Legal Counsel – Corporate Governance & Regulatory (15-Month FTC)
Contract: Fixed Term (Maternity Cover – c.15 months)
About the Opportunity
We are working with a leading professional services firm to appoint a Senior Legal Counsel on a 15-month fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave. This role offers the chance to lead on governance and regulatory legal matters across a complex, multi-entity structure. It would suit a corporate solicitor with strong company law and governance expertise who enjoys navigating regulatory frameworks and influencing at senior leadership level.
The successful candidate will work closely with the Deputy General Counsel and play a key role in advising on UK firm governance and regulatory compliance, while also leading the internal Company Secretariat function.
Key Responsibilities
Corporate Governance & Regulatory:
- Advise senior leadership and governance bodies on UK company law, regulatory developments, and best practice governance.
- Interpret and apply governance codes, including the Audit Firm Governance Code, in a commercial and pragmatic manner.
- Provide guidance on regulatory expectations from relevant professional bodies (e.g. ICAEW) and ensure internal compliance.
- Support the firm’s governance processes by attending and advising at governance forums and committees.
- Prepare and review governance documentation, including minutes, resolutions, and briefing papers.
- Collaborate across legal, risk, compliance, and business operations teams to ensure joined-up support on regulatory matters.
Company Secretariat Leadership:
- Lead the internal Company Secretariat function, driving high standards and continuous improvement.
- Provide oversight on entity management, statutory compliance, and partnership governance.
- Guide the professional development of a small team and build capability in governance operations.
- Advise on LLP and partnership interpretation matters, working with subject matter experts as required.
Ideal Candidate Profile
- UK-qualified solicitor with at least 4 years’ post-qualification experience.
- Strong technical knowledge of UK company law, corporate governance, and regulatory frameworks, particularly relevant to professional or financial services.
- Experience advising senior stakeholders in a large, complex or matrixed organisation.
- Familiarity with LLPs, partnership structures, and their governance obligations.
- Demonstrable leadership skills, with experience managing or mentoring legal or governance professionals.
- Confident communicator with strong drafting, influencing, and problem-solving abilities.
- High integrity, sound judgment, and a calm, solution-oriented approach.
If you are interested in this role, please apply or contact chloe.graham@ssq.com
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