Senior Risk Lawyer 12-month FTC

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.

We are big enough to undertake the most complex and demanding mandates yet small enough to know each other well and to be agile, adapting to the needs of our clients. We seek to strengthen the firm by recruiting talented people from all backgrounds who want to build long-lasting and impactful careers with us. Our culture is challenging and supportive, creating an environment where individuals can thrive.

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. The role will work closely with business services stakeholders across the firm (including the firm’s Chief Information Officer, Director of AI & Innovation, Head of Information Security and COO).

As the firm continues to streamline and improve its procurement processes the senior risk lawyer will work closely with the relevant stakeholders to develop and implement efficient and effective procurement processes that align with the firm’s objectives. This will include developing and maintaining contract templates, policies and guidelines to streamline contract management processes, and providing appropriate training to internal stakeholders.

You will also support the Chief Risk & Legal Officer and the Risk team on wider legal and regulatory risk matters, including data protection compliance (such as data subject requests and data breaches), reviewing client terms and proposed amendments to the firm’s terms of business, and updating risk policies.

You will also mentor and support junior members of the team.

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, including for AI products and services or products involving AI-enabled features, NDAs and licensing 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, including contributing to the implementation of technology and AI-enabled solutions to improve contract review and management efficiency; and
• 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.
• assist with managing and resolving disputes arising from commercial contracts or procurement activities.

Training and development

• conduct training sessions for internal teams on contractual risk, contract management, procurement processes, and legal compliance; and
• 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; and
• 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; and
• 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. We seek to recruit the best candidates, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, social or economic background, religion, disability, sexual orientation or any other characteristic.

As part of this commitment, we will ask you certain diversity data questions. We would really appreciate you and/or your recruiter completing these questions when submitting an application to Macfarlanes as this data enables us to measure our progress and identify any actions needed to continue to support an inclusive culture. This data is anonymised to maintain the privacy of applicants. If you have any questions relating to how this data is used, please contact a member of the recruitment team.

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. Please note, the job description is available in other accessible formats (for example, large print).

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