Senior Legal Counsel - M&A
2 days ago
City of London
This is a senior-level in-house role focused on leading complex corporate and M&A transactions across multiple jurisdictions. The successful candidate will provide strategic, commercially attuned legal advice, manage transaction execution, and advise senior leadership on legal risks and opportunities. Key Responsibilities: • Act as the lead legal advisor on high-value and strategically significant M&A matters, from structuring and due diligence through to drafting, negotiation, and execution of agreements., • Partner closely with investment, commercial, and cross-functional teams to deliver pragmatic, solutions-focused legal guidance., • Prepare and present legal input to senior decision-makers, including boards and committees, offering proactive recommendations., • Select, manage, and oversee external counsel, ensuring quality of advice while controlling costs., • Support integration planning post-acquisition, advising on governance, compliance, and employment issues., • Contribute to day-to-day corporate and commercial legal work, including contract review and compliance with corporate law obligations., • Provide guidance on cross-border legal issues, particularly under UK and U.S. frameworks., • Drive continuous improvement of legal processes, precedents, and knowledge management within the legal function., • Mentor and support junior members of the legal team. Candidate Profile: • Qualified lawyer (UK, U.S., or other relevant jurisdiction)., • At least 8 years’ PQE gained at a leading law firm and/or in-house environment, with a strong track record in M&A., • Background in regulated sectors is advantageous but not essential., • Deep understanding of corporate law and M&A structures across different jurisdictions., • Strong drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills, with the ability to apply legal principles pragmatically to business needs., • Commercial mindset and ability to balance risk with strategic objectives., • Excellent stakeholder management skills, with credibility and influence at senior levels., • High professional integrity, strong organisational skills, and ability to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment., • Committed to professional development of junior colleagues., • Fluent in English. Compensation & Benefits: • Highly competitive remuneration package., • Bonus opportunity and long-term career progression within a global, ambitious business.