In-House Legal Counsel

Grant Thornton UK; Chelmsford; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading professional services firm is seeking a Senior Solicitor for its in-house legal department. This role focuses on handling commercial disputes, providing legal advice to various departments, and managing professional liability claims. Qualified candidates should have substantial experience in commercial dispute resolution and strong communication skills. The firm embraces flexible working, promoting a balanced work-life culture with a commitment to professional standards. Join us to contribute positively and thrive within a supportive environment.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Inclusive culture

Support for work-life balance

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in commercial dispute resolution in England and Wales.
• Ability to deliver complex messages clearly and sensitively.
• Commitment to upholding professional standards and ethical judgment.

Responsibilities

• Handle professional liability claims involving litigation and mediation.
• Advise on legal, ethical, and reputational risks.
• Work closely with stakeholders to deliver commercial legal advice.

Skills

Commercial dispute resolution

Professional liability understanding

Excellent communication skills

Strong ethical judgment

Time-management skills

Solution-oriented approach

Ability to work in teams

Integrity and independence of mind

Education

Qualified solicitor or barrister

Job description

Senior Solicitor – In-house legal department - Contentious work

Flexible on any Grant Thornton location, hybrid working available

NEW GROUND WON’T BREAK ITSELF

The lawyers in our in‑house legal department (Office of the General Counsel) advise on an enormous variety of risk issues that arise in the firm’s delivery of professional services.

We’re happy to talk flexible working and consider reduced hours and job shares. We’ll support you to balance your work and life.

A look into the role

As a lawyer who has specialised in disputes work in your career so far, you will deal with an exciting range of claims, issues and projects, including:

• handling professional liability claims against the firm, which may include litigation, mediation and other dispute‑resolution methods, and where appropriate by instructing and managing outside solicitors, counsel and independent experts in disputes about professional services
• identifying, assessing and mitigating legal, ethical and reputational risks, including by giving legal input into risk issues arising from live engagements, and ensuring that decisions align with the organisation’s expressed approach to risk
• dealing with regulatory issues, including dealing with regulatory enquiries and investigations
• working closely with colleagues in our in-house legal team to deliver solution‑focused and commercially pragmatic advice to Grant Thornton’s people, including partners and other senior stakeholders
• assisting teams in understanding the legal implications of their activities and empowering them to manage risks effectively.

This role may suit a litigator who is currently a mid‑level or senior associate at a commercial law firm, but we are happy to consider applications from all candidates who have the experience and skills for the role.

Knowing you’re right for us

The minimum criteria are:

• you are a qualified solicitor or barrister with substantial experience of commercial dispute resolution in England and Wales or another common‑law jurisdiction
• a good understanding of the law and procedure as they relate to professional liability
• integrity and independence of mind, with the ability to deliver difficult messages clearly and sensitively
• strong ethical judgment, with a commitment to upholding professional standards
• an understanding of the kinds of risk‑management issues that professional services firms face
• excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex legal concepts clearly to non‑legal colleagues

• strong commercial acumen, with a solution‑oriented approach to legal advice, and an ability to identify improvements to help achieve better outcomes
• excellent organisational and time‑management skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands
• an ability to work in multi‑disciplinary teams, and to work both autonomously and collaboratively as appropriate
• an ability to build good relationships and gain the confidence of colleagues.

Knowing we’re right for you

Embracing uniqueness, the culture at Grant Thornton thrives on the contributions of all our people. We never settle for what is easy; we look beyond to deliver the right thing, for everyone. Building an inclusive culture, where we value difference and respect our colleagues helps our people to perform at the best of their ability and realise their potential.

Our open and accessible culture means you’ll interact with leaders who are interested in you and everything you bring to our firm. As for the things that set you apart, we value them. That’s why we give you the freedom to bring your whole self to work and pursue your passions inside and outside of work.

Beyond the job

Life is more than work. The things you do, and the people you’re with outside of work matter, and that’s why we’re happy to look at flexible working options for all our roles, and we’ll always do our best to keep your work and life in balance.

The impact you can make here will go far beyond your day job. From secondments, to fundraising for local charities, or investing in entrepreneurs in the developing world, you’ll be giving back to society. It’s that drive to do the right thing that runs through our every move, grounded in our CLEARR values – Collaboration, Leadership, Excellence, Agility, Respect and Responsibility.

We’re looking for people who want to contribute, spark fresh ideas and go beyond expectations. People who want to be able to proudly do what’s right, for the firm, our clients, our people and themselves. It’s how it should be.