At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the legal function and support business growth through acquisitions and compliance.
- Company: Dynamic private equity-backed firm in the professional services sector.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunity to shape legal processes.
- Other info: Join a fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by establishing a legal function in a growing company.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with experience in commercial contracts and stakeholder management.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Outstanding opportunity to be the first lawyer at a private equity backed business that focuses on the professional services space. This is a hands-on role for a lawyer who wants to make their mark at an expanding company and establish the legal function. The role will act as the key internal legal lead, partnering closely with the executive team and operational leaders, whilst managing relationships with outsourced legal advisers who will continue to support on larger, more complex or specialist matters. This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys being close to the business, solving problems quickly, creating practical solutions and helping build scalable legal processes as the group continues to grow through acquisition and transformation.
Key Responsibilities
- Corporate & Growth Activity
- Support business acquisitions and integration activity, including legal due diligence coordination.
- Assist with corporate governance and company secretarial matters where required.
- Work closely with senior stakeholders during periods of business change and transformation.
- Managing External Counsel
- Act as the primary internal contact for outsourced legal partners.
- Coordinate and manage external legal advisers on more complex or high-value matters.
- Ensure external legal spend is effectively managed and commercially appropriate.
- Commercial Contracts & Legal Support
- Draft, review and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements, including client contracts, supplier agreements, SaaS and technology agreements, partnership and service agreements.
- Provide practical legal advice to business stakeholders on day-to-day operational matters.
- Support the business with contract management and legal administration processes.
- Employment & Operational Legal Matters
- Provide legal guidance on employment-related matters alongside the People team, including employment contracts, policy reviews, employee relations matters, settlement agreements, TUPE considerations, and organisational change projects.
- Support on compliance and governance matters across the group.
- Risk & Compliance
- Identify legal and commercial risks across the business and work with stakeholders to implement practical mitigation plans.
- Help ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations and internal governance frameworks.
- Support the maintenance and development of legal templates, processes and playbooks.
- Process Improvement
- Build scalable and efficient legal processes suitable for a growing group structure.
- Create practical guidance and training for operational teams to improve legal awareness and reduce risk.
- Help establish a commercially pragmatic legal function that enables the business rather than slows it down.
About You
- Qualified solicitor in England & Wales (or equivalent jurisdiction).
- Strong experience in commercial contracts and day-to-day business legal support.
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial and evolving environment.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Experience working with outsourced legal providers or external counsel desirable.
- Exposure to employment law and M&A activity would be advantageous.
What Success Looks Like
- Legal processes become more streamlined and scalable.
- External counsel is used effectively and efficiently.
- Stakeholders receive clear, pragmatic advice at pace.
- Legal risk is managed appropriately without creating unnecessary bureaucracy.
Why Join Us
This is a rare opportunity to help shape and build an in-house legal function within a growing and ambitious group business. The role offers broad exposure across commercial, operational and strategic matters, whilst remaining highly hands-on and embedded within the day-to-day business.
If the role is of interest and you would like further information, please contact Brian Littleton at Motus Legal.
Head of Legal in London employer: Motus Recruitment
Join a dynamic and ambitious private equity-backed business as the Head of Legal, where you will have the unique opportunity to shape the legal function from the ground up. Our flexible hybrid work culture promotes a collaborative environment, allowing you to partner closely with executive leaders while enjoying the benefits of a supportive team. With a focus on employee growth and development, we offer a platform for you to make a significant impact in a fast-paced, evolving landscape, ensuring your contributions are recognised and valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Legal in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience in private equity or professional services. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their recent acquisitions and how they operate. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their growth story.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've tackled legal challenges in the past, especially in fast-paced environments. This will demonstrate that you can hit the ground running and add value from day one.
✨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 and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Legal in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Legal role. Highlight your experience in commercial contracts, stakeholder management, and any relevant legal processes you've improved.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this opportunity and how your background makes you the perfect fit for shaping our in-house legal function.
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've tackled complex legal issues or streamlined processes in previous roles. We want to see your practical approach to legal challenges!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Motus Recruitment
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of commercial contracts, employment law, and M&A activity. Be ready to discuss how you've handled similar situations in the past and how you can apply that experience to this role.
✨Show Your Stakeholder Skills
This role requires strong stakeholder management, so think of examples where you've successfully communicated with various teams. Prepare to share how you’ve built relationships and provided clear, pragmatic advice in fast-paced environments.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Be prepared to discuss specific challenges you've faced and how you approached them. Highlight your ability to create practical solutions and streamline legal processes, as this is key for the role.
✨Understand the Business Context
Research the company and its growth strategy. Show that you understand the importance of aligning legal functions with business goals, especially in a private equity-backed environment. This will demonstrate your commitment to being a proactive legal partner.
