Sole Legal Counsel

JMC Legal Recruitment; Bath; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected professional services firm in Bath is seeking a Sole Legal Counsel to shape the in-house legal function. This role requires a Corporate / Commercial Lawyer with 5+ PQE. You will handle various legal matters and work closely with senior leadership while supporting the Veterinary and Healthcare teams. This is a unique opportunity to grow within a dynamic business with plans for team expansion.

Qualifications

• Must be a qualified Corporate and/or Commercial lawyer with 5+ years of post-qualification experience.
• Strong motivation for professional growth and a drive to deliver excellence.

Responsibilities

• Draft and review contracts to meet the firm's legal needs.
• Work closely with senior leadership and external lawyers.
• Support Veterinary and Healthcare teams on legal matters.

Skills

Corporate and/or Commercial expertise

Contract negotiation

Strong communication skills

Education

5+ PQE in Law

Job description

Sole Legal Counsel | Professional Services Firm | Bath

An outstanding opportunity has arisen for a Corporate / Commercial Lawyer to join a thriving and highly respected professional services firm in Bath.

This is a unique chance to help shape the legal function from the ground up, working closely with senior leadership and providing crucial legal support across multiple specialist sectors.

The Business

Founded in 2001, this firm has grown into a highly successful chartered accountancy business with over 90 employees across two offices, with further expansion plans on the horizon. The firm prides itself on its sector‑specific expertise and the dedication of its directors, who are passionate about delivering exceptional service to their clients.

The Role

This is the firm's first in‑house legal position, created to enhance the firm's capabilities and bring previously outsourced legal work in‑house. You will have the chance to work closely with the founding partners, as well as their external lawyers, supporting two key specialist teams : Veterinary and Healthcare.

You will handle a variety of commercial and corporate matters, including business transfers, share purchases, partnership agreements, mergers and demergers, small business acquisitions.

You will be responsible for drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts, ensuring that the firm's legal needs are met effectively. From day one, you will have secretarial support, and there are plans to grow the legal team in the future, offering you an excellent opportunity to help build and shape the legal function.

Requirements

• Corporate and / or Commercial lawyer 5+ PQE
• Strong appetite for professional growth and motivation to consistently deliver your best

Whether you've worked in‑house before or are ready to make that transition from private practice, this is a fantastic role for someone with a drive to be part of a dynamic and expanding business.