Legal Counsel in Bristol

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.

Responsibilities

• Lead on all compliance matters with ICAEW our regulator.
• Lead on PI matters including management and resolution of PI cases, liaison with PI insurers and legal advisers.
• Support and guide procurement for the firm by reviewing, drafting, negotiating and advising on supplier contracts.
• Act as a trusted legal partner in relation to commercial agreements, working closely with the relevant stakeholders across the firm.
• Support on anti‑money laundering oversight, training and regulatory responses, acting as key liaison with our MLRO and digital ID providers.
• Support firmwide risk management, including Business Continuity Planning, GDPR compliance, data breach handling and Health & Safety obligations.
• Plan and deliver compliance reviews and annual regulatory assessments (AML, DPB, Client Money), providing clear insights and practical recommendations.
• Contribute 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 judgment, 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.

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.
• 27 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.

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. That's why we're committed to equality of opportunity, diversity and inclusion at every level.