General Legal Counsel

We are seeking a seasoned General Counsel to our strategic objectives. The General Counsel will serve as the chief legal advisor to the executive team, providing comprehensive legal guidance across all aspects of the company's operations. This role requires a strategic thinker who can work in a standalone role, with preferably but not mandatory, expertise in fintech and a strong understanding of UK and international legal frameworks.

The role will be hybrid based across one of our UK offices either Bristol, Southampton or London.

Key Responsibilities

1. You will offer strategic legal advice to the executive team on corporate governance, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, data protection, and contractual matters.
2. You will oversee the drafting, negotiation, and execution of contracts with clients, including software licensing agreements, SaaS agreements, vendors, and partner agreements, ensuring alignment with company objectives and legal standards.
3. You will monitor and ensure compliance with applicable legislation and industry standards, proactively addressing potential legal risks, including intellectual property matters, data protection matters, and contractual matters.
4. You will manage compliance with privacy legislation, including GDPR, and assist in the development and implementation of privacy policies and processes.
5. You will manage and resolve legal disputes, including liaising with external counsel and representing the company's interests in legal proceedings.
6. You will develop and implement internal policies and procedures to promote legal compliance and ethical business practices, including providing training to staff on legal topics such as privacy, contract management, and intellectual property rights.
7. You will collaborate closely with the sales and marketing teams while leveraging strong negotiation skills to drive strategic initiatives, providing legal insights to drive informed decision-making.

Key Skills

1. Qualified solicitor or barrister in the UK with a strong academic background.
2. Minimum of 8 years of post-qualification experience, with significant exposure to fintech, financial services, or technology sectors.
3. In-house experience within a corporate environment is highly desirable.
4. Exceptional analytical, negotiation, and communication skills, with the ability to influence and advise at all levels.
5. Ability to manage a variety of legal issues and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced, growing company.
6. Strong negotiation skills and the ability to navigate complex legal and business issues.
7. Proven experience in leading and developing legal teams, with a collaborative and proactive approach.

Attributes

1. Self-motivated and able to work under your own autonomy with a collaborative approach.
2. A self-starter with strong attention to detail and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Key Stakeholders

1. Reports to the Chief Finance Officer
2. Senior Management Team