At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Risk team to manage commercial contracts and ensure compliance with laws.
- Company: Macfarlanes, a leading law firm known for its collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives and offers excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working with experienced lawyers on exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with strong commercial law background and contract experience.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
We are recruiting a Senior Risk Lawyer (procurement / commercial contracts) for our Risk team on a 12-month fixed term contract. The successful individual will report to the Head of Risk.
About Macfarlanes
Macfarlanes is a pre-eminent law firm that serves a global client base in private capital, private wealth, M&A and disputes. Personal connection, an entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to excellence are at the heart of our firm. These values drive our ability to deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients.
What this means for you
Joining Macfarlanes means being part of a collaborative, Partner-led team where you’ll develop and learn from experienced lawyers and business professionals. Our size means you’ll be given genuine responsibility early on and often be involved at the heart of client matters, gaining insight into how our high-quality legal advice is developed and delivered to help clients overcome their most pressing issues.
You’ll work closely with senior colleagues who are approachable and who want you to succeed. You’ll be encouraged to get involved in client and business development activities, and you’ll be recognised for your contribution.
The majority of our work has a cross-border focus, so you’ll often collaborate with global clients and specialist advisers in overseas jurisdictions. You’ll build connections with international law firms, broaden your experience, and be part of a multidisciplinary team that comes together to achieve the best results.
We also place real importance on your development. Our training and mentoring programmes are second to none, and designed to help you strengthen your legal and commercial skills.
Above all, you’ll be part of a firm where we all work together as part of a cohesive and supportive team, where you’ll be recognised and appreciated, and encouraged to succeed.
Team overview
The Risk Management Department, which comprises the Risk team and the Business Acceptance team, is headed by the firm’s Chief Risk & Legal Officer (also the firm’s COLP and MLRO). The Risk team is currently made up of a Head of Risk, two Senior Risk Lawyers, two Risk Paralegals, and a Risk Practice Executive.
The role
The successful individual will work with other members of the Risk team to support the Chief Risk & Legal Officer to ensure that the firm complies with its legal and regulatory obligations and mitigates any associated risks where possible. The individual will primarily focus on managing and overseeing the firm’s commercial contracts with its suppliers, including ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations and mitigating legal risks associated with the firm’s business operations. They will assist with the legal analysis, drafting and negotiation of a wide range of commercial supplier contracts from initiation to execution and will provide advice on related contractual matters including data protection compliance.
Key duties will include:
- Contract drafting and negotiation: draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts, including supplier agreements, service contracts, IT software, hardware, licensing and SaaS agreements; provide strategic legal advice during contract negotiations to minimise risk and ensure favourable terms for the firm; identify and assess potential legal risks in contracts and procurement activities, proposing risk mitigation strategies; ensure that all contracts comply with applicable laws, regulations, and the firm’s policies; and develop and maintain contract templates, policies, and guidelines to streamline contract management processes.
- Procurement support: advise on and oversee the legal aspects of the firm’s procurement processes, ensuring compliance with internal policies and applicable laws; assess and review current procurement processes to identify inefficiencies or areas for improvement; collaborate with internal stakeholders to optimise procurement workflows; provide legal advice and guidance to internal stakeholders on a broad range of issues related to commercial contracts and procurement; and keep abreast of changes in laws and regulations that may impact the firm’s procurement and contracting activities.
- Training and development: conduct training sessions for internal teams on contractual risk, contract management, procurement processes, and legal compliance; mentor junior members of the legal team, providing guidance and support as needed.
This job description encompasses the main duties of the role and is by no means exhaustive. It is anticipated that duties may vary from time to time according to the needs of the practice area.
The candidate
We are seeking an experienced senior risk lawyer to join our Risk team on a fixed term contract. The role requires a strong commercial law background, particularly in procurement and contract negotiation, drafting and management, together with a solid understanding of data protection law and information security and AI-related issues. Ideally, you will have worked in the risk/compliance function of a law firm, but we also welcome in‑house risk/contracts lawyers and senior corporate/commercial lawyers looking to move in‑house.
You will bring excellent analytical skills and attention to detail, and be comfortable handling complex, high-value contracts in a fast‑paced environment. Working knowledge of the legal and regulatory framework that applies to the firm, including the SRA Standards and Regulations, is desirable, as are strong academic qualifications from degree level upwards.
We are also looking for:
- strong organisational and analytical skills;
- ability to contribute effectively from the outset and work on supplier contracts with minimal supervision;
- strong written and verbal communication skills;
- proven ability to train and present;
- Microsoft Word and Excel skills.
Qualifications and experience
Solicitor or barrister qualified in England & Wales, or an equivalent common law jurisdiction, with at least five years’ post-qualification experience as a risk lawyer or in‑house lawyer, including significant experience of commercial contracts and contract negotiation.
Personal attributes
- client‑orientated approach, both internally and externally;
- a pragmatic, commercial approach and the ability to explain complex legal concepts simply;
- self‑motivated and proactive, able to act on their own initiative and problem solve;
- excellent interpersonal skills and a friendly manner.
Our commitment to inclusion
Inclusion is one of our key priorities and it is a goal we are actively working towards. We believe that an inclusive, forward‑thinking culture is intrinsically important and enables us to provide innovative solutions to our clients. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, bringing different perspectives and experiences, making Macfarlanes an exciting and stimulating place to work.
Should you require any adjustments during the application and/or interview process, please do not hesitate to inform your recruiter or a member of the recruitment team.
Senior Risk Lawyer 12-month FTC in London employer: Macfarlanes
At Macfarlanes, we pride ourselves on being a distinctive London-based law firm that fosters a collaborative and supportive work environment. As a PR and Communications Executive, you will benefit from exceptional learning and development programmes, allowing you to grow your skills while contributing to impactful media campaigns. Our inclusive culture values diverse perspectives, ensuring that every team member is recognised for their contributions and has the opportunity to thrive in their career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Risk Lawyer 12-month FTC in London
✨Get Involved in Legal Networking Events
Jump into local or virtual legal networking events to meet industry pros and get your foot in the door! Use platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup to find gatherings, as these are great for making connections and hearing about temporary roles at firms like Macfarlanes.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a simple online portfolio to showcase your legal work, whether that's case briefs, research papers, or even blog posts on legal topics. This public display can really set you apart when looking for temp roles in law, especially if you can make it relevant to the work that Macfarlanes does!
✨Tap into Law School Resources
If you're near a law school, hit up their career services. They often have leads on temporary positions and can help connect you with alumni working at firms. Plus, they might host workshops or job fairs specific to the legal sector—great for scoring that temp position!
✨Stay Updated with Legal Job Boards
Regularly check specialised legal job boards like LawCareers.Net or TotallyLegal for temporary listings. Many firms post their openings directly there, and applying quickly can give you an edge over the competition when looking to join a prestigious firm like Macfarlanes.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Risk Lawyer 12-month FTC in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Know-How:In the legal services world, it's all about demonstrating your understanding of relevant laws and regulations. Make sure your CV highlights your legal training, internships, or any relevant projects you've worked on. If you've done any mooting or legal research, include those too - they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Application for the Temp Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should stress your adaptability and readiness to jump in right away. Highlight any previous temp roles where you quickly got up to speed, or any diverse experiences that show you can handle a variety of cases or tasks with ease.
Keep it Specific with Your Documents:Make sure your application includes essential legal documents, such as any relevant certifications or memberships in legal bodies. These can add credibility to your CV and show that you're serious about the profession – especially useful in a competitive field like law!
Express Your Enthusiasm in the Cover Letter:Your cover letter is a golden opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Let them know why you’re excited about this temporary position with Macfarlanes and how you're motivated to contribute to their success during your limited time with them!
How to prepare for a job interview at Macfarlanes
✨Show Off Your Legal Know-How
Prepare to discuss your understanding of legal terminology and concepts that might come up during the interview for the Senior Risk Lawyer 12-month FTC role at Macfarlanes. Brush up on relevant laws or recent cases that could be pertinent to the temporary position, as they'll likely appreciate candidates who can think on their feet and adapt to the fast-paced legal environment.
✨Talk About Your Flexibility
Since this is a temporary role, employers want to know you can hit the ground running. Be ready to highlight past experiences where you've had to quickly adapt to new tasks or work cultures. Flexibility is key in a short-term position like this, so share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage changing priorities efficiently.
✨Prepare for the Casework Challenge
You might face hypothetical scenarios where you'd have to advise on a legal issue or case. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, as interviewers in the legal sector often expect candidates to walk them through their reasoning step-by-step. This will not only showcase your legal acumen but also demonstrate your communication skills, which are crucial in law.
✨Pitch Your Legal Portfolio
If you have any relevant work samples, such as briefs, contracts, or legal research, this is your chance to shine! Be ready to discuss what you did, what challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This speaks volumes more than just listing your skills; it shows you're proactive and results-oriented, which is essential for a temporary role at Macfarlanes.
