At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the legal framework for innovative AI and financial services projects.
- Company: Join Norven, a pioneering company in evidence-backed AI review.
- Benefits: Flexible fractional role with equity options and hybrid work.
- Other info: Opportunity to grow into a General Counsel role as the company scales.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI deployment with your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: 8+ years PQE in financial services or tech; startup-savvy.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
A senior commercial/regulatory lawyer — in practice or in-house — to be Norven's founding legal mind on a fractional basis: build the contracting architecture for a new category of professional review work, coordinate specialist external counsel, and keep an ambitious founding team honest about what may and may not be claimed.
Norven is building independent, evidence-backed review of consequential AI deployment decisions — work whose entire value depends on legal precision: what is reviewed, who may rely on it, within what boundaries, with what cover behind it. For a company like this, legal architecture is not overhead. It is the product's skeleton. We are engaging specialist external counsel for the professional instrument itself; this seat is the internal owner who instructs them well, converts their advice into working templates, and builds the legal operating system a regulated-market business needs from day one.
What you will do
- Own the legal build. NDA suite, engagement letters, design-partner agreements, expert/consultant agreements, IP assignments — drafted, negotiated, versioned, controlled.
- Build it domain-portable. The contracting architecture is a domain-neutral master chassis with domain modules: financial services first, designed to extend to healthcare, robotics and physical AI, government and public sector, sovereign AI programmes and frontier AI labs as each domain is deliberately activated — different regulators, different data regimes, different reliance questions, one disciplined legal core. (Civilian use only, always.)
- Instruct and manage specialist counsel on the reliance and liability architecture of the review product, corporate structure, and insurance interface — and translate their advice into things the business can execute.
- Guard the claims line. Norven maintains a strict published list of things it never claims. You enforce it in every external document.
- Corporate hygiene. Three UK entities, a group structure in formation, statutory calendar, board minutes, option/equity paperwork with tax advisers. Be the pragmatic "no". Early-stage speed with regulated-market judgement.
Who this is for
- 8+ years PQE (England & Wales), with meaningful time in financial services, professional services or technology — private practice, in-house, or both.
- Comfortable across commercial contracts, professional liability concepts, IP and corporate housekeeping — a builder-generalist, with the judgement to know when specialists are needed.
- Range beyond one sector: you design legal architecture that travels — across regulated domains and, in time, jurisdictions — rather than drafting for a single regulator's world.
- Startup-fluent: you produce usable documents fast and iterate, rather than perfect memos slowly.
- Available fractionally (1–2 days/week to start), growing with the company; the seat can become the first General Counsel role as the practice scales.
Who this is NOT for
- Lawyers who need a precedent bank and a support team behind them.
- Anyone uncomfortable telling a founder "you cannot say that" — the company is designed to reward that sentence.
Terms
Fractional engagement, per-day or per-package, plus meaningful early-team equity; full transparency at first conversation. London/hybrid.
How to start the conversation
Apply here — with a note on the most commercially useful legal architecture you have built, not the largest deal you sat near.
Fractional General Counsel — AI & Financial Services in Slough employer: Norven
Norven is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and leadership in the rapidly evolving field of AI governance. With a commitment to fostering a collaborative work culture, employees are empowered to shape methodologies and engage with industry experts, ensuring meaningful contributions to regulated sectors. The company offers flexible employment structures and significant opportunities for professional growth, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a lasting impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fractional General Counsel — AI & Financial Services in Slough
✨Networking in Legal Circles
Get involved in local bar associations or legal networking events. This is where you’ll meet potential clients and fellow freelancers who can refer you. Don't underestimate the power of a good chat over coffee – it can lead to future gigs!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Start a blog or contribute articles to legal websites or forums. Sharing your insights on current legal issues can set you apart and draw attention from those needing your services. Plus, it builds your credibility in the freelance market.
✨Client Pipeline Essentials
Create a clear portfolio that highlights your previous legal work and client testimonials. Make sure it’s easy to find on your website. This will help potential clients see what you can do for them and build trust before they even reach out.
✨Keep an Eye on Job Boards
Freelance legal opportunities pop up in specific online job boards. Websites like LawCareers.Net or even general platforms like Upwork often have roles looking for freelance legal counsel. Regularly checking these can land you a project before others even hear about it!
We think you need these skills to ace Fractional General Counsel — AI & Financial Services in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Specialisation:In the legal sector, it's all about the details. Be sure to highlight your specific areas of law, such as corporate, criminal, or family law, in your CV. Mention any relevant qualifications, certifications, and experience that clearly demonstrate your expertise in these fields.
Tailor Your Portfolio:For a freelance legal role, having a solid portfolio is essential. Include samples of your work like case studies, legal briefs, or articles you've written. Make sure they showcase your abilities and knowledge, as they'll give potential clients a clear idea of what you bring to the table.
Flexibility and Availability:When applying as a freelancer, be open about your availability and willingness to adapt. Include your preferred working hours and how you manage multiple clients. Flexibility can be a huge draw for potential clients, so let them know you’re the go-to person they can rely on.
Engage With Your Potential Clients:Take the time to craft personalised cover letters for each application. Mention how your unique skills can benefit Norven specifically. This engagement shows that you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their team from day one.
How to prepare for a job interview at Norven
✨Showcase Your Legal Expertise
As a freelancer in the legal field, it’s essential to demonstrate your depth of knowledge in specific areas of law relevant to Norven. Have a few examples ready of cases you've worked on or legal research you've conducted that showcases your expertise—whether it's contract law, intellectual property, or another niche.
✨Pitch Your Portfolio of Success
Bring along a portfolio that highlights your previous freelance work and successes. Include testimonials from clients, sample contracts you’ve navigated, or any articles you've published in legal journals. This not only shows your ability to deliver results but also your capacity for maintaining professional relationships.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions during your interview. This might involve ways to navigate tricky legal situations or ethical dilemmas. Be ready to think on your feet and showcase your problem-solving skills—even if it’s hypothetical, your approach matters!
✨Know Your Worth—And State It
When in discussions about your rates, be confident in what you bring to the table. Know the market rates for freelancers in your legal specialty and be prepared to justify your pricing based on your experience and case successes. Practice how you'll communicate this effectively during your chat with Norven.
