At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the legal function and manage disputes in a fast-growing digital marketplace.
- Company: Join a dynamic international digital marketplace as their first dedicated Legal Counsel.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape legal strategy and work closely with the executive team.
- Other info: Perfect for lawyers seeking a high-impact role in a scaling environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by owning the legal function and advising on key business decisions.
- Qualifications: 3-5PQE experience in consumer-facing disputes and strong commercial judgment required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
SSQ is partnering with a fast-scaling, international digital marketplace to hire its first dedicated Legal Counsel. This is a rare opportunity to step into a true “first lawyer” role at a global marketplace business operating across the UK, US and EU, and to build and own the legal function from the ground up. You’ll work directly with the executive team, advising on everything from product launches and customer journeys through to regulatory strategy, disputes and international expansion.
The role:
- Managing disputes and working closely with external counsel internationally
- Acting as a trusted advisor to the CEO and leadership team
- Owning customer terms, policies and global legal frameworks
- Navigating evolving regulation and compliance across multiple jurisdictions
What we’re looking for:
- 3-5 PQE (flexible) from a leading UK firm and/or in-house team
- Experience in a consumer-facing disputes, high-growth or digital business (e.g. marketplace, e-commerce, retail, travel)
- Strong commercial judgment and the confidence to operate autonomously
- Someone excited by breadth, ownership and working in a scaling environment
This role would suit a lawyer with disputes experience (either a training seat or team) looking to move out of private practice to a high-impact, standalone position with genuine influence on business strategy.
Sole Legal Counsel - (Disputes seat required) in Portsmouth employer: SSQ
Join a dynamic and fast-scaling international digital marketplace as the first dedicated Legal Counsel, where you will have the unique opportunity to shape the legal function from the ground up. With a strong focus on employee growth and a collaborative work culture, this role offers the chance to work closely with the executive team, influencing key business strategies while navigating complex legal landscapes across multiple jurisdictions. Enjoy the benefits of a supportive environment that values autonomy and innovation, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sole Legal Counsel - (Disputes seat required) in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience in disputes or digital marketplaces. 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 inside out. Understand their products, customer journeys, and any recent news. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and show how you can add value as their first dedicated Legal Counsel.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your adaptability! Highlight experiences where you've navigated complex regulations or managed disputes effectively. This is key for a role that requires strong commercial judgment and the ability to operate autonomously.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application and get noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Sole Legal Counsel - (Disputes seat required) in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the role of Sole Legal Counsel. Highlight your disputes experience and any relevant work in high-growth or digital businesses to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're excited about this unique opportunity and how your background makes you the perfect fit for building our legal function from the ground up.
Showcase Your Commercial Judgment:In your application, give examples of how you've demonstrated strong commercial judgment in past roles. We want to see that you can operate autonomously and make decisions that positively impact the business.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting role at our fast-scaling marketplace!
How to prepare for a job interview at SSQ
✨Know Your Disputes Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of disputes, especially in the context of digital marketplaces. Be ready to discuss specific cases you've handled and how they relate to the role. This will show that you understand the challenges the company faces.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare examples that highlight your strong commercial judgment. Think about times when your legal advice directly influenced business decisions or strategies. This will demonstrate your ability to operate autonomously and add value to the executive team.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the evolving regulations across the UK, US, and EU that could impact the business. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're proactive and ready to navigate compliance issues effectively.
✨Emphasise Your Adaptability
This role is all about ownership and working in a scaling environment. Share experiences where you've successfully adapted to change or taken on new responsibilities. This will illustrate your excitement for the breadth of the role and your readiness to build the legal function from the ground up.
