At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative legal operations projects and optimise processes for a global legal team.
- Company: Join CHANEL, a luxury brand known for its commitment to excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: Inclusive workplace, personal growth opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of legal operations.
- Other info: Collaborate globally with talented professionals and drive impactful change.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of legal transformation in a dynamic, high-performing team.
- Qualifications: 8-10 years of legal experience with a focus on operations and project management.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
- Location: London, United Kingdom Reports to: Head of CLO Office and Legal Operations
- Position overview
Reporting to the Head of CLO Office and Legal Operations in the Global Corporate Legal function, you will play a vital role in leading Legal Operations matters within the Global Legal Team.
You will be impactful in driving efficiency, optimising processes, and ensuring the seamless functioning of Legal Operations at CHANEL.
You are able to use your strategic mindset, exceptional organisational skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional, global teams.
Through exploring innovative solutions and process efficiencies you will support the department’s strong ambition to continuously enhance legal service delivery for internal clients in an AI augmented environment.
We are looking for a
Senior Legal Counsel – Legal Operations to join our Global Corporate Legal function in London.
In this role, you will be at the heart of CHANEL's legal transformation journey – driving high-impact projects, shaping the future legal operating model impacted by AI, and delivering insights that elevate how our Legal team operates worldwide.
This is a unique opportunity for a senior legal professional with
8 to 10 years of post-qualification experience who thrives at the intersection of law, strategy, data and operational excellence, and who is ready to take ownership of high-impact legal operations initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Portfolio & Project Management
- Lead and coordinate a portfolio of strategic legal operations projects and closely working with the Legal Leadership Team (LLT) and their teams, that directly shape and deploy a future legal operating model of the Legal department – including the integration of AI –
- spanning external counsel management, legal support functions and in-house teams.
- Act as the central point of contact for tracking, prioritising and orchestrating all cross-functional projects and department-wide initiatives.
- Identify process improvements and implement best practices to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of legal service delivery, backed by defined KPIs and metrics.
- Leverage AI, technology and automation to streamline workflows and reduce turnaround times.
- Leading strategic projects and portfolios that require launches, changes and implementation across different geographies.
- Legal Department Strategy
- Actively contribute to defining and executing the Legal Function and Legal Operations strategy in alignment and sync in supporting broader Chanel Business Strategy.
- Partner closely with the Head of Legal Operations to co-design and independently drive the rollout of transformation initiatives over a multi-year horizon.
- Collaborate closely with the Legal Leadership Team, IT partners, métiers teams and cross-functional stakeholders to drive change management and stakeholder engagement.
- Strategic Presentations & Executive Communication
- Prepare and deliver high-quality strategic presentations for top management.
- Draft governance documents, reports, speeches and key communications on behalf of the Legal Operations team and the Global Chief Legal Officer.
- Translate complex operational data and project outcomes into clear, compelling narratives for senior stakeholders.
- Legal Operations Community Leadership
- Animate and develop a global Legal Operations community to foster synergies, share best practices and drive consistency in legal ops projects across regions.
- Champion the professionalisation of Legal Operations and its positive impact on Legal service delivery for internal clients.
- Organise and deliver legal events and team engagement initiatives that strengthen the global Legal team culture.
- KPI Analysis & Performance Reporting
- Track, analyse and report on key legal performance metrics, building dashboards and regular reporting for legal leadership.
- Monitor operational efficiency indicators and proactively identify areas for improvement.
- Legal Technology
- Work with the Legal Operations Team and Legal IT to oversee the legal technology ecosystem, including the implementation, review and management of legal tech tools globally.
- Required Profile / Qualifications
- Qualified lawyer with 8 to 10 years of post-qualification experience, including substantial in-house experience within a global or multinational company.
- A proven track record in legal operations, legal project management or legal transformation is expected.
- Excellent written and spoken English; additional language skills are a plus but not essential.
- Strong understanding of agentic AI, including its potential, capabilities and legal use cases and of responsible AI usage, with the ability to apply this understanding to real legal operations use cases.
- Genuine interest in AI, legal technology and hands-on experience using or implementing relevant tools.
- Strong understanding of how global legal teams operate within complex, matrixed organisations.
- Data analytics experience is a plus: you are comfortable working with data, building dashboards, and turning metrics into actionable insights.
Skills & Competencies
- Project management excellence: proven ability to manage multiple strategic projects simultaneously, with rigour, autonomy and a results-driven mindset.
Relevant certification in project management is added asset.
- Strategic thinking: capacity to see the big picture, connect operational work to departmental strategy, and contribute meaningfully to long-term planning and short term wins.
- Executive-level communication: exceptional presentation and storytelling skills, with the confidence to engage C-suite and senior leadership audiences.
- Change management: ability to support Head of Legal Operations to lead structuring, transformational projects and guide teams through change, bringing stakeholders along with clarity, empathy and a pragmatic approach to adoption.
- Data & analytics fluency: strong analytical skills with experience in KPI tracking, performance dashboards and data-driven decision-making.
- Community building: natural ability to engage, energise and coordinate diverse stakeholders across geographies and functions.
- Stakeholder management: outstanding interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to build authentic, trust-based relationships at all levels.
- Curiosity & innovation: passion for exploring new technologies, industry trends and creative solutions that drive efficiency and impact.
- Resilience & agility: comfort with ambiguity and the ability to adapt quickly in a fast-moving, high-standards environment.
What you will gain from this experience
- A central role in a dynamic, high-performing Legal team where transformation, innovation and excellence are at the core.
- The opportunity to shape the future of Legal Operations within one of the world's most iconic luxury houses.
- Collaboration with a global community of talented legal professionals committed to pushing boundaries and delivering exceptional service.
What Chanel can offer you
At Chanel, we want people to be able to perform at their best and feel confident in their work.
We offer an attractive, welcoming and inclusive workplace in which we strive to nurture personal growth, contributing to collective progress.
We value the uniqueness of perspectives, experiences and potentials of each individual and believe that they will increase the effectiveness of our teams.
Our core values are excellence, integrity, curiosity generosity, collaboration and delivering best-in-class legal services.
We strongly encourage your application, as we value the perspective, experience and potential you could bring to CHANEL.
Senior Legal Counsel - Legal Operations in London employer: Chanel
CHANEL offers an exceptional work environment in Greater London, where innovation meets tradition. As a Financial Systems Intern, you will benefit from a culture that values analytical excellence and professional growth, with opportunities to engage in meaningful projects that enhance your skills. The company's commitment to employee development and a collaborative atmosphere makes it an attractive place for those seeking a rewarding career in finance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel - Legal Operations in London
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Chanel, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel - Legal Operations in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Chanel, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Chanel and the specific role of Senior Legal Counsel - Legal Operations. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Chanel’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chanel
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Chanel.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Chanel.
