At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal strategies and support growth at a dynamic student events platform.
- Company: Join Native, a vibrant ecosystem connecting brands and students across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work options and a competitive pro-rated salary.
- Why this job: Shape the future of student experiences while making impactful legal decisions.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 5+ years’ experience in commercial and corporate law.
- Other info: Be part of a fast-paced startup culture with opportunities for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid (London-based preferred)
Level: IC5
Reporting to: CEO
Type: Part-time
Salary: £100K-£120K (Pro-rated, hours dependant)
About Native
At native, we’re building the ecosystem for student events and experiences. Our platform connects brands, Students’ Unions, and students powering everything from freshers fairs to major brand activations. As we scale across the UK and beyond, we’re looking for a commercially minded, pragmatic General Counsel to help us navigate the legal landscape and protect what we’re building.
The Role
As General Counsel, you’ll be native’s first in-house legal hire. You’ll be the go-to for all things legal balancing risk, enabling growth, and helping teams make sound decisions. From commercial contracts and data protection to employment law and investor matters, you’ll play a key role in shaping how we scale.
What You’ll Be Responsible For
- Legal & Commercial
- Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of commercial contracts (client, supplier, partnership, IP, licensing)
- Acting as a thought partner to the commercial team on contract structures, risk, and compliance
- Supporting ad hoc legal queries across all functions
- Corporate & Governance
- Advising the CEO and exec team on corporate structuring, governance, and fundraising
- Overseeing cap table, share schemes, and investor reporting from a legal perspective
- Managing relationships with external counsel
- Risk & Compliance
- Managing data protection and privacy obligations (GDPR, ICO)
- Ensuring contracts and business processes align with regulatory and legal requirements
- Helping build lightweight, scalable policies to support a growing business
What We’re Looking For
- Qualified solicitor (UK or common law jurisdiction) with 5+ years’ PQE
- Background in top-tier private practice and/or fast-growth in-house legal role
- Commercial, pragmatic mindset you enable, not block
- Experience across contracts, corporate law, employment, and data protection
- Comfortable working autonomously and prioritising in a fast-paced environment
- Strong communicator who builds trust across levels and functions
Nice to Haves
- Experience in tech, media, events, or platform businesses
- Understanding of startup equity, funding rounds, and international expansion
- Experience working with or within VC-backed companies
General Counsel (Fractional) employer: Native
Contact Detail:
Native Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land General Counsel (Fractional)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the legal field, especially those who have experience in tech, media, or events. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the specific challenges faced by companies like Native.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in data protection and privacy laws, particularly GDPR. Being well-versed in these areas will demonstrate your proactive approach and readiness to tackle compliance issues that are crucial for a growing business.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your ability to balance risk and enable growth in your discussions. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated complex legal situations while supporting business objectives.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Native's current legal challenges and opportunities within the events ecosystem. Tailor your conversations to reflect your understanding of their business model and how your legal expertise can directly contribute to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace General Counsel (Fractional)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in legal roles, particularly in commercial contracts, corporate law, and data protection. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to navigate complex legal landscapes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role at Native and explain how your background aligns with their needs. Mention your experience in fast-paced environments and your pragmatic approach to legal challenges.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Emphasise skills that are crucial for the General Counsel position, such as strong communication, risk management, and the ability to work autonomously. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with teams in previous roles.
Highlight Industry Knowledge: If you have experience in tech, media, or events, make sure to highlight this in your application. Discuss any familiarity with startup equity and funding rounds, as this will resonate well with Native's business model.
How to prepare for a job interview at Native
✨Know Your Legal Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the specific legal challenges and regulations that affect the events and tech industries. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with these areas, especially in relation to GDPR and compliance.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Showcase your ability to balance legal risks with business growth. Prepare examples of how you've successfully navigated complex commercial contracts or advised on corporate governance in previous roles.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
As a General Counsel, you'll need to build trust across various teams. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing legal concepts with non-legal stakeholders.
✨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 make quick decisions under pressure and be ready to share those stories.