At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the legal team, managing complex legal matters and providing strategic advice.
- Company: Purpose-driven organisation in the housing sector with a strong focus on community outcomes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous leave, and health benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity for genuine ownership and career development in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by influencing legal strategy in a major organisation.
- Qualifications: Solicitor with 6+ years PQE and experience in managing legal teams.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 90000 £ per year.
An excellent opportunity for a Head of Legal to join a major purpose led organisation in the Midlands, taking strategic responsibility for its legal services function. This is a genuine opportunity to create and develop the team, leading solicitors and a pre litigation function while acting as a trusted adviser to senior leadership.
Our client is a substantial and well established organisation within the housing sector, operating in a highly regulated and increasingly complex environment. The organisation has a strong focus on delivering excellent outcomes for its customers while continuing to invest in its people, services and communities. Legal Services plays an important strategic role across the business, and this appointment will have significant scope to influence how the function develops, how legal risk is managed and how the wider organisation uses legal insight to make better decisions. This is an excellent opportunity to join an organisation offering both the scale and complexity of a large commercial environment alongside a clear social purpose.
The Head of Legal will be:
- Providing strategic leadership across Legal Services, ensuring advice is legally robust, commercially sound and aligned with wider organisational priorities
- Leading, developing and shaping a team of solicitors and pre litigation specialists, creating a collaborative and high performing legal function
- Overseeing complex contentious and operational legal matters, including housing litigation, disrepair, tenancy matters, anti social behaviour and commercial disputes
- Managing the organisation's legal risk profile through effective horizon scanning, escalation, mitigation and reporting, while providing strategic advice and constructive challenge to Boards and senior leaders
- Driving continuous improvement across Legal Services, including external counsel management, legal spend, performance measures, technology, processes and the use of data to demonstrate value
The Head of Legal should be:
- A solicitor or equivalent with at least 6 years PQE and substantial experience operating at a senior level
- An experienced legal leader with a strong track record of managing and developing legal teams and improving the delivery of legal services
- Experienced across litigation, commercial contracts and wider operational legal matters, with social housing or public sector experience advantageous but not essential
- Comfortable providing strategic legal advice and constructive challenge to Boards, Executive Teams and senior stakeholders
- Knowledgeable around regulatory compliance, governance, professional obligations, legal risk and the effective management of external legal advisers
- Commercially minded and able to use case data, costs, outcomes and trends to improve decision making and demonstrate the value delivered by Legal Services
- A strong people manager with the ability to influence, challenge and build relationships across a complex organisation
- Proactive around innovation, technology and process improvement, with the ability to translate legal and regulatory developments into practical business solutions
This is significantly more than a traditional Head of Legal position. You will have the opportunity to shape the future direction of Legal Services, develop the existing team and build a function that has genuine strategic influence across the organisation.
The package includes:
- Salary of £80,000 to £90,000
- Hybrid working
- 27 increasing to 30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
- Option to purchase up to 5 additional days annual leave each year
- Matched pension contributions of up to 8%
- Life assurance of 4 times annual salary
- Occupational sick pay
- Birthday leave each year
- 24 hour employee assistance programme
- Medicash health cash plan
- Enhanced paid family leave
- Discounted shopping and benefits scheme
For someone looking for genuine ownership and influence, this offers the chance to lead a broad legal function, develop a talented team and play a key role in how a major organisation manages legal and regulatory risk.
In-House Head of Legal - Litigation employer: Michael Page Legal
Join a leading UK investment and asset management firm that champions innovation and responsible investment in the energy and infrastructure sectors. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will benefit from a modern working environment that promotes hybrid working arrangements and offers competitive remuneration, including a bonus and benefits package. This role not only provides the chance to work on high-profile transactions but also fosters a collaborative culture where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land In-House Head of Legal - Litigation
✨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 Michael Page Legal, 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 In-House Head of Legal - Litigation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Michael Page Legal, 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 Michael Page Legal and the specific role of In-House Head of Legal - Litigation. 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 Michael Page Legal’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page Legal
✨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 Michael Page Legal.
✨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 Michael Page Legal.
