In-house legal counsel

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

To support all business functions and the growing and ambitious brands based at the Brackley Head Office from a legal perspective and provide timely and relevant advice and legal expertise in line with the commercial and compliance objectives of the businesses.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The key functions of this broad-based role include:

• HR – revision and update to template Contracts of Employments, review of policies to ensure compliance, research and assessment of risk, change management and involvement and support in ER;
• Litigation – drafting of pre-action correspondence, sole conduct of small claims court cases (as both Claimant and Defendant) and liaison with external Counsel in larger litigation to include the provision of detailed instructions, case management, prompt provision of responses and assistance with disclosure;
• Franchising – population of template Franchise Agreements, renewals, resales (APAs), variations, side letters, breach notices, terminations and support to resolve disputes arising in accordance with the law and BFA requirements;
• Contracts – review, drafting and amending of contracts and other legal documents with numerous parties such as suppliers (including those providing developing technologies) and national account customers with a view to minimising risk and maximising legal rights;
• Data Protection – coordination of responses to DSARs, responses to business queries and review of policies and monitoring of compliance;
• Acquisitions – implementing and supporting any legal compliance changes required in acquired businesses following a review of existing processes, policies and documentation;
• Trade mark and Passing off – investigation and drafting of cease and desist letters;
• Compliance and Risk - identifying and creating strategies to ensure legal compliance and manage risks.

EXPERIENCE/SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE

• Degree.
• At least 5 years PQE (solicitor or barrister) working within a corporate environment either as Inhouse Counsel or in practice.
• Broad legal knowledge with experience in commercial contract and employment law, data protection and ideally franchising.
• Sound commercial awareness and ability to anticipate legal compliance issues and risks.
• Understanding of the implication of legal issues on business including those arising from new legislation and emerging case law.
• Ability to develop legal strategy.

ATTRIBUTES

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with senior management to provide timely, pragmatic and solution focussed advice adding value and facilitate strategic initiatives;
• Ability to deliver work within a fast-paced environment effectively prioritising according to business needs;
• Detail focussed with strong analytical skills;
• High degree of professional ethics, integrity and gravitas;
• Willingness to work as sole legal provider covering all aspects of the role; and
• IT skills sufficient to operate without administrative support.

Brand: