Purpose of the Role:
The Legal Counsel will play a critical role in providing comprehensive legal guidance and support across the organisation. The ideal candidate will oversee a wide array of legal responsibilities, including ensuring compliance with data protection regulations, upholding UK legal standards, and mitigating potential legal risks. This position demands a proactive, meticulous, and detail-focused professional with excellent analytical and communication capabilities.
Key Responsibilities:
Compliance and Risk Management:
* Develop and enforce internal policies and strategies to ensure legal risk management and best practices.
* Ensure full compliance with applicable UK and EU regulations, including GDPR and employment law.
* Oversee data privacy strategies, conduct data privacy impact assessments (DPIAs), and manage data subject access requests (DSARs).
* Address data privacy incidents with effective measures.
Legal Counsel and Support:
* Deliver prompt and actionable legal advice across various departments within Santa Fe and its affiliated companies.
* Draft, review, and negotiate a diverse range of legal contracts and documents, such as commercial agreements, NDAs, and partnership agreements.
Dispute Resolution:
* Oversee the resolution of legal disputes, coordinating with external counsel as necessary.
* Represent the company in legal proceedings, mediations, and negotiations to achieve favorable outcomes.
Corporate Governance:
* Provide guidance on corporate governance matters, assisting with board meetings, documentation, and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements.
* Maintain and manage corporate records and other essential documentation.
Training and Development:
* Organize and lead legal training sessions and workshops to improve employee understanding of legal issues and compliance requirements.
* Keep the team updated on changes in relevant laws and regulations and develop training materials accordingly.
Transactional Support:
* Provide legal assistance during mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate transactions, including conducting due diligence and managing transaction documentation.
* Support financing and investment activities by coordinating with external advisors and stakeholders.
Intellectual Property Management:
* Safeguard and manage the company’s intellectual property portfolio, handling IP-related disputes and ensuring compliance with relevant laws.
Regulatory Affairs:
* Stay informed on regulatory changes affecting the company and provide timely advice on compliance.
* Interact with regulatory bodies as needed, ensuring timely submissions and responses.
Key Competencies:
* Analytical and Problem-Solving: Ability to navigate complex legal issues and devise practical solutions.
* Collaboration and Independence: Capable of working both independently and as part of a team.
* Detail-Oriented: High level of accuracy and attention to detail in all legal matters.
* Interpersonal Skills: Strong ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
* Effective Communication: Proficient in conveying complex legal concepts clearly, both verbally and in writing.
* Adaptability: Comfortable adapting to evolving legal landscapes and business needs.
* Data Privacy Expertise: Extensive experience in advising on data privacy matters, ensuring compliance with GDPR.
Qualifications:
* Qualified Solicitor/Barrister: Minimum of 2 years PQE.
* Relevant Experience: Proven experience in a similar in-house legal role or with a reputable law firm.
* Legal Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of UK laws and regulations pertinent to the company’s operations.
* Excellent Drafting and Negotiation Skills: Proficiency in contract drafting, negotiation, and legal communication.
* Organisational Skills: Ability to manage multiple projects effectively with strong organisational skills.
* High Ethical Standards: Demonstrates integrity and a proactive, solution-focused approach.
* Employment Law Knowledge: Understanding of UK employment law.