Senior Sole Counsel

Clifton Search; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Clifton Search is seeking a UK-based Senior Sole Counsel to lead the legal function for a newly acquired software/tech business. The role requires hands-on leadership across commercial contracts, privacy, IP, and regulatory matters in a global context.

Ideal candidates are UK-qualified solicitors with senior experience, international exposure, and a practical, flexible approach to business challenges. US experience is helpful, and the UK base is essential.

Qualifications

• UK qualified solicitor with senior/lead experience.
• Experience in software/tech environment.
• Experience with international contracts and governing law considerations.
• Hands-on, flexible approach and regional focus in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Full legal responsibility across the newly acquired organisation.
• Advising and negotiating a wide range of commercial contracts.
• Lead on contracts subject to foreign laws and international jurisdictions.
• Oversee privacy and data protection compliance efforts across the business.
• Provide guidance on IP strategy and regulatory considerations for AI/ML.
• Collaborate with global teams to align legal risk across regions.

Skills

Senior leadership

Contract negotiation

Data protection

IP portfolio management

AI/ML regulatory strategy

International contracts

Job description

Our client is a highly acquisitive global organisation operating within the Software/Content/Media/Telco sector.

As a result of further growth and a recent acquisition we are looking for a Senior Sole Counsel to be the lead lawyer for a newly acquired part of the group.

The position will report to the internationally based CEO sitting in a wider global group of companies.

This is a standalone and highly autonomous role within an ambitious and multi-layered organisation and will require a hands on approach across the business.

You'll regularly work with colleagues and customers from all over the world in a truly borderless role.

We are looking for a UK based senior level lawyer with extensive experience gained within the software Technology sector.

Main responsibilities

Full legal responsibility across the newly acquired organisation

Advising and negotiating and leading on a wide range of commercial contracts.

Significant lead experience of international contracts, or contracts subject to foreign laws and jurisdiction.

Robust negotiation skills, especially in the context of high-value contracts with customers.

Experience of working with, or within a software, Media/ telecoms company.

Experience of software licensing contracts, together with SaaS, IaaS, PaaS

Experience of advising in relation to global data protection issues

Lead compliance management efforts related to privacy and consumer protection laws.

AI/ML Regulatory Strategy

IP Portfolio Management

Person

UK Qualified Solicitor with senior level/lead experience. (Head of legal/Director)

International experience gained in a Software Tech environment.

UK based

Hands on and flexible approach

US experience helpful