Principal Legal Counsel

Overview

The role We are looking for a motivated and skilled senior legal advisor to join this dynamic function, reporting to the Head of Legal. This role involves close collaboration with Directors, Partners, senior stakeholders, and managers, across various teams and functions. It requires someone with a commercial, responsive, and pragmatic approach.

The ideal candidate will be an 8-10 years PQE lawyer who delivers high-level technical expertise, leads complex work streams and drives operational excellence. They will be a self-starter with strong commercial acumen, excellent negotiation skills, and a creative, solutions-focused mindset, capable of taking ownership of complex and multi-faceted legal matters. We value individuals who are curious, collaborative, proactive and capable of working independently, with strong problem-solving abilities and exceptional attention to detail.

A high level of professionalism and interpersonal skills is essential.

This role reflects Shoosmiths’ expectations of a senior, autonomous legal professional capable of operating as a trusted adviser to stakeholders across the firm. Principal Legal Counsel are expected to set the standard for legal excellence, leadership, judgement and professionalism.

We’re Also Looking For Someone Who

• has excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, structured advice, aligned with risk-appetite;
• applies advanced legal knowledge to complex or sensitive matters and makes commercially sound strategic recommendations;
• uses technology effectively to drive transparency and collaboration;
• has a solid understanding of technology-related matters and demonstrable experience in data protection and privacy laws;
• delivers legal advice autonomously and acts as a recognised subject matter expert;
• has sound judgment and decision-making skills;
• has a commitment to delivering high-quality work;
• demonstrates adaptability and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment;
• applies a pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach to advising on commercial contracts, with the ability to navigate evolving digital and regulatory landscapes.

• leading, managing, drafting, negotiating and overseeing complex agreements, work streams and documentation;
• delegating effectively, ensuring delivery standards, consistency and risk mitigation; advising on legal aspects of new and existing products, including third-party technologies;
• ensure compliance with applicable laws and industry standards;
• conducting analysis to inform business decisions;
• identifying process inefficiencies and implementing improvements to enhance quality and efficiency;
• ensuring governance excellence: compliance, cyber-security awareness and ethical decision-making;
• developing, managing, and maintaining standard agreements, templates, policies, procedures and guidance;
• supervising and quality-assuring work produced by junior lawyers, paralegals and trainees.

A key part of the role will be identifying legal risks and proposing practical mitigation strategies aligned with the firm’s risk policies. Taking full ownership of client service delivery, anticipating issues and proactively developing solutions is key.

The ideal candidate will stay abreast of legal developments and provide clear, technically excellent legal advice, including on client terms when required.

This role can be based in any of our regional offices however, Birmingham would be preferable.

The individual would be part of the Office of the Legal Counsel, a recently formed function, currently comprising the Head of Legal, a trainee and a number of outsourced providers, and looking to scale. The function plays a critical role in supporting the firm’s strategic direction, advising on legal obligations and leading on contracting, commercial services, and legal risk management. This role strengthens the Office of the Legal Counsel by providing senior capability, technical depth and leadership.

It offers a unique opportunity to work in-house within a private practice environment,…