At a Glance
- Tasks: Act as the firm's internal legal advisor, managing compliance and commercial agreements.
- Company: Award-winning professional services firm with a focus on innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: 27 days holiday, hybrid working, pension scheme, and health benefits.
- Other info: Join a supportive culture that values diversity and offers numerous development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role while shaping compliance and risk management.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial law, excellent communication skills, and strong attention to detail.
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.
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.
Legal Counsel in Bristol employer: Bishop Fleming LLP
Bishop Fleming is an award-winning professional services firm that prioritises employee well-being and development, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture. With 27 days of holiday, flexible working arrangements, and a range of health benefits, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. The firm fosters a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued, ensuring that every team member can contribute to meaningful projects while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or be able to refer you to someone at Bishop Fleming.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm’s recent projects and compliance initiatives. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show how you can contribute to their goals as an In-House Legal Counsel.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the responsibilities listed in the job description, especially around compliance and risk management. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Bishop Fleming.
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 to highlight your experience in commercial law and compliance. We want to see how your skills align with the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since you'll be working closely with various stakeholders, it's crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication abilities. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect this quality.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Even if you don’t meet every requirement, focus on your relevant experience, especially in areas like Professional Indemnity claims and risk management. We value potential and practical experience just as much as qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bishop Fleming LLP
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Brush up on your knowledge of commercial law, especially around compliance and risk management. Be ready to discuss specific cases or scenarios where you've successfully navigated complex legal issues, as this will show your expertise and confidence in the field.
✨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 legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders. This will demonstrate your ability to translate complex legal jargon into practical advice.
✨Be Proactive and Solutions-Focused
Think about challenges you’ve faced in previous roles and how you approached them. Highlight your proactive nature by discussing how you’ve identified potential risks before they became issues and the solutions you implemented to mitigate them.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Given the emphasis on compliance in the job description, be ready to discuss your experience with regulatory frameworks and compliance reviews. Familiarise yourself with ICAEW regulations and think of ways you can contribute to maintaining robust compliance at the firm.
