Description:
Mills & Reeve, a top 40 UK law firm, is seeking an experienced General Counsel to join its senior management team in a strategic leadership role. The firm, known for its collaborative culture and outstanding workplace, has achieved remarkable growth, with a 14% increase in turnover to £168 million last year.
As the first General Counsel, you will be responsible for leading the firm’s risk and compliance function, providing independent legal advice on a wide range of complex and strategic matters related to the firm, its clients, and its growth initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:
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Risk & Compliance Leadership:
- Oversee and manage the firm’s risk and compliance framework.
- Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements, including AML, conflicts, and ethics policies.
- Support the partnership office on risk-related strategic decisions.
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Legal Advisory & Strategic Support:
- Act as the firm’s independent legal advisor on corporate, commercial, and regulatory matters.
- Provide legal guidance on firmwide commercial agreements and operational issues.
- Work closely with Senior & Managing Partners on governance and business growth strategies.
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Leadership & Collaboration:
- Lead and develop an established compliance and risk team.
- Engage with partners, legal teams, and operational groups across the firm.
- Ensure legal risk management aligns with the firm’s 2030 growth strategy.
Required Skills & Competencies:
- Minimum 10 years PQE in corporate, commercial, risk management, or regulatory compliance.
- In-depth knowledge of the regulatory environment for UK law firms.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to influence senior leadership decisions.
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
Work Environment & Benefits:
- Hybrid working across the firm’s seven UK offices.
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Recognized in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024.
- Collaborative and purpose-driven work culture.