At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape commercial agreements and manage regulatory risks in a dynamic legal role.
- Company: Forward-thinking professional services firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: 27 days holiday, hybrid working, pension scheme, and health benefits.
- Other info: Join a vibrant team with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your legal expertise in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial law and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced commercial lawyer looking to make a real impact in a forward‑thinking professional services firm? We are looking for a dynamic In‑House Legal Counsel to act as the firm’s internal legal advisor. This is a fantastic opportunity to shape how we manage commercial agreements, regulatory risk, dispute resolution, uphold quality standards, and continue delivering exceptional service across the firm.
In this influential and varied role, you’ll work closely with our Head of Risk to ensure Bishop Fleming meets its regulatory obligations and maintains robust compliance frameworks. You’ll be a trusted legal advisor across the firm, helping teams navigate regulatory requirements, manage risk and embed best practice.
Your Responsibilities Will Include:
- Leading on all compliance matters with ICAEW our regulator.
- Leading on PI matters including management and resolution of PI cases, liaison with PI insurers and legal advisers.
- Supporting and guiding procurement for the firm in the form of reviewing, drafting, negotiating and advising on supplier contracts.
- Acting as a trusted legal partner in relation to commercial agreements working closely with the relevant stakeholders across the firm.
- Supporting on anti‑money laundering oversight, training, and regulatory responses, acting as key liaison with our MLRO and digital ID providers.
- Supporting firmwide risk management, including Business Continuity Planning, GDPR compliance, data breach handling and Health & Safety obligations.
- Planning and delivering compliance reviews and annual regulatory assessments (AML, DPB, Client Money), providing clear insights and practical recommendations.
- Contributing to policy writing, firmwide initiatives, procedure updates and continuous improvement projects across the compliance function.
Qualifications:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling you to build effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders across the firm.
- A proactive, solutions‑focused approach supported by strong prioritisation and organisational skills.
- High‑quality drafting skills and meticulous attention to detail, with the ability to interpret contractual terms accurately and identify areas of potential risk.
- Experience of Professional Indemnity claims and dispute resolution.
- Strong experience advising on complex commercial contracts, with solid technical knowledge of contract law.
- Sound commercial judgement, with the ability to distinguish legal considerations from commercial priorities and provide pragmatic, business‑aligned advice.
- Ideally a minimum of four years’ post‑qualification experience gained ideally in an in‑house legal role although we will consider practice experience.
- Experience of working in a regulated environment, or with businesses operating in a regulated environment (highly advantageous but not essential).
- Experience in compliance and risk management (highly advantageous but not essential).
- The ability to perform well under pressure, responding to emerging issues quickly, calmly and with clarity.
- Confidence using Microsoft Office products.
Benefits:
- 27 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Extra time off at Christmas – we close between Christmas and New Year.
- Hybrid and flexible working.
- A contributory pension scheme.
- Life assurance.
- Critical illness cover.
- Simply Health cashback plan including access to 24/7 online GP service and counselling services.
- Perkbox discounts and rewards platform with over 4,000 perks and discounts.
- Social events with active social committees that plan internal and external events.
- Numerous opportunities for development.
Legal Counsel in Bristol employer: Bishop Fleming Chartered Accountants
Bishop Fleming is an exceptional employer that values its employees by fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment. With a strong emphasis on professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package, including generous holiday allowances and health support, we empower our team to thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in a role where your legal expertise will directly influence our commitment to compliance and excellence, all while enjoying a vibrant workplace culture in a forward-thinking professional services firm.
Contact Details:
Bishop Fleming Chartered Accountants Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel in Bristol
✨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 to professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Ace the Informational Interview
Set up informal chats with people working in firms you admire. This isn’t a job interview, but a chance to learn more about their experiences and the firm’s culture. Plus, it shows your genuine interest and could lead to job referrals down the line!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Create content that highlights your knowledge in commercial law and compliance. Whether it’s writing articles, sharing insights on social media, or even starting a blog, showcasing your expertise can make you stand out to potential employers.
✨Apply Directly Through Us
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through our site not only shows your enthusiasm but also gives you a better chance of being noticed by our hiring team. Let’s get you that Legal Counsel role!
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Legal Counsel role. Highlight your experience with commercial contracts, compliance, and risk management, as these are key areas we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since you'll be working closely with various stakeholders, it's essential to demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect this ability.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to mention any experience you have with Professional Indemnity claims or working in a regulated environment. This will show us that you understand the complexities of the role and can hit the ground running.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bishop Fleming Chartered Accountants
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of commercial law, especially around compliance and regulatory matters. Familiarise yourself with the specific regulations that Bishop Fleming adheres to, like ICAEW guidelines, so you can speak confidently about how you would navigate these in your role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Legal Counsel, you'll need to build relationships across the firm. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders. This will demonstrate your ability to be a trusted advisor and your interpersonal skills.
✨Be Solutions-Focused
During the interview, highlight your proactive approach to problem-solving. Share specific instances where you've identified potential risks and implemented solutions, particularly in compliance or contract negotiations. This will show that you're not just about identifying issues but also about finding practical resolutions.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as managing a Professional Indemnity claim or navigating a compliance issue. Think through your past experiences and be ready to discuss how you approached similar challenges, showcasing your sound commercial judgement and ability to perform under pressure.
