Legal Counsel

Our client, a well-established and growing law firm, is investing significantly in its Risk and Compliance function and is looking to appoint a Legal Counsel to join the team. This is a newly evolving role within a business that is actively expanding its governance capability, a great opportunity for someone who wants to help shape a function as it grows, rather than step into a fixed, static remit.The firm is genuinely flexible on working pattern: this role can be fully remote or hybrid, with a base in the firm's Birmingham city centre office for those who want in-person time with the team. The RoleYou'll sit within the General Legal / Risk & Compliance team, providing pragmatic, commercial legal advice and support across the business. The role covers a broad and varied remit, including:Providing quality legal, risk and compliance advice to stakeholders across the businessHorizon-scanning legislative and regulatory change, and translating it into practical guidanceSupporting governance and risk identification on business initiatives of varying scaleFinancial crime and sanctions work, including AML, sanctions checks, tax evasion risk, and fraud preventionSupporting due diligence, client onboarding, and supplier risk processesContract review, drafting, and negotiation support across a range of commercial agreementsEngaging with regulators and key external stakeholdersDelivering training and raising awareness of risk and compliance across the firmContributing to wider strategic and business continuity projectsThis is a role that will evolve alongside the function, so there's real scope to get involved in shaping process, policy, and best practice as the team develops. What We're Looking ForA relevant degree and legal qualificationStrong knowledge and experience of risk, governance and complianceThe ability to analyse complex information and turn it into clear, practical recommendationsExcellent written and verbal communication skillsA pragmatic, commercial, and solutions-focused mindsetStrong attention to detail, with the ability to manage competing priorities under pressureA collaborative approach, comfortable building relationships across a business and working independentlyAdaptability, and comfort with a role that will change and grow over timeWillingness to travel to other offices occasionally, with overnight stays where requiredExperience in financial crime, AML, sanctions, or contracts work would be an advantage, though not essential.Why ApplyGenuine flexibility: fully remote or hybrid workingA firm actively investing in and growing its risk and compliance capabilityBroad exposure across governance, financial crime, contracts, and regulatory engagementReal influence over how the function develops