Exclusive Opportunity | In-House Solicitor / Commercial Legal Counsel
Location: BelfastWorking Arrangement: HybridSalary: Industry-leading, dependent on experienceEmployment Type: Full-time
The Opportunity
I am delighted to be exclusively representing a successful, privately owned business group in the appointment of its first in-house Solicitor.
This is a rare opportunity for a high-calibre legal professional to move into a commercially focused in-house role, working directly with senior leadership across a diverse range of commercial, corporate, property and investment matters.
You will take ownership of the group’s legal affairs, manage relationships with external law firms and ensure legal matters are handled efficiently and cost-effectively. Over time, you will help bring suitable work in-house, establish effective processes and shape the development of the group’s legal function.
The business is open-minded about your legal specialism. The priority is finding a solicitor with a strong CV, excellent commercial awareness and sound judgement, rather than someone with experience in one specific area of law.
Offering an industry-leading salary, hybrid working and the potential to progress towards Head of Legal, this is an opportunity to take on meaningful responsibility and make a genuine impact on a growing business.
Key Responsibilities
- External legal advisers: Manage relationships with external law firms, coordinate legal instructions, monitor progress and oversee legal spend.
- Commercial legal support: Review, draft and negotiate contracts and provide practical legal support to senior management.
- Corporate and transactional matters: Support acquisitions, disposals, investments, joint ventures and other strategic business activities.
- Property matters: Coordinate legal support for property acquisitions, disposals, leases and development projects.
- Risk management: Identify legal and commercial risks, support governance arrangements and ensure specialist advice is obtained when required.
- Building the legal function: Identify opportunities to bring work in-house, improve processes and develop the group’s long-term legal capabilities.
About You
We are seeking a commercially minded Solicitor who combines strong legal ability with initiative, sound judgement and the confidence to operate autonomously.
Essential requirements:
- Qualified Solicitor with the appropriate practising status for the role.
- A strong CV demonstrating legal ability and professional achievement.
- Excellent commercial awareness and an understanding of wider business objectives.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships with senior stakeholders and external advisers.
- The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver practical, commercially focused solutions.
- A proactive approach, with the confidence to take ownership and improve existing processes.
Experience in commercial, corporate, property, transactional or generalist legal practice would be beneficial. Previous in-house experience is not essential, and candidates from private practice looking to make their first move in-house are encouraged to apply.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
- Industry-leading salary reflecting the calibre of the successful candidate.
- Hybrid working based in Belfast.
- Genuine ownership as the group’s first in-house legal hire.
- Broad commercial exposure across business, property and investment activities.
- Career progression with the potential to develop towards Head of Legal.
- Future team development, with the opportunity to help shape and grow the legal function as the business evolves.
Interested in Finding Out More?
As this is an exclusive search, I would welcome confidential conversations with solicitors who are interested in exploring the opportunity, even if they are not actively looking to move.
Apply via the link or contact Ciaran Gallagher @ VANRATH for a confidential discussion today.
Skills:In-House Solicitor Commercial Legal Counsel
WHJS1_NI
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