At a Glance
- Tasks: Support governance and compliance while working closely with senior leaders.
- Company: Join a top law firm known for its inclusive and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, private medical insurance, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant team that values diversity and creativity.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Qualifications: ICSA qualified with a good understanding of company secretarial regulations.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for an Assistant Partnership Secretary to join our Office of General Counsel department in London. The Assistant Partnership Secretary will support the Head of Governance & Partnership Secretary, particularly with regard to ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements and the firm’s constitutional documents, and for ensuring that decisions of the Audit Committee, Board and IEC are properly documented. This role will report directly to the Head of Governance & Partnership Secretary.
Other key liaison relationships are:
- Senior Partner and Managing Partner.
- Board and International Executive Committee.
- Partners, particularly new partners and partners in management roles.
- External regulatory bodies.
This role will work closely with the Head of Governance & Partnership Secretary on a wide range of matters to:
- Ensure the firm complies with all statutory and regulatory requirements, e.g. Companies House filings, SRA registration and the execution of deeds, leases and guarantees.
- Ensure that the firm’s constitutional processes and procedures are followed.
- Support the Board, IEC and Audit Committee to ensure agendas are agreed, papers prepared and circulated to the appropriate people, minutes are recorded and actions are progressed in a timely manner.
- Provide support and guidance to new partners (internal promotes and lateral hires).
- Maintain the statutory registers of the Group.
- Maintain lists and registers, i.e. Partner intranet site.
- Implement AI tools for efficiency and risk management.
What we are looking for:
- Likely to be an experienced Company Secretary who is ICSA qualified and ideally educated to degree level.
- Good understanding of company secretarial regulations.
- Detailed understanding of how partnerships operate and the terms contained in a Members Agreement.
- Well organised, meticulous and thorough but able to navigate the nuances of working in a partnership.
- Good interpersonal skills with the ability to converse with senior leaders in the firm and external regulatory bodies.
- Confidential and discrete.
Career Level: The career level assigned to this role is level 4. The career level framework provides a formal structure for the business services functions at the firm. The framework, which ranges from level 1 to level 7, clearly defines the responsibilities, skills and competencies required at each level.
Here at Simmons & Simmons: At Simmons, we are proud of our collaborative, open and non-hierarchical culture, where everyone is treated with respect and dignity and the wellbeing of our people is paramount. Our dynamic minds work as one integrated team, partnering with leading organisations on inspirational and thought-provoking projects that matter. From day one, irrespective of job title, qualification or background, everyone’s voice is heard, and you are encouraged to have an enquiring mind and share ideas that drive the firm forward. Through innovative learning and development opportunities, you will have a platform to excel, exceed your career ambitions, and achieve things you never thought possible.
Some key information:
- We offer a competitive package including bonuses dependant on role/level, private medical insurance and pension contribution.
- Our global skills academy provides our people, regardless of their role and location, with excellent learning opportunities (including live workshops, podcasts, short videos and practical learning experiences).
- We have adopted a hybrid working approach with a requirement for a minimum of three days in the office with flexibility dependant on role/team/client demands.
- We are proud to rank as a Times Top 50 Employer for Gender Equality, a Stonewall Top Global Employer, and a Top 75 Employer for Social Mobility.
- We have a range of social and sports committees, summer and winter parties and monthly get togethers.
- We have a range of diversity networks to connect people and celebrate our differences which is integral to our inclusive culture.
- All UK offices have their own artwork collections – including Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin pieces in the London office. We have a long-standing history in supporting the art community especially up-and-coming artists.
- We have recently introduced a Strategic Advisory Council which is a mix of associates and business services who will propose strategic initiatives that align with our firm's mission and support the delivery of our business plan, shaping the future of our next-generation law firm.
- Our in-house generative AI tool, Percy, won the ‘Innovation in Automation and AI Tools’ category at the 2024 FT Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards. This achievement highlights our commitment to technological innovation and client service.
- We have been commended in The Times Best Law Firms 2026 across three categories: construction, employment, and intellectual property. Our profile is highly positive, highlighting our sector specialisms and notable case and transactional work.
Equal opportunities: We are committed to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion within our firm and to ensuring equal employment opportunities. We believe that this commitment creates a vibrant and rewarding work environment. We are therefore committed to:
- Upholding equal opportunities, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, sex, gender reassignment, gender identity, marital status, or pregnancy, including maternity and paternity. This commitment extends to addressing any instances of perceived or associative discrimination and harassment. We also ensure fair treatment during recruitment and selection processes for those who are serving or have served in the armed forces, along with their families.
- Accommodating requests for flexible working arrangements whenever possible. We encourage you to discuss your needs with us if this is something you require.
- Making our roles accessible to individuals with diverse abilities. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know so we can meet your needs.
- We offer a range of employee networks to support our colleagues. More information about these networks can be found in the D&I Information booklet that candidates are sent when invited to interview.
We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single requirement. We are looking for individuals who are passionate and eager to learn and grow with us. Your unique experiences and perspectives could be a great addition to our team.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
If you’re interested in finding out more about this position, please contact the Recruitment Team. To apply for the role, click on the link at the top of the page or visit our careers page for more details.
Assistant Partnership Secretary employer: Simmons & Simmons
Simmons & Simmons is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and inclusive work culture where every voice is valued. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, innovative learning opportunities, and a hybrid working model, the firm empowers its staff to excel in their careers while engaging in meaningful projects. Located in London, employees benefit from a vibrant environment that celebrates diversity and creativity, alongside competitive compensation and recognition as a top employer for gender equality and social mobility.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Partnership Secretary
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like Simmons & Simmons looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Partnership Secretary
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at Simmons & Simmons. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Simmons & Simmons
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with Simmons & Simmons’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!