General Counsel in Exeter

Are you an experienced senior legal leader looking to make a real impact in a forward‑thinking professional services firm? We are looking for a dynamic General Counsel or Legal Counsel to develop and lead the firm’s legal function. This is a strategic opportunity to influence how we manage commercial agreements, regulatory risk, dispute resolution, uphold quality standards, and continue delivering exceptional service across the firm. In this role, you’ll work closely with the Head of Risk and Executive team to ensure the firm meets regulatory obligations while aligning legal strategy with broader commercial objectives. You’ll act as a trusted advisor at the most senior level, helping to shape decision‑making, navigate complex regulatory landscapes, manage risk and embed best practice.

Responsibilities

• Leading the firm’s legal strategy and acting as the principal legal advisor to the Executive and Partners.
• Leading on all compliance matters with ICAEW, acting as the primary point of contact with the regulator.
• Overseeing PI matters including strategic management and resolution of PI cases, and senior liaison with PI insurers and external legal advisers.
• Providing strategic oversight and governance of procurement activities, including the review, drafting, negotiation and approval of high‑value and complex supplier contracts.
• Acting as a senior legal partner on commercial agreements, influencing key negotiations and supporting major firmwide initiatives.
• Leading on anti‑money laundering oversight, training and regulatory responses, working closely with the MLRO and digital ID providers.
• Owning firmwide risk management from a legal perspective, including Business Continuity Planning, GDPR compliance, data breach response and Health & Safety obligations.
• Directing compliance reviews and annual regulatory assessments (AML, DPB, Client Money), ensuring robust governance, insight and actionable recommendations.
• Leading policy development, governance frameworks, and continuous improvement initiatives across the legal and compliance landscape.

This is a strategic leadership role where you’ll take ownership of the legal function, drive firmwide improvements, and shape how we manage legal risk, governance and supplier relationships in a fast‑moving environment.

What We Are Looking For

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build credibility at Partner and Board level.
• A proactive, strategic mindset supported by strong prioritisation and organisational skills.
• Outstanding drafting skills and attention to detail, with the ability to oversee complex contractual arrangements and manage legal risk at a strategic level.
• Extensive experience of Professional Indemnity claims and dispute resolution, including managing high‑risk and high‑value matters.
• Significant experience advising on complex commercial contracts, with deep technical expertise and the ability to lead negotiations.
• Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to balance legal risk with business opportunity and provide pragmatic, business‑aligned solutions.
• Substantial post‑qualification experience, ideally gained within an in‑house leadership role, although senior private practice candidates will be considered.
• Experience operating within a regulated environment, with a strong understanding of governance and compliance obligations.
• Proven experience in leading legal, risk or compliance functions (highly advantageous but not essential).
• The ability to perform effectively under pressure, responding to complex and emerging issues with clarity and confidence.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office products.

Why join us

We are an award‑winning certified Great Place to Work® provider of Audit, Accountancy, Tax and Advisory services in the South West and West Midlands. With a turnover of £48m, we saw growth of almost 15% over the last 12 months. We are ranked fifth in the Accountancy Age Mid‑Tier Power Index and are the largest provider of audit services to multi‑academy trusts in the academy sector. From owner‑managed businesses, SMEs, and large businesses; to entrepreneurs and private individuals; we offer full services across a diverse range of sectors. With 9 offices, just under 60 partners, and over 500 people, we have the capability and capacity to meet our clients’ needs. We are also a member of Kreston Global, a global network of independent accounting firms in more than 100 countries.

Benefits

• 30 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Extra time off at Christmas - in addition to your annual leave entitlement, 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

Please contact Sam Ford, Talent Acquisition Manager if you would like to discuss this opportunity further. We are committed to welcoming new people into an inclusive working environment, where everyone has equal opportunity to reach their full potential. We support a culture where people are valued and treated with respect, and where differences are understood and celebrated. The more varied our workforce, the broader the expertise within our business. The broader our expertise, the greater our chances of innovation and success. We are committed to equality of opportunity, diversity and inclusion at every level.

As part of our recruitment process and commitment to maintaining a safe and compliant working environment, we conduct background checks on all successful applicants. These checks will include verification of references, confirmation of right to work in the UK, and, where applicable, a standard or enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Further details will be provided during the recruitment process.