In-House Counsel

Job Overview

Working with the Head of Legal, you will advise on legal issues relating to the operations of the firm globally and the engagements undertaken by its lawyers, with a focus on the firm's global professional indemnity insurance and general insurances. 

Who you will work with

The Legal team comprises the firm's Head of Legal (based in the London office); and two Contracts Lawyers and one Contract Executive (referred to as the Client Terms Team, and who are based in the Newcastle office).  The Legal team reports to the firm's General Counsel in London.

The Legal team works closely with the firm's Director of Business Intake (who oversees Conflicts Clearance), the Partnership Operations Manager, the Chief Risk and Compliance Officer and the Head of International Compliance.

What you will be responsible for

The responsibilities of the Legal team include:

• Organising the firm's global professional indemnity insurance and general insurances. 
• Receiving internal notices of claims against the firm.
• Overseeing the conduct of claims against the firm, including instructing outside counsel.
• Investigating and dealing with complaints against the firm.
• Reviewing and negotiating the contracts under which the firm delivers legal services to clients.
• Working with the firm's Procurement team in the review and negotiation of contracts with suppliers.
• Analysing legal issues arising in connection with the firm's projects, operations and initiatives.
• Answering enquiries received from third parties.
• Working alongside colleagues in Risk & Compliance to advise lawyers on day-to-day queries on risk and professional standards issues.

What you will do

In this role you will work with the Head of Legal on a variety of legal issues with a particular focus on the firm's global professional indemnity insurance and general insurances.  The role will focus on:

• The receipt of notifications of claims against the firm (or circumstances which might give rise to a claim). This often involves receiving notifications from lawyers of potential issues which might give rise to claims against the firm, which will involve providing initial advice to lawyers, organizing the collection of documents, and investigating and establishing the circumstances in which the issue arises.
• Investigating and notifying potential claims to the firm's insurers; and overseeing the handling of claims against the firm and other disputes.  This will involve preparing summaries of new notifications and liaising with the firm's Claims Handler as well as:
  • Working with the Claims Handler to appoint outside counsel (where necessary) and assisting in the instruction of counsel.
  • Directing the conduct of claims against the firm.
  • Overseeing the implementation of litigation holds and related record-keeping.
  • Tracking the status of open notifications; seeking updates from internal contacts and providing updates to the Claims Handler.
• Dealing with the annual renewal processes for the firm's global professional indemnity insurance and general insurances.   
  • This will involve preparing the written market presentation for the renewal of the professional indemnity insurance; and overseeing the collection and submission of data for the general insurances.
  • Drafting replies to insurer questionnaires, including seeking specialist input from across the firm (for example, on information security).
• Acting as a point of escalation for the Client Terms Team in relation to queries on client terms, dealing with requests to amend the firm's terms of business and assisting with the firm's replies to requests for proposal (RFPs) and client questionnaires.
• Handling enquiries from the firm's Risk & Compliance team.  
  • This will involve ensuring you are up to date with notices and guidance from the SRA and the Law Society on professional standards issues.
  • Working with the Head of International Compliance and local compliance officers in identifying developments and answering queries.
• Providing answers to third parties who contact the General Counsel's Office about a range of issues, including complaints and requests for documents.   This often involves:
  • Dealing with enquiries from third parties who are seeking assistance or information from the firm; or reporting suspicions of misuse of the firm's name.
  • Liaising with the firm's archives clerks and reviewing records in order to enable the firm to respond to information requests.
• The Legal function also assists with the firm's sanctions and anti-money laundering compliance initiatives, including monitoring changes to the law, the development of policies and the delivery of training to fee earning lawyers.  The role also offers opportunities to undertake work in these areas.
• In addition, the role will also provide assistance to the General Counsel on a range of legal issues.

Your career experience so far

We are interested to hear from qualified lawyers with experience of dealing with contentious matters and welcome applications from lawyers who are looking to take a step back from a fee earning role. 

Skills:

• You will have proven ability to solve problems in a methodical and practical way.
• You will be responsive to the demands of others and able to deliver results with little supervision, with the ability to prioritize tasks across multiple projects.
• The ability to gather and analyse information and to use the results to make effective decisions and find innovative solutions to problems.
• You will have excellent organisational skills with strong attention to detail.
• You will have strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to liaise persuasively at all levels within the firm and build and maintain strong relationships with various levels of stakeholders.
• You will have the ability to adapt your communication, influencing and negotiation techniques to achieve the desired outcome.
• Assured and credible when dealing with internal stakeholders.
• You will have strong problem-solving skills and contribute to a positive learning environment.
• A quick learner able to adapt to new processes and technology.

Experience:

• You will have strong drafting skills with the ability to review legal documents to ensure clarity and consistency.
• You will have proven experience of prioritising workloads to meet deadlines with the ability to maintain good judgment in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.  
• You will be capable of strong individual contribution with the ability to influence.
• You will have a professional and flexible approach, with the ability to think critically and demonstrate good judgement.
• You will have the ability to deliver a busy workload, whilst managing multiple demands and priorities.

Qualifications:

• You will be a qualified lawyer with demonstrable experience of working in a commercial law environment.

How we will support you

From your first day with us, you will have varied opportunities to continuously grow and develop your skills and knowledge. From formal training, informal coaching and mentoring through to skills-based and technical training and on the job learning.

Who we are

As one of the leading international law firms, our work spans jurisdictions, cultures, and languages – and so do our people.

We believe every career at Clifford Chance should be rewarding and stimulating –  full of opportunities to learn, thrive, and grow. That’s why we’re so proud of our inclusive, friendly and collaborative approach to work. 

You’ll find our clients in commercial and industrial sectors, the financial investor community, governments, regulators, trade bodies, and not-for-profit organisations.

But no matter who they are or why they’ve reached out to us, we provide a world-class service every step of the way. And that’s possible thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit and conscientious approach to work that you’ll find across all our teams.

Whatever your area of expertise, Clifford Chance is a place where the brightest minds meet.

Hybrid Working

This role follows our 'balanced' hybrid working approach and as long as business needs allow, you will be supported to work in a hybrid way with the expectation of working from the office for a minimum of 50% of your time.

Equal opportunities statement

At Clifford Chance, we understand that our true asset is our people. Inclusion is good for our team and their families, our firm and society.

We are committed to treating all employees and applicants fairly and equally regardless of their gender, gender identity and expression, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, social or economic background, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation, or age.  This applies to recruitment and selection, terms and conditions of employment including pay, promotion, training, transfer and every other aspect of employment.

We have a variety of flourishing employee networks. These networks are a place for colleagues to share experiences and advocate for change wherever they see an opportunity for improvement.

Our goal is to deliver an equality of opportunity, an equality of aspiration and an equality of experience to everyone who works in our firm. 

Find out more about our inclusive culture here.

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