Legal Counsel

Join to apply for the Legal Counsel role at SmartSearch.Increase your chances of reaching the interview stage by reading the complete job description and applying promptly.Who Are WeSmartSearch’s distinctive Anti‑Money Laundering verification software protects our clients by offering the most advanced and comprehensive features available from an AML provider.SmartSearch has grown rapidly by fostering an incredibly collaborative and supportive culture. As we continue our ambitious growth plans, we will strive to remain a truly exciting, rewarding, and unique place to work.How You Will Make a DifferenceAs Legal Counsel at SmartSearch you’ll play a key role in shaping the future of the business. Your expertise will guide it through complex legal, data privacy and risk landscapes as it expands. Your work will directly impact SmartSearch’s ability to provide award‑winning AML & KYC compliance to regulated businesses and win customers through trusted identities.Varied Day‑to‑Day ResponsibilitiesAssisting the General Counsel on a variety of strategic matters and issuesCommercial Contracting & Negotiation: Negotiate and deal with a wide range of commercial contracting issues, including global framework agreements, client agreements, referral agreements, data‑sharing agreements, and software supply contracts, liaising with procurement manager as appropriateManage the legal front door and legal inbox where queries can come from many teams within the businessData Privacy: Advise on legal and data privacy risks on new and ongoing business projects, product launches and go‑to‑market offerings, preparing DPIAs, privacy notices, RoPAsCorporate Governance: Identify ways to mitigate risk and develop new policies/procedures in support of the control and governance agendaAdvises and influences decision‑making, contributes to policy development and takes responsibility for operational effectiveness, collaborating closely with other teamsLegal Operations & Technology Enablement: Identify areas for business improvement and work to improve processes, looking for efficiencies in systems to improve our reach and manage the company’s overall risk and increase employees’ ability to self‑serve, including developing and maintaining scalable contract templatesStakeholder Education & Training: Inform and educate colleagues across the business about legal and commercial risk issues, including by providing employee training; foster a culture of compliance and ethical business practicesAI & Emerging Tech Compliance: Monitor and advise on legal risks associated with AI, machine learning, and other emerging technologies integrated into the SaaS offeringWhat We Are Looking For in a CandidateQualified solicitor, barrister or legal executive with experience advising on a range of commercial and technology‑related matters, including drafting and negotiating commercial contractsData privacy experience essentialIn‑house experience not essentialCommercially focussedA self‑starting attitude and the ability to effectively manage conflicting demands from stakeholdersExcellent verbal and written communication skills, including drafting of contractual terms and the ability to interpret and explain contractual provisions for the benefit of colleagues or deliver trainingStrong IT skills in Word, PowerPoint and use of AIOrganised, methodical and strong attention to detailStrong analytical skills and solution‑oriented mindsetDemonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholdersEfficiency mindset – to identify efficiencies or better ways of working and seek to implement themHands‑on, curious approach to stay ahead of the ever‑changing legal and regulatory landscape both for SmartSearch and its client baseWhat Life Is Like at SmartSearchWe are a multi‑award‑winning tech company with an aspirational mentalityRecent recognitions include: named in the Renowned RegTech100 list for 2024, listed in the Top 100 Fastest Growing Tech Companies by Northern Tech Awards 2024, and named Technology Provider of the Year by Corporate Finance Awards 2024Great Place to Work Certified since 2022Excellent progression opportunities due to our growth, with personal development goals, regular feedback and supportDiverse and inclusive group, proactively encouraging D&I and supporting social responsibility through our DE&I Group, charities, support for local schools, wellbeing champions and partnerships with external suppliersCompany Benefits25 days holiday rising to 30 with each year of servicePrivate Medical Insurance covering dental and opticalCompany pension schemeLife Assurance – 4x your annual salary1 day paid volunteering per yearEnhanced maternity / paternity offeringsEmployee Assistance ProgrammeCycle to work schemeOn‑site gymJob DetailsSeniority level: Mid‑Senior levelEmployment type: Full‑timeJob function: LegalIndustry: Software Development#J-18808-Ljbffr