Head of Legal in London

Head of Legal in London

London Full-Time On-site
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We are working exclusively with a profitable, high-growth AI technology business to appoint its first dedicated Head of Legal in London.

This is a rare opportunity to build the legal function from the ground up and work directly with the founders at the centre of the company's commercial, product, security and corporate decision-making. The business develops LLM-powered workflow technology for sophisticated institutional clients across private markets, consulting and financial services.

Why consider the opportunity?

  • Become the first dedicated legal hire in a profitable and growing AI business.
  • Work directly with the CEO and founders on strategically important decisions.
  • Build the legal, compliance and governance function rather than inherit a fixed structure.
  • Take ownership of sophisticated legal work spanning AI, privacy, product, security, commercial contracts and corporate matters.
  • Join a business whose technology is already used by leading institutional organisations internationally.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead negotiations on complex enterprise SaaS agreements, including MSAs, data-processing terms, data-licensing arrangements and security schedules with major institutional clients.
  • Create contracting playbooks, templates and escalation frameworks that allow commercial teams to move quickly while maintaining appropriate risk controls.
  • Own the company's privacy framework across UK, European and US requirements, including UK GDPR, GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, DPAs, records of processing, sub-processors and privacy-by-design.
  • Build the company's AI governance and compliance approach, covering model training, data use, recording consent and evolving AI regulation.
  • Partner closely with Product and Engineering on the legal and regulatory implications of new products and features.
  • Work alongside Security leadership on SOC 2, customer security reviews, DPIAs and related contractual commitments.
  • Develop and protect the company's intellectual property strategy across its proprietary technology, data and commercial relationships.
  • Advise the founders and leadership team on corporate governance, financing, board and cap-table matters, employment issues and international expansion.

Required Experience

  • Qualified and admitted to practise law in the United States. Admission in any US state will be considered. This is a mandatory requirement.
  • Currently based in London, or committed to being based in London and working on-site.
  • At least eight years of experience gained across private practice and in-house legal roles.
  • Meaningful in-house experience within an AI, SaaS, data, fintech or similarly technology-led business.
  • Deep, hands-on experience in data privacy, including GDPR, UK GDPR, US privacy requirements, DPAs and sub-processor arrangements.
  • Experience creating contracting infrastructure, playbooks and scalable legal processes within a fast-growing business.

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Head of Legal in London employer: Larson Maddox

Larson Maddox is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation among its high-performing teams. With a strong commitment to employee development, the firm provides extensive training and opportunities to work on market-leading deals in a fast-paced international setting, making it an ideal place for finance lawyers looking to advance their careers while engaging with prestigious clients.

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Contact Details:

Larson Maddox Recruitment Team