At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the in-house legal team and oversee governance activities in a dynamic retail environment.
- Company: Fast-growing retail business with a strong customer-first approach and entrepreneurial culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and sustainable growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on strategic decisions during a period of exciting transformation.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with significant post-qualification experience and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Location
Central London (Hybrid)
Contract/Interim
Fixed-Term (12 Months) - Ideally starting in September 2026
Function
Corporate Services
Reporting Line
Executive Leadership Team & Board
Level
- Senior Leadership
- About the Organisation
Our client is a fast-growing retail and consumer business with a strong presence across the UK.
Known for its customer-first approach and entrepreneurial culture, the organisation continues to invest in innovation, operational excellence and sustainable growth.
The business offers a collaborative and ambitious environment where experienced professionals can make a visible impact, influence strategic decisions and contribute to the next phase of growth.
The Opportunity
A well-established consumer-facing retail organisation is seeking an experienced legal leader to oversee its legal and governance activities during a period of continued growth and transformation.
This role offers broad exposure across commercial operations, regulatory matters, governance, employee relations, digital innovation, and strategic business initiatives.
The successful candidate will act as a key advisor to senior leadership while leading a small in-house legal function.
You will combine strategic oversight with practical delivery, partnering closely with stakeholders across the business to support commercial objectives while maintaining appropriate governance and risk management frameworks.
This would suit a highly experienced Head of Legal or General Counsel with broad leadership experience with the ability to run with day to day legal matters alongside the team.
- Key Areas of Responsibility
- Leadership & Strategy
- Lead, coach and develop the in-house legal team.
- Shape and deliver the legal function's priorities in alignment with wider business objectives.
- Act as a trusted advisor to executive stakeholders on legal, regulatory and governance matters.
- Support organisational decision-making with pragmatic, risk-based guidance.
- Commercial & Operational Support
- Draft, review and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements.
- Provide legal support across supplier, customer and strategic partnership arrangements.
- Advise on business initiatives, change programmes and expansion activities.
- Develop and maintain legal templates and standard documentation.
- Governance, Compliance & Risk
- Oversee corporate governance and company secretarial activities.
- Manage legal compliance obligations across multiple operational areas.
- Monitor emerging legislation and regulatory developments.
- Design and deliver training and awareness programmes for internal stakeholders.
- Coordinate relationships with external legal advisors and manage associated budgets.
- Specialist Legal Areas
- Support matters relating to employment law, consumer regulations, data privacy, intellectual property and dispute resolution.
- Provide guidance regarding evolving technology risks, including digital innovation and AI-related considerations.
- Maintain and strengthen policies, controls and legal processes across the organisation.
About You
We are interested in speaking with applicants who can demonstrate
- Qualification as a solicitor, barrister or equivalent legal professional.
- Significant post-qualification experience gained in-house and/or private practice.
- Previous experience leading or managing an internal legal function.
- Strong commercial awareness and sound judgement in balancing risk with business opportunity.
- Ability to influence and communicate effectively with senior stakeholders and boards.
- Experience operating within a multi-site retail, hospitality, consumer or product-based business environment.
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
- A collaborative, solutions-focused approach to leadership.
Desirable
- Exposure to international operations.
- Experience supporting franchised, licensed or distributed business models.
- Knowledge of property-related matters within a retail estate.
Apply ASAP to avoid missing this excellent opportunity!
General Counsel (12 month FTC) - Retail in Slough employer: Taylor Root
At Taylor Root, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration in the heart of London. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development opportunities and a supportive environment where innovative legal solutions thrive. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values your expertise and encourages meaningful contributions to our exciting creative business.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Counsel (12 month FTC) - Retail in Slough
✨Get Involved in Legal Networking Events
Jump into local or virtual legal networking events to meet industry pros and get your foot in the door! Use platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup to find gatherings, as these are great for making connections and hearing about temporary roles at firms like Taylor Root.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a simple online portfolio to showcase your legal work, whether that's case briefs, research papers, or even blog posts on legal topics. This public display can really set you apart when looking for temp roles in law, especially if you can make it relevant to the work that Taylor Root does!
✨Tap into Law School Resources
If you're near a law school, hit up their career services. They often have leads on temporary positions and can help connect you with alumni working at firms. Plus, they might host workshops or job fairs specific to the legal sector—great for scoring that temp position!
✨Stay Updated with Legal Job Boards
Regularly check specialised legal job boards like LawCareers.Net or TotallyLegal for temporary listings. Many firms post their openings directly there, and applying quickly can give you an edge over the competition when looking to join a prestigious firm like Taylor Root.
We think you need these skills to ace General Counsel (12 month FTC) - Retail in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Know-How:In the legal services world, it's all about demonstrating your understanding of relevant laws and regulations. Make sure your CV highlights your legal training, internships, or any relevant projects you've worked on. If you've done any mooting or legal research, include those too - they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Application for the Temp Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should stress your adaptability and readiness to jump in right away. Highlight any previous temp roles where you quickly got up to speed, or any diverse experiences that show you can handle a variety of cases or tasks with ease.
Keep it Specific with Your Documents:Make sure your application includes essential legal documents, such as any relevant certifications or memberships in legal bodies. These can add credibility to your CV and show that you're serious about the profession – especially useful in a competitive field like law!
Express Your Enthusiasm in the Cover Letter:Your cover letter is a golden opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Let them know why you’re excited about this temporary position with Taylor Root and how you're motivated to contribute to their success during your limited time with them!
How to prepare for a job interview at Taylor Root
✨Show Off Your Legal Know-How
Prepare to discuss your understanding of legal terminology and concepts that might come up during the interview for the General Counsel (12 month FTC) - Retail role at Taylor Root. Brush up on relevant laws or recent cases that could be pertinent to the temporary position, as they'll likely appreciate candidates who can think on their feet and adapt to the fast-paced legal environment.
✨Talk About Your Flexibility
Since this is a temporary role, employers want to know you can hit the ground running. Be ready to highlight past experiences where you've had to quickly adapt to new tasks or work cultures. Flexibility is key in a short-term position like this, so share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage changing priorities efficiently.
✨Prepare for the Casework Challenge
You might face hypothetical scenarios where you'd have to advise on a legal issue or case. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, as interviewers in the legal sector often expect candidates to walk them through their reasoning step-by-step. This will not only showcase your legal acumen but also demonstrate your communication skills, which are crucial in law.
✨Pitch Your Legal Portfolio
If you have any relevant work samples, such as briefs, contracts, or legal research, this is your chance to shine! Be ready to discuss what you did, what challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This speaks volumes more than just listing your skills; it shows you're proactive and results-oriented, which is essential for a temporary role at Taylor Root.
