEDRA Group (along with relevant training).
• Maintain and disseminate current knowledge of alterations in legislation.
• Supporting the Group General Counsel as required (and standing in for him where necessary).
• Supporting the Group Head of Commercial regarding the business development elements arising from the role.
• Supporting the Group Head of Risk and Compliance.

Knowledge & Experience

Professional and Technical Experience

The role holder must have had at least 10 years PQE working in an international law firm (with practical experience connected to at least one area relevant to the ZEDRA Group). Experience of working within a fast-paced, fast-evolving and dynamic legal environment is also required.

The candidate must also have a demonstrable track-record producing effective and high-quality (and commercial) legal advice to departmental heads within a business and/or to external clients.

A suitable candidate will also have proven experience in relationship management, leadership and the development of talent that subsequently drives value across the business.

Legal Skills : The role holder must have the ability to identify and remedy complex legal issues without adopting a default position of seeking external legal advice. They must also have exceptionally good skills in legal negotiation. They should be able to assess the risk, determine the course of action and convey this to the business taking into account the legal and commercial risks in any given matter. Forming a view that can be supported by robust legal argument is key.

Technology Skills : The role holder must additionally be technologically adept and possess excellent computer skills. They must have good MS Office, MS Excel, and PowerPoint skills, which will be necessary in the creation of various legal documents and engaging presentations as necessary.

Managerial Experience : The role holder will have demonstrable experience of leading, coaching and supporting colleagues whether that be in the context of junior lawyers, trainees or paralegals. The role holder will act in a supportive role to their direct reports in the management of their team and will coach and guide them in developing their own supervisory skills.

Leadership Skills : Good leadership skills having ability to influence cross-functional teams towards a unified direction along with the business’s senior leadership and relevant stakeholders.

Interpersonal Skills : The role holder must be a result-driven and service-driven individual, must have exceptionally good problem solving skills, be highly adaptable and flexible, work comfortably in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, have an ability to handle multiple simultaneous tasks and meet tight deadlines, be proactive and self-motivated, have a keen eye for detail, and have an ability to remain calm and composed during times of uncertainty and stress.

Communication Skills : The role holder will also need exceptionally good communication skills in this highly collaborative and interactive capacity where clarity is key and will determine how effectively collaborative tasks are executed.

The role holder must be capable of drafting high-value legal documentation, which must be accurate, unambiguous, concise, and conclusive.

Personal Attributes and Requirements

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization, with the ability to explain technical details in simple, concise terms.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, including experience leading cross-functional teams and driving organisational change initiatives.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with a strong commitment to integrity, professionalism and ethical conduct.
• Ability to work within a team environment.
• Ability to articulate succinctly and efficiently deal with a wide range of business issues.
• Ability to deal with complex structures where regulatory and policy interpretation is required.
• Ability to investigate and challenge in a positive and non-confrontational manner.
• Seek to improve and develop existing working practices.
• Share best practices, coach and motivate others to succeed.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong relationship building skills.
• Commercial mindset.
• Have the ability to multitask and prioritise while maintaining the strictest confidentiality.

Academic and Professional Qualifications

The role holder must hold a current practicing certificate/license to practice law, with significant legal experience in one of the key topic areas listed above.