Job Title

Candidates must apply via BreatheHR to be considered Link at the bottom of the job advert. Job Title: In-House Legal Counsel (Senior Leadership Team) Location : Hybrid / Remote Available Reporting to: Group Managing Director Type : Full-Time, Permanent Salary: Competitive (100,000 base salary benefits) Role Overview: We are seeking a qualified solicitor-advocate or barrister with strong corporate and commercial experience, and full rights of audience in court. This is a high-impact, strategic role requiring broad legal knowledge, commercial judgment, and the confidence to advise senior stakeholders at Group level. You will have oversight across the entire Group and be responsible for advising on legal strategy, compliance, and risk across a diverse portfolio of businesses. The successful candidate will act as the primary legal contact for the Group, managing key legal transactions, regulatory matters, disputes, and governance activitieswhile working closely with senior leadership across business units. This role offers the opportunity to shape legal operations in a high-growth environment, with potential progression toward a Group General Counsel position. Key Responsibilities: Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts, agreements, and legal documents. Provide legal support and strategic input on corporate transactions including acquisitions, disposals, restructures, and joint ventures. Represent the Group in contractual or legal disputes, including preparing court documentation and (where appropriate) attending and advocating in court. Advise senior management on legal risks and compliance obligations across all business units. Act as a key legal business partner, translating complex legal issues into commercial language for senior stakeholders. Oversee and manage any external legal counsel where specialist advice is required, ensuring quality and cost-efficiency. Support legal aspects of investment activities, data protection, intellectual property, employment, licensing, and regulatory compliance. Implement and maintain legal processes, templates, and governance frameworks aligned to best practice and relevant regulations. Contribute to cross-functional projects (e.g., product launches, international expansion, digital transformation) from a legal and risk perspective. Candidate Profile: Qualified solicitor-advocate or barrister (England & Wales), with full rights of audience in court. Minimum 5 years PQE with a strong background in corporate and commercial law; experience across multiple sectors or in complex structures is advantageous. Demonstrated experience advising on M&A transactions, restructures, commercial negotiations, and regulatory compliance. Skilled at managing legal disputes and litigation, with experience preparing court documentation and managing proceedings. Ability to work autonomously while engaging collaboratively with leadership, finance, product, operations, and external counsel. Strong interpersonal skills and gravitas to influence senior decision-makers, including board-level stakeholders. Entrepreneurial mindset with the adaptability to operate in a dynamic and fast-scaling environment. Proficient with legal technology tools (e.g., e-signature platforms, legal document management systems) and an interest in improving operational efficiency through process improvement. Comfortable setting legal KPIs and working toward measurable outcomes (e.g., contract turnaround time, litigation cost management, compliance metrics). Benefits: We offer a competitive package including flexible/hybrid working, leadership development, and the opportunity to help shape the legal infrastructure of a dynamic and growing group. Specific benefits are negotiable based on experience and will be confirmed contractually upon completion of the probation period. 1. Base Salary Competitive Base Pay: Benchmark the salary for the role against industry standards, ensuring its competitive with companies of similar size and in the same region. Pay Transparency: Offer transparency about salary bands and growth potential within the company. 2. Performance-Based Bonuses Annual/Quarterly Bonuses: Tied to company performance (revenue, profits) or individual/team performance. Spot Bonuses: Immediate recognition for going above and beyond. Profit Sharing: A percentage of company profits shared with employees, aligning their interests with company success. 3. Health and Wellness Benefits Comprehensive Health Insurance: Including medical, dental, and vision coverage, ideally with low premiums and broad coverage. Mental Health Support: Access to counselling, therapy, and stress management programs (e.g., through Employee Assistance Programs). Wellness Stipends: Monthly or annual stipends for gym memberships, fitness classes, or wellness-related products. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): Contributions toward employees HSA accounts to help with healthcare costs. Paid Sick Days: A generous number of paid sick days to promote work-life balance and reduce stress. 4. Retirement and Financial Benefits Competitive Pension Plan: Employer contributions to a retirement savings plan with up to 10% 1-2-1 employer contribution. Financial Wellness Programs: Access to financial advisors, workshops, and tools for budgeting, investing, and debt management. Life and Disability Insurance: Coverage for employees in case of unexpected events, offering peace of mind. 5. Paid Time Off (PTO) Generous PTO: More than the typical two weeks of vacation; consider unlimited PTO or 4-6 weeks of annual paid time off. Paid Holidays: Include a robust holiday schedule, and if possible, offer additional days like floating holidays. Parental Leave: Paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave (e.g., 12-16 weeks of paid parental leave). Sabbaticals: For employees with long service, offer paid sabbaticals after a certain number of years. 6. Career Development and Learning Education Stipends: Annual stipends for courses, certifications, or degrees to further employees skills and career growth. Mentorship Programs: Structured mentorship programs to help employees grow within the company. Internal Training and Workshops: Regular sessions focused on skill development, leadership, and personal growth. Conference Attendance: Funding to attend industry conferences, workshops, and seminars to stay ahead in their field. 7. Work-Life Balance Perks Flexible Work Hours: Offer flexibility around when employees work, allowing them to set schedules that fit their lifestyle. Remote Work Options: Hybrid or fully remote work arrangements, depending on the role. Childcare Support: Stipends or on-site daycare options to support employees with young children. Family Leave and Support: Support for family caregiving responsibilities, whether for children, elderly parents, or others in need. 8. Employee Recognition and Engagement Employee of the Month/Year Programs: Recognition of exceptional work with awards, bonuses, or additional perks. Team Building Activities: Regular social and team-building events (e.g., company outings, retreats, or virtual happy hours). Personalized Gifts: Small but thoughtful personalized gifts or gestures of appreciation for key milestones (birthdays, work anniversaries). 9. Additional Unique Perks Pet Insurance: Coverage to help employees take care of their pets health. Commuter Benefits: Public transportation subsidies, parking stipends, or even biking incentives. Volunteer Time Off: Paid time for employees to volunteer with causes they care about. Meals and Snacks: Catered lunch, free snacks, or even a fully stocked kitchen for employees working in-office. Travel Stipends: Allowances for work-related travel, including meal expenses, or even vacation travel rewards. Wellness Retreats: Company-sponsored retreats focusing on relaxation, team-building, and mental wellness. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): For health or dependent care expenses. 10. Culture-Driven Perks Transparency & Communication: Regular all-hands meetings, open communication channels with leadership, and a strong emphasis on transparency in decision-making. Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives: Commitments to DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) with programs that ensure all employees feel valued and supported. Employee-Led Initiatives: Allowing employees to take charge of certain company events, programs, or charity drives. Notes For general enquiries regarding this role, please contact hello@ascentris.co.uk. Interview Process: 1. Initial HR/Recruiter Screen (~30 minutes) 2. Hiring Manager/Line Manager Interview (1 hour) 3. Technical / Practical Assessment (self directed hours) 4. Senior Leadership / Stakeholder Panel (4560 minutes) 5. Culture & Fit Interview / Meet & Greet (3045 minutes) 6. Offer & Contract Stage Note that a "culture fit" interview is likely to be automatically incorporated into the other interviews rendering Stage 5 Moot. We aim to conclude the process within 4 weeks of application closing. Applicants should apply via our BreatheHR profile to be considered. Please submit a full CV and cover letter. Candidates are welcome to include a portfolio of representative legal work or a summary of relevant court experience under separate cover.