At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice and lead on complex transactions while mentoring junior lawyers.
- Company: Join Hastings Group, a forward-thinking employer committed to equality and diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and comprehensive wellbeing support.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a focus on continuous improvement and team development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic legal environment with opportunities for growth.
- Qualifications: 11+ years of legal experience, strong contract negotiation skills, and leadership capabilities.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Location: Bexhill (Hybrid)
Role Overview
As a Senior In-House Lawyer you will be a trusted legal advisor to the business, providing high-quality, commercially focused legal support across a broad range of matters. The role combines advanced technical legal expertise with leadership responsibilities, including people management, legal operations support and strategic contributions to the direction of the Legal team. You will support and deputise for the Head of Legal, take ownership of key legal areas, strategic initiatives and team development.
Responsibilities
- Provide expert legal advice across the business, including complex, high-value and strategic matters.
- Draft, negotiate and advise on a wide range of commercial, outsourcing, technology and insurance-related contracts.
- Lead on complex or high-risk transactions, ensuring risk identification and mitigation.
- Advise on regulatory requirements, policy wording and customer journeys, translating legal issues into clear business guidance.
- Align legal advice to commercial objectives and risk appetite, acting as a strategic partner to stakeholders.
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, influencing decision-making at leadership level.
- Provide strategic legal input into business initiatives, product development and change programmes.
- Anticipate legal and regulatory developments and advise on forward-looking risks and opportunities.
- Support the Head of Legal in legal operations including technology, systems, process improvement and efficiency initiatives.
- Identify opportunities to improve legal service delivery, scalability and consistency; contribute to data, reporting and KPI development.
- Directly manage legal administration staff – work allocation, prioritisation, performance management, development and coaching.
- Promote a culture of high performance, accountability and continuous improvement.
- Mentor and coach junior lawyers and trainees, supporting capability development across the team and contributing to training initiatives.
- Lead and deliver strategic legal or business projects, take ownership of defined legal workstreams or specialist areas, drive change initiatives and support implementation.
Qualifications
- Significant post-qualification experience (typically 11+ PQE) in-house or in private practice, with experience in insurance, financial services or regulated environments highly desirable.
- Experience in managing and mentoring others in a legal capacity.
- Significant experience contributing to legal operations and change/transformation initiatives.
- Advanced contract drafting and negotiation experience, including complex and high-value agreements.
- Strong regulatory and risk-management capability.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to interpret complex legal and regulatory landscapes.
- Disability-confident applicant; no sponsorship will be offered.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and £5k car allowance.
- Flexible hybrid working approach.
- Competitive bonus scheme – eligibility for annual 4Cs performance bonus.
- Physical wellbeing: private medical insurance (PMI), home care and health plans.
- Financial wellbeing: life assurance cover, income protection at no extra cost, matched pension contributions up to 10%, and additional perks such as discounts, cashback and financial wellbeing support.
- Mental wellbeing programme: mental health app, colleague assistance programme, in-house mental health first aiders and support groups.
- 27 days annual leave + bank holidays, with option to buy or sell a week; additional facilities such as healthcare cash-back plans, dental plans, discounted health assessments, cycle-to-work and tech schemes.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Hastings Group is an equal opportunities employer and treats people fairly regardless of gender, age, race, disability, ethnic background, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or marital/family status. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.
Senior In-House Lawyer employer: Hastings Direct
Hastings Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Bexhill that fosters professional growth and development. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, competitive benefits including a flexible hybrid working model, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we empower our team members to thrive both personally and professionally. Join us as a Senior In-House Lawyer and be part of a culture that values high performance, accountability, and continuous improvement while making a meaningful impact within the organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior In-House Lawyer
✨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 Hastings Direct, 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 In-House Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Hastings Direct, 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 Hastings Direct and the specific role of Senior In-House Lawyer. 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 Hastings Direct’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hastings Direct
✨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 Hastings Direct.
✨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 Hastings Direct.
