At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise on legal matters across EMEA, ensuring compliance and risk management.
- Company: Leading US MNC in Fluid Technology/Speciality Chemical with a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work policy, and opportunities for international relocation.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead a high-performing legal team and collaborate globally.
- Why this job: Join a rapidly growing company and make a real impact in a diverse legal landscape.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with 10+ years of experience in corporate and regulatory law.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Mackinnon Bruce is engaged by a retained partner, a leading US MNC within Fluid Technology/Speciality Chemical. We are engaged to recruit a Lead Counsel EMEA, based in London.
The Lead Counsel – EMEA serves as a legal advisor for our client across the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region. This role ensures legal compliance, risk mitigation, and governance across a complex, multi-jurisdictional legal landscape. The Lead Counsel advises regional leadership on commercial, corporate, compliance, employment, and regulatory legal matters, and oversees legal activities within the region. This role is a key member of the regional leadership team and acts as a trusted advisor to business leaders, while also managing legal team members and external counsel throughout EMEA.
The successful candidate will advise executive and regional leadership on legal risks, regulatory obligations, and compliance standards affecting operations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, and local jurisdictions. Oversee regulatory and ethics compliance, draft and negotiate commercial contracts whilst managing data privacy. The role will support corporate governance and entity management across EMEA, whilst leading litigation, risk management and dispute resolution. This position will provide counsel on employment law, and labour relations, conduct DD and manage 3rd party risk whilst supporting strategic transactions, collaborating cross functionally and globally. In addition, you will directly manage and develop legal team members in the region. Supervise external counsel, allocate legal resources, and build a high-performing legal support model.
Experience required:
- Qualified to practice law in at least one major EMEA jurisdiction
- Bachelor's degree in Law (LLB) from an accredited institution; advanced legal degree preferred
- Minimum 10 years of relevant legal experience in a law firm or corporate legal department, with significant time spent in a regional or international role
- Deep expertise in commercial, corporate, labor, regulatory, compliance, data privacy, and anti-bribery laws applicable across EMEA
- Experience leading or managing legal professionals and overseeing external counsel
- Strong contract drafting, negotiation, and dispute resolution skills
- Proven ability to operate in a matrixed, multinational environment and to partner across functions and borders
- Fluent in English; additional languages (e.g., Arabic, French, or German) advantageous but not essential
This is an exciting rapidly growing MNC in EMEA. As a global company the role requires flexibility across multiple time zones, with up to 30% travel. The business operates a 3-4 day in office policy in London. Ideally candidates will already be in London, or in UK and willing to move to the area, but it may be possible to relocate someone internationally.
If you are interested in applying, please respond to this advert, or email directly to rebecca.smith@mackinnon-bruce.com
Legal Counsel – EMEA in London employer: Mackinnon Bruce International
Mackinnon Bruce offers an exceptional work environment for the Lead Counsel – EMEA role, situated in the vibrant city of London. As a leading US multinational in Fluid Technology/Speciality Chemical, the company fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Employees benefit from a flexible 3-4 day in-office policy, competitive compensation, and the chance to work within a dynamic, multi-jurisdictional legal landscape that encourages meaningful contributions to the business's success.
Contact Details:
Mackinnon Bruce International Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel – EMEA in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the legal field, especially those who work in EMEA. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of regional laws and compliance standards. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role of Lead Counsel and how you can add value to the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! If you've managed legal teams or worked cross-functionally, make sure to highlight these experiences. Employers want to see that you can lead and collaborate effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel – EMEA in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Legal Counsel – EMEA. Highlight your relevant experience in commercial, corporate, and compliance law, and don’t forget to showcase any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how you fit into our world!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this position. Mention specific experiences that relate to the job description and show us your passion for the legal field. Keep it engaging and professional!
Showcase Your Multinational Experience:Since this role involves navigating a complex, multi-jurisdictional landscape, make sure to highlight any experience you have working across different countries or cultures. We love candidates who can operate seamlessly in a global environment!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mackinnon Bruce International
✨Know Your Legal Landscape
Make sure you brush up on the legal frameworks relevant to the EMEA region. Familiarise yourself with commercial, corporate, and compliance laws that could impact the role. This will not only show your expertise but also your commitment to understanding the complexities of the position.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Lead Counsel, you'll be managing a team and working with external counsel. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to collaborate across functions and manage legal resources effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about past experiences where you had to navigate legal risks or compliance issues. Be ready to discuss your thought process and the outcomes of your decisions.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves advising regional leadership, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly. Practice explaining legal terms in simple language, and be prepared to discuss how you would approach advising non-legal stakeholders.
