Counsel, General Counsel & Risk in London

Counsel, General Counsel & Risk in London

London Full-Time Home office (partial)
NRF

We're Norton Rose Fulbright - a global law firm with over 50 offices and 7,000 employees worldwide. We provide the world’s preeminent corporations and financial institutions with a full business law service. At Norton Rose Fulbright, our strategy and our culture are closely entwined. We know that our expansion will mean little unless it is underpinned by truly global collaboration and we understand that pioneering work only takes place when our people have room to move and think beyond boundaries. As well as the relevant skills and experience, we're looking for people who are innovative, commercial and value the work that they do.

We are seeking a talented conflicts lawyer for our General Counsel & Risk team. This role is based in London and will report to our Head of Conflicts, also based in London. This role will primarily involve the provision of expert and pragmatic advice to our business in Europe, Middle East, Asia and Australia on applicable conflicts laws and other ethical rules, supporting a range of colleagues and stakeholders, including junior team members, Partners, Sector leaders and firm management. It may involve line management of other GC & Risk team members. The successful candidate will be required to participate in an evening rota, meaning occasional but predictable evening work for urgent escalations only, during specified times.

Norton Rose Fulbright is a global law practice which provides the world's pre-eminent corporations and financial institutions with a full business law service. We have more than 4,000 lawyers based in over 50 cities across Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, Australia, Africa and the Middle East.

Key Responsibilities
  • Evaluate and advise on legal and regulatory risks presented by the firm’s new and existing business.
  • Provide senior level advice to partners and senior management on conflicts and regulatory issues.
  • Assist with complex risk decisions relating to conflicts and confidentiality issues, including in connection with different ethical rules that apply across EMEAPAC and the verein, and balancing the firm’s regulatory obligations together with its strategic and commercial goals.
  • Assisting the General Counsel for New Business, the Head of Conflicts and CMI operational lead with implementing compliance processes that operate effectively across the firm.
  • Managing, supervising and/or mentoring more junior members of the team and being responsible for their development.
  • Management and development of systems, procedures and internal knowledge resources in relation to conflicts and general compliance issues.
  • Providing guidance to the business and junior colleagues on the review of engagement and relationship letters, panel appointments and non-disclosure agreements produced by clients, and advising as to their acceptability.
  • Lead or collaborate on various General Counsel & Risk or firmwide projects requiring input from a risk and compliance perspective.
  • Devising and/or contributing to the provision and upkeep of a rolling conflicts and confidentiality training program for the New Business teams.
  • Contributing to the promotion of a risk management culture throughout the firm, including facilitating training sessions for the Practice and other Business Services teams.
Key Skills and Experience
  • Qualified Solicitor, REL, RFL, or qualified Barrister or Solicitor in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa or the United States, with 8+ years qualified experience in an international law firm or in-house in a regulatory/general counsel area.
  • “Can do” attitude and willingness to learn. High level of technical expertise.
  • Ability to effectively analyse complex legal and factual issues.
  • Pro-active approach; anticipating the needs of our clients and internal stakeholders; looking at ways to add value wherever possible and unafraid to ask questions and test the status quo.
  • Strong influencing, written and oral communication skills, including the ability to articulate arguments and complex concepts clearly, succinctly and respectfully to all levels of staff and in different cultural settings (where English may not be a first language).
  • Ability to deal with difficult and novel situations with poise.
  • Sufficiently confident to exercise initiative and make risk-based judgement calls on a daily basis, whilst appropriately escalating matters.
  • Ability to prioritise and delegate effectively.
  • A lateral and innovative thinker who is able to overcome obstacles under time pressure and can effectively balance the firm's legal obligations with its business needs.
  • A discrete and professional approach to sensitive matters and confidential information.
  • Willingness to take responsibility for deliverables as appropriate; works effectively both autonomously and in a team setting.
  • Has a positive outlook and is open to being a role model and mentor to junior members of staff; able to give and receive constructive criticism in a positive way.
  • Is globally minded. Excellent project management skills with ability to lead on significant change management projects.
  • Demonstratable record of delivering a successful training programme on their subject matter expertise.
  • Willing and able to embrace the firm’s business principles of quality, integrity and unity.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: To attract the best people, we strive to create a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone can bring their whole selves to work, have a sense of belonging, and realize their full career potential. Our new enabled work model allows our people to have more flexibility in the way they choose to work from both the office and a remote location, while continuing to deliver the highest standards of service. We offer a range of family friendly and inclusive employment policies and provide access to programmes and services aimed at nurturing our people’s health and overall wellbeing. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams. We strive to create an inclusive and accessible recruitment process for all candidates. If you require any tailored adjustments or accommodations, please let us know.

Counsel, General Counsel & Risk in London employer: NRF

Norton Rose Fulbright is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration among its global team. Based in London, the firm provides ample opportunities for professional growth and development, supported by a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Employees benefit from a flexible work model, comprehensive wellbeing programmes, and the chance to engage in meaningful projects that shape the future of legal practice.

NRF

Contact Details:

NRF Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Counsel, General Counsel & Risk in London

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.

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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 NRF, 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 Counsel, General Counsel & Risk in London

Legal Expertise
Regulatory Knowledge
Conflict Resolution
Risk Management
Compliance Processes
Mentoring and Supervision
Analytical Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at NRF, 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 NRF and the specific role of Counsel, General Counsel & Risk. 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 NRF’s culture!

How to prepare for a job interview at NRF

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 NRF.

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 NRF.