In-House Legal Counsel

Grant Thornton; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading professional services firm is seeking a Senior Solicitor for its in-house legal department. The role involves handling professional liability claims, mitigating legal risks, and advising colleagues on legal implications. Ideal candidates will have substantial commercial dispute resolution experience along with a qualification as a solicitor or barrister. The company promotes a flexible working environment and values an inclusive culture, encouraging employees to balance work and life effectively.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Involvement in community initiatives

Qualifications

• Substantial experience of commercial dispute resolution in England and Wales or another common-law jurisdiction.
• Demonstrated integrity and independence of mind.
• Ability to deliver difficult messages clearly and sensitively.

Responsibilities

• Handle professional liability claims including litigation and mediation.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate legal, ethical and reputational risks.
• Provide solution-focused legal advice to colleagues.

Skills

Commercial dispute resolution experience

Understanding of professional liability

Strong ethical judgment

Excellent communication skills

Strong commercial acumen

Organisational and time-management skills

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
• you have a good understanding of the law and procedure as they relate to professional liability
• you demonstrate integrity and independence of mind, with the ability to deliver difficult messages clearly and sensitively
• you possess strong ethical judgment, with a commitment to upholding professional standards
• you have an understanding of the kinds of risk‑management issues that professional services firms face
• you have excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex legal concepts clearly to non‑legal colleagues
• you exhibit strong commercial acumen, with a solution‑oriented approach to legal advice, and the ability to identify improvements to help achieve better outcomes
• you possess excellent organisational and time‑management skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands
• you can work in multi‑disciplinary teams, and can work both autonomously and collaboratively as appropriate
• you can 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.