In House Counsel

Our client Emerald Global Publishing Group is looking to recruit a Legal Counsel to join their legal team to provide general legal support across the global Group. This role would suit a NQ/junior lawyer or someone who is mid/senior level who wants to work part time.

Client Details

Our client Emerald Global Publishing Group specialises in the subject areas of business and management. The Group includes the three trading divisions of Emerald Group Publishing, Good Practice and Research Media. Privately owned and headquartered in Bingley, UK, the Group has a growing global footprint with representation in over 20 countries including the USA, China, India and Malaysia. Turnover in 2015 will be over £42 million, up 6% on 2014, and the Group currently employs around 400 people. The Legal Team is based in Bingley and provides general legal support across the global Group, drawing on expertise from local and international external counsel as and when appropriate.

Description

This Legal Counsel role is a key appointment for the team and presents a great opportunity to be part of a high performing legal team at the heart of the business. The successful candidate will provide direct support to key internal clients as well as assist the Head of Legal with strategic projects. There will also be opportunities to collaborate with peers across the academic publishing industry. Some international travel may be required.

The role would suit a lawyer looking to apply their expertise to add real practical value to the business. The core of the role will be commercial/IP based but will also encompass corporate, company secretarial, compliance, IT, employment and litigation matters. A working knowledge of data protection issues would be helpful. The role will involve advising Emerald teams across the world, particularly in North America and Asia, as well as in the UK.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide high quality and practical legal advice to the business teams across the Group.
• Assist in developing and implementing scalable legal solutions to address the growing business needs.
• Assist in developing and delivering legal training solutions to the global business.

Profile

Skills, knowledge and experience:

• Good academics and training contract at well respected law firm or large in house team.
• Level of post qualification experience is flexible but the successful candidate must be able to demonstrate confidence in working autonomously and providing advice direct to clients on a wide range of commercial matters.
• A background in commercial and/or IP is desirable although high quality candidates from any legal background will be considered. Candidates seeking part time or flexible working arrangements are welcomed.
• Experience in designing or implementing legal processes and/or developing in house training programs would be very useful.
• Experience in managing outside counsel and legal budgets in multiple jurisdictions is also desirable.

Behaviours and attributes:

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to simplify legal issues into digestible advice and recommendations (often for employees where English is a second language).
• Understanding of legal risk and how to manage it in a business environment.
• A self-starter who thrives within an autonomous environment and is driven to succeed.
• Ability to quickly build and sustain collaborative relationships.
• Ability to multi-task and effectively prioritise whilst remaining calm under pressure.
• Good organisation and attention to detail.
• A team player who relishes the opportunity to engage with, learn from and adapt to colleagues across the full spectrum of cultures, races and religions.
• Acts with integrity and confidentiality at all times.

Job Offer

The Legal Counsel salary is commensurate with level of PQE.

Susan McNulty at Michael Page is exclusively retained to recruit for this role and any 3rd party CVs will be forwarded to her.