Partnership Affairs Lawyer

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP
Partnership Affairs Lawyer page is loaded Partnership Affairs Lawyer Apply locations London posted on Posted 30+ Days Ago job requisition id R-01148 The role holder will work as part of the Partnership Affairs team to assist the General Counsel in managing the affairs of the partnership.

They will work closely with the Partnership Affairs team, the GC, the Global Leadership Team (GLT), members of the Management Office and others to ensure that the firm complies with its constitutional and governance arrangements. That will involve, amongst other things, helping to advise on the operation of the firm’s business structures and making amendments to the same, dealing with accession to or leaving the partnership and working on associated projects and initiatives from time to time. Location Overview: London
Our London office is at the heart of our global network, in one of the most exciting world cities. London is arguably the world’s greatest financial centre: all of the world’s leading financial institutions have a significant presence here. It’s home to the headquarters of more than 100 of Europe’s largest companies.

Our London team has a reputation that’s second to none. They’re the team the world’s leading businesses turn to for help with their most challenging problems. They work with colleagues around the world on complex, cross-border deals and disputes. Whether you join as a lawyer, a recent graduate or in a business services role, London is a great place to work.

You will have the opportunity to work on challenging, engaging work that will give you the opportunity to make your mark and progress your career. We believe there is no better place to work.

Function Overview
The Legal Department is made up of both qualified lawyers and non-lawyers, exists to manage the firm’s risk exposure and to provide advice to the partners on a range of legal and compliance issues.

The role of the Legal Department is to support partners and staff in pursing the effective management of regulatory, legal, operational, and information security risk to preserve and maximise the value of the firm over the long term. We do this by taking responsibility for a range of actions, by sharing in the performance of others and by assisting partners and staff to manage risk themselves through training, awareness raising and the provision of relevant intelligence, services and materials.

Our vision is for our department to be recognised as a leader amongst comparable, elite, law firms. That means being acknowledged internally as providing an excellent service in a commercial and empathetic manner. It means adequately meeting the needs of the firm while remaining agile and cost effective; constantly refining our techniques, objectives and ways of working to respond to changes in the business and the threats we face.

Key responsibilities and deliverables

Responsibilities will include but not be limited to the following:

• Provide expert advice in relation to the firm’s structure and partner arrangements and the constitutional documents which underpin them. This will include advising on the processes and documentation for partner joiners, partner leavers, changes to profit sharing points, movements within the network and individualised working arrangements for partners
• In conjunction with Legal Department colleagues, local Risk Partners and others, advise on changes to the firm’s structure and partner arrangements and on associated legal, regulatory and compliance issues.
• Work with the Head of Partnership Affairs or the General Counsel as required in relation to the management of the firm’s legal affairs. This will include helping to prepare legal advice and briefings/reports for management groups on operational and legal matters affecting the firm.
• The role holder will be a point of connection between the Legal Department and the GC/GLT and will help to facilitate the exchange of information between groups and the effective management of joint initiatives so as to best serve the needs of the firm.
• Support and help to project manage the firm’s annual Professional Indemnity Insurance renewal process and support liaison with the firm’s brokers and insurers during the year on matter other than claims.
• Assist in relation to the identification and management of risk affecting the firm’s practice and operations and provide support to the LD and others in connection with associated education, training and other associated initiatives.
• Input to special projects under the auspices of the GC or GLT, for example, the amendment of the firm’s constitutional documents, opening of new offices and/or special relationships with other law firms.
• Undertake research and analysis, provide advice and drafting, interpret legislation and develop and implement policies and procedures as required to perform any of the above.

Key Requirements

• This role will suit a qualified lawyer with experience in a highly regarded commercial law firm. Experience of international practice and of drafting and advising on complex contracts and matters of business organization is required.
• Must be able to give clear and commercial advice; be decisive; propose solutions even in unfamiliar situations and inspire confidence on the part of internal clients. Able to manage a workload comprising of a number of key projects as well as day to day queries.
• Keenness to keep abreast of changes to relevant regulation, laws and guidance is essential as is a high level of IT skills including familiarity with applications such as Word, Outlook and Excel.
• Must possess initiative and a combination of confidence, presence and a diplomatic manner. Must be able to effectively liaise with all levels of legal and support staff to assist with the resolution of issues and be able to inspire confidence on the part of senior leaders.
• Strong analytical and organisational skills are necessary. Must pay close attention to detail and be used to working to very high standards of accuracy and efficiency but balanced with a practical, common-sense approach.
• Good drafting, showing confidence, commerciality and understanding of the recipient’s needs and expectations is required. The role holder must be able to support senior colleagues on drafting draft complex documents succinctly, thoroughly and in plain English.
• Resourceful, possessing initiative and able to work autonomously with high personal motivation, whilst also being reliable, flexible and an effective member of a wider department.

Freshfields Overview

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is a major international law firm, providing business law advice of the highest quality. We want to be the law firm that clients turn to for legal advice where it most matters, wherever in the world that may be. The Firm has over 2,400 lawyers in 28 offices around the world, providing a comprehensive service to national and multinational corporations, financial institutions and governments.

Our people make our firm – we are a people business and want to create a welcoming and supportive environment where all can flourish. We see diversity as a strength which creates fresh perspectives and generates new ideas. We enjoy our work and are determined to do an outstanding job. We deliver best when working in teams. Our culture is a product of the combined mindsets and behaviours of our people which is through the Being Freshfields principles, outlined below:

• we show respect to everyone
• we are there for one another
• we are open with each other
• we are positive role models

We think and work globally – we don’t just say we are one firm; we act like one firm right across the world. We work wherever our clients need us. This is how we define ourselves, not by reference to where we have offices. Cross-border work isn’t just what we do, it is what we excel at. We understand what it really takes to work across different legal systems and commercial environments and to bridge language and cultural gaps.

We aim to add value in everything we do – we are passionate about helping our clients succeed. We use our experience and creativity to help clients make judgements and achieve their goals. In everything we do, we seek to make a real difference to the communities in which we operate.

Freshfields is committed to promoting equality and diversity and to developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds make important and positive contributions to our business and how we service our clients.

Inclusion

Freshfields is an equal opportunities employer and all applications received by the firm will be considered by the firm on the basis of their merit alone and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background. All offers of employment will be conditional on the candidate having/securing the right to work in the UK and providing the firm with evidence of that right (as required by the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006) prior to employment commencing.

Freshfields is a Ban the Box employer. We ask applicants to disclose criminal convictions only when a conditional job offer is made. A conviction does not automatically lead to withdrawal of the offer: we make decisions on a case by case basis and take a number of factors into account (eg the role you are applying for and the circumstances of the offence). You would have the opportunity to discuss the matter with us before we make a decision.
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