Senior Legal Counsel in Scotland

Senior Legal Counsel in Scotland

Scotland Temporary Home office (partial)
ASA Recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide expert legal advice and support to the General Counsel on various legal matters.
  • Company: Public Sector organisation in Edinburgh/Glasgow with a focus on governance and compliance.
  • Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and potential for contract extension.
  • Other info: Opportunity to mentor colleagues and develop leadership skills in a collaborative environment.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in public sector legal affairs.
  • Qualifications: Solicitor with 7+ years’ PQE and experience in public sector law.

ASA Recruitment’s client, a Public Sector organisation in Edinburgh/Glasgow, is currently looking to recruit Senior Legal Counsel on a hybrid basis, on an initial 6-month contract (with potential extensions) on a rate of c.£500-550/day inside of IR35 (based on experience).

The Role: This role will be to provide support to, and when required deputise for, the General Counsel in the provision of accurate, relevant, commercially focused, and timely advice to the business on a wide variety of legal topics and act as the primary initial day-to-day point of contact for all legal advice. The successful candidate will assist the General Counsel in ensuring that the organisation complies with all its governance, financial and legal compliance requirements, as well as maintaining exacting standards of corporate governance across the organisation and its subsidiaries.

Responsibilities:

  • Providing legal advice as required on a day-to-day basis, subject where agreed with the General Counsel to seeking external legal support. The range of matters to be covered will include but not be limited to:
    • corporate law and governance, including the Framework Agreement and Grant Agreements.
    • public procurement and contract drafting and management.
    • employment and equality law, HR, and trade union relations matters.
    • intellectual property; and information technology, cyber security, data protection and freedom of information and environmental information matters.
  • Support the General Counsel in relation to that post holder’s specific duties and responsibilities:
    • as Designated Whistleblowing Officer.
    • as Data Protection Officer and/or managing the appointed Data Protection Officer.
    • in the role of standards officer (under Ethical Standards legislation).
    • undertaking FOI and EIR reviews: managing the organisation’s relationship with the Scottish Information Commissioner.
    • under the organisation’s grievance procedure; and under the organisation’s sexual harassment policy.

Essential Experience:

  • Educated to degree standard or higher.
  • Solicitor admitted to practice in Scotland, with at least 7 years’ PQE with a reputable law firm and/or in-house.
  • Some in-house experience within a complex, highly regulated industry, with a focus on service delivery.
  • Experience of advising public sector clients.
  • Expert understanding of contracts, commercial and public procurement law.
  • The role holder will have the integrity, skills, and judgement necessary to be a proactive advisor to the Exec team and Board.
  • Excellent communication (written and oral), negotiation, drafting, and organisation skills.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills with a proven track record of delivering excellence.
  • Quick thinking, able to navigate areas of law which may not be within their expertise, focused on the result and minimising risk to the business.
  • Ability to work in a highly autonomous role within a wider team.
  • Professional and collaborative approach, with the ability to build and maintain strong professional relationships across the business and with key external stakeholders.
  • Demonstrable people and leadership skills; an ability to work in a team, to manage and mentor colleagues whilst both receiving and giving constructive criticism.
  • A high standard of knowledge and use of Microsoft Office suite.

Senior Legal Counsel in Scotland employer: ASA Recruitment

As a Public Sector organisation based in Edinburgh/Glasgow, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that values integrity and professional growth. Our employees benefit from competitive rates, flexible hybrid working arrangements, and the opportunity to engage in meaningful legal work that impacts the community. With a commitment to continuous development and support for career advancement, we offer a unique environment where legal professionals can thrive while making a difference.

ASA Recruitment

Contact Details:

ASA Recruitment Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel in Scotland

Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the legal field! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Senior Legal Counsel role.

Ace the Informal Chat

Before any formal interviews, try to set up informal chats with current employees or even the hiring manager. This gives you a chance to understand the company culture and expectations better. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the role, which we love to see!

Showcase Your Expertise

When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in corporate law and governance. Share specific examples of how you've navigated complex legal issues in the past. We want to see how you can bring value to the team!

Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to apply through our website for the best chance at landing that job! It streamlines the process and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We’re here to help you every step of the way, so let’s get you that Senior Legal Counsel position!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel in Scotland

Legal Advice
Corporate Law
Public Procurement
Contract Drafting
Employment Law
Data Protection
Intellectual Property

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Legal Counsel role. Highlight your experience in corporate law, public procurement, and any relevant in-house roles. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your skills in legal advice and governance. Remember, we love a good story!

Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is key for this role, make sure your application reflects that. Use clear, concise language and check for any typos or errors. We appreciate attention to detail, so let’s see it in your writing!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates. Plus, it’s super easy – just a few clicks and you’re done!

How to prepare for a job interview at ASA Recruitment

Know Your Legal Stuff

Make sure you brush up on the key areas of law relevant to the role, like corporate governance and public procurement. Be ready to discuss specific cases or scenarios where you've applied your legal expertise, as this will show your depth of knowledge.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your ability to navigate complex legal issues and deliver solutions. Think about times when you had to think on your feet or manage risk effectively, as these are crucial in a senior legal role.

Demonstrate Your Communication Skills

Since you'll be advising the Exec team and Board, practice articulating complex legal concepts in a clear and concise manner. You might even want to prepare a mock presentation to showcase how you would communicate important legal advice.

Build Rapport with the Interviewers

Remember, it's not just about your qualifications; it's also about fit. Engage with your interviewers, ask insightful questions about their challenges, and show that you're keen to collaborate and build strong professional relationships within the organisation.