In-House Counsel

ABOUT LEAP

LEAP is the leading provider of Legal Practice Productivity Solutions in the world and is part of ATI – one of the largest international LegalTech companies. For more than 30 years, our curiosity and commitment to continual improvement has kept us reimagining productivity tools for lawyers and their staff to support our guiding purpose, to ‘Help lawyers who help people’. The market leading software we develop and support is used by more than 100,000 lawyers and their staff in small and medium sized law firms.

Working alongside our international team of passionate high achievers, you’ll join a fast-growing technology business where things seldom stay the same for long. With more than 1000 smart, caring and ambitious ‘LEAPsters’ working together across Australia, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, Poland and New Zealand, you’ll find yourself in good company here.

THE ROLE

The In-house Counsel will lead the legal and compliance functions for UK and Ireland operations. As the primary legal advisor, you'll ensure the company meets legal requirements, focusing on SaaS licensing, GDPR, IPR, and contract management. The role includes providing strategic legal advice, managing disputes, and working independently to support LEAP and its affiliated companies. Additionally, you'll oversee risk and vendor management, ensure adherence to GDPR and data protection regulations, and manage terms and conditions with clients, safeguarding the company’s legal and operational integrity.

Reports to

General Counsel and Chief Risk Officer, ATI Global, Australia, with reporting line to UKI CEO and Chairman.

Requirements

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

• Assumes ultimate responsibility for ensuring that LEAP and its associated companies in the UK and Ireland conduct their business in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations
• Participate in the definition and development of corporate policies, procedures, and programs, provide continuing legal counsel, training, and guidance on legal matters, and on legal implications of all matters
• Advise and assist with dispute resolution, internally and externally
• Implementing a legal compliance program to help ensure the businesses are appropriately educated on the requirements of the internal governance system and applicable GDPR and IPR
• Ensure the team maintains an accurate contract register in LawVu
• Ensure contracts are fit for purpose as the businesses grow
• Review drafts, negotiate, and advise on a wide variety of commercial agreements and contracts on SaaS based models and have a sound understanding of IPR
• Review, draft, amend, and proof-reading a wide variety of corporate policies and documents.  Help Company Secretarial work and corporate reorganisation as may be required
• Provide advice and guidance on escalated litigation queries
• Oversees the retention, management, and evaluation of all outside legal advisers

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

• Law Degree or equivalent tertiary legal qualifications
• Hold an England and Wales Law Society Practicing Certificate and post qualifications experience of 3 years or more
• Outstanding legal advisory and contract review and management skills
• Proven drafting skills
• An ability to deal at the highest corporate level and to maintain effective working relationships
• Proven ability to provide effective, sensible, and strategic legal advice to senior stakeholders
• Strong commercial focus with the ability to provide practical, commercial, and regulatory advice and support to the business to manage its legal risk
• Highly developed communication and negotiation skills
• Good knowledge of SaaS licensing and GDPR
• Knowledge of company secretarial or corporate work would be good but not essential
• Experience in one or more of the following practice areas would be advantageous; M&A, Corporate Advisory, IP/IT, general commercial, Data and Privacy / GDPR.

Please note: Alternative working patterns and locations will be considered for the right candidate.

As this role works closely with Australia and part of a global team, some flexibility will be required with working hours.

Benefits

WHAT YOU WILL GET IN RETURN

• Fantastic culture
• LEAP pay 8% of your salary into your pension
• Private Health Insurance, including Optical and Dental
• £50 a month gym contribution
• Life Insurance cover
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional Development Fund - £500 yearly learning allowance to grow & upscale your career
• Enhanced Parental Leave
• PerkBox Membership
• Cycle to work scheme
• Large, modern offices conveniently located next to Twickenham station
• 25 days holiday (plus 8 bank holidays)
• Work Anniversary Rewards
• Paid time off to give blood
• Volunteer Day – We offer 1 day per year for a charity of your choice

OTHER GREAT PERKS

• Hybrid working model
• Latest tech and home equipment set up
• Free healthy breakfast, light lunch, and snacks
• A dog friendly office
• Regular socials.

Don’t just take our word for it that LEAP is a great place to work, check out what our amazing LEAPSters have to say; Visit Life at LEAP & LEAP on Glassdoor.com

At LEAP, we care about what we do and the people we work with.

We continually improve to be the best.

We NEVER EVER GIVE UP

At LEAP, we promote equal opportunity. Creating a culture of diversity and inclusion not only promotes innovation but we believe is the right way to do business. Our LEAPsters bring different cultures, genders and perspectives to their days and we wouldn't have it any other way. We welcome and encourage you to apply, no matter who you are or how you identify.