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- Tasks: Monitor and analyse ESG regulations while creating impactful client-facing content.
- Company: Join a leading law firm committed to ESG excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on knowledge sharing and career development.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of ESG law and make a real difference in client relationships.
- Qualifications: 8+ years PQE with strong analytical skills and a passion for ESG.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Knowledge Development Lawyers (KDLs) at Charles Russell Speechlys are experts within their field and they support and facilitate knowledge sharing to implement an ambitious Knowledge Strategy. Knowledge directly supports the firm’s ambition to undertake complex, challenging, high-value work and deliver exceptional client service. KDLs have the responsibility of developing our unique, knowledge-sharing culture within the Firm which in turn drives efficiency and profitability.
Our clients are at the heart of everything we do and KDLs create opportunities to use Knowledge to deepen our relationships with clients, ensuring that Knowledge is a driver for business and is used effectively to enhance our reputation. This role is responsible for monitoring, analysing and communicating key developments in ESG regulation, policy and best practice across the UK, the EU and other significant international jurisdictions.
Working closely with the ESG Partner, the successful candidate will play an integral part in developing and expanding the firm’s ESG practice, including contributing to client-facing work and advisory matters. A central element of the role will be the production of a monthly client-facing bulletin covering emerging ESG law and regulatory trends, as well as the development of wider thought leadership content that reflects the challenges and strategic priorities of the firm’s clients.
In addition, the ESG KDL will act as an ambassador for ESG law across the firm, raising awareness of the evolving regulatory landscape, building internal expertise, and ensuring that ESG knowledge is embedded within the firm’s broader offering to clients. The role plays a key role in the implementation of our ESG strategy by developing a collaborative, knowledge-sharing culture around ESG within the Firm.
While ESG issues are relevant across all practice areas, this role has a particular focus on our work with clients in the Commercial, Corporate, Banking, Financial Regulatory, Disputes and wider ESG risk management sectors. The KDLs in each Division report into the Knowledge Lead for that Division. This role sits within the Business Advisory and Transaction Services (BATS) Division. ESG is a key strategic priority for the Firm and we recognise that increasing our capability in this area will be a key factor in the success of our wider strategic goals.
Responsibilities:
- Internal
- Develop our internal resources by working collaboratively with key stakeholders to clearly identify and develop key internal resources.
- Drafting, reviewing, maintaining and updating key internal resources (precedents, practice notes, checklists, toolkits, clause banks).
- Collecting and reviewing know-how from lawyers, making it available via the Knowledge systems.
- Assisting and advising on the Firm’s internal ESG compliance.
- Develop an increased awareness of ESG issues across the Firm.
- Work proactively with the Research & Information Services team to identify resources and develop coherent systems and processes for tracking legal and regulatory developments.
- Monitor and analyse relevant developments in ESG regulation, policy and best practice in the UK, EU and other key jurisdictions worldwide.
- Develop our own practical current awareness on ESG issues across practice groups and prepare regular firm-wide bulletins on developments in ESG and responsible business.
- Identify, develop and, where appropriate, deliver ESG training to lawyers.
- Support the Knowledge Partner with meetings (agendas, content, presenting updates and facilitating Q&A).
- Advise and assist lawyers across practice groups with technical queries on ESG issues, encouraging in all lawyers a confident and competent use of existing resources.
- Produce the Firm's monthly client-facing ESG bulletin by identifying topical articles, co-ordinating and co-authoring contributions from relevant subject matter experts across the Firm.
- Identify and exploit opportunities to deliver advice and guidance on ESG issues to the Firm’s clients.
- Use ESG to deepen those relationships e.g. through client briefings and client training.
- Identify opportunities to use Knowledge to enhance the Firm’s reputation for ESG.
- Provide input on ESG issues in order to win work at pitch stage.
- Give specialist/technical advice to clients on ESG issues.
- Lead and contribute to wider Knowledge projects and tasks.
- Engage in such other Knowledge-related and ESG activities as the Knowledge Lead, the Director of Knowledge and the Knowledge Partner identify.
Person specification:
- A capable, experienced lawyer (either a PSL/KDL or someone who is currently in a fee-earning or in-house role) with proven effectiveness in a commercial and pressurised environment.
- Solid foundation of key knowhow resources around ESG issues and develop ESG-related knowledge for client engagement and as a driver for business.
- Ability to demonstrate an understanding of clients’ areas of focus and priorities.
- Strong analytical and research skills.
- Ability to inspire confidence at every level of the business.
- Ability to quickly develop own networks and use them effectively.
- Self-aware, capable and proactive with the ability to work independently.
- Displays a growth mindset and the ability to view challenges as opportunities.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities and demands.
- Ability to cascade knowledge.
- Commercial awareness, financial acumen and a business-like approach to legal practice.
- Desire and ability to be involved in using technology to improve processes and drive efficiency.
The person filling this role will be a solicitor with at least 8 years’ PQE. Previous experience as a PSL/KDL or in a similar role would be preferable but not essential.
Comply with all relevant legal and regulatory obligations including the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Standards and Regulations, and Principles.
Hybrid working - We adopt a hybrid and flexible working approach, dependent on the requirements of the role and subject to manager approval.
Knowledge Development Lawyer - Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) employer: Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
Contact Detail:
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Knowledge Development Lawyer - Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the ESG field, attend relevant events, and connect on LinkedIn. The more you engage with others, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Create content around ESG topics, whether it's articles, blog posts, or even social media updates. This not only showcases your knowledge but also positions you as a thought leader in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on current ESG trends and regulations. Be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to the firm's goals and enhance their ESG practice.
✨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 serious about joining our team and contributing to our knowledge-sharing culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Knowledge Development Lawyer - Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in ESG law. We want to see how your skills align with our mission to enhance client relationships through knowledge sharing.
Showcase Your Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of current ESG regulations and trends in your application. We’re looking for candidates who can communicate complex ideas clearly, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your written application. We value a growth mindset and proactive attitude, so share examples that reflect your unique approach to challenges and opportunities.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
✨Know Your ESG Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in ESG regulation and policy. Familiarise yourself with key trends and challenges in the sector, as this will show your genuine interest and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Sharing Skills
Since the role focuses on developing a knowledge-sharing culture, be prepared to discuss how you've previously facilitated knowledge sharing in your past roles. Think of specific examples where you’ve created resources or led training sessions.
✨Prepare for Client-Facing Scenarios
As the role involves producing client-facing content, practice how you would communicate complex ESG issues to clients. You might even want to prepare a mock presentation or write a sample bulletin to demonstrate your ability to convey information clearly.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaborative Spirit
This position requires working closely with various stakeholders. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in the past, especially in high-pressure environments. Highlight your ability to build relationships and work as part of a team.