Legal Counsel

About You

This is a rare opportunity for a Legal Counsel seeking a fast-paced in-house role. In this rewarding and highly visible role you will be expected to drive day to day business matters and engage proactively with a focus on providing support and assistance in the provision of legal services across McCarthy Stone principally relating to property (including landlord and tenant), commercial, disputes and construction matters.

Successful candidates will be expected to build and maintain excellent relationships across the organisation, requiring confidence in managing relationships with stakeholders both internally and externally. This along with the ability to work independently, have exceptional attention to detail, and be adaptable in a fast-moving environment are key. You must have excellent organisational skills and be a confident communicator.

Reporting to our Head of Legal you will join our team of passionate, supportive, knowledge sharing, highly motivated, and progressive individuals. As Legal Counsel you will have exposure to a wide variety of legal work, and will need to work collaboratively within the in-house legal team across various disciplines, including property, commercial, dispute resolution, corporate and compliance.

At McCarthy Stone we understand the importance of our people and invest in development, support, and remuneration. We will ensure that you are provided with the guidance, training and support you need to truly realise your potential.

This role can accommodate an agile working arrangement. We are looking for you to be within a commutable distance of our Head Office in Bournemouth.

Your Attributes

You will have:

• A minimum of 0 – 2 years post-qualified experience (whether that be as a solicitor or a chartered legal executive) or be an experienced paralegal.
• Experience of working in an in-house legal department would be of benefit but is not essential
• Strong commercial and business acumen
• A measured approach to decision making
• Excellent written and verbal communications
• Confidence and agility in challenging times, and can effectively manage a busy workload comprising work from different areas of the business

You will bring:

• A team player who is flexible and commercially minded
• The ability to build rapport and establish strong relationships
• Exceptional attention to detail and high levels of accuracy whilst being pragmatic and delivering at pace
• The ability to keep up to date with and share relevant legal and market developments
• Sound understanding and demonstrate relevant competencies for the role

Benefits

Financial:

• Competitive salary and bonus scheme
• Competitive Company pension scheme
• Life Assurance
• Professional Subscriptions paid for

Lifestyle/Health & Wellbeing:

• 24 days holiday (rising to 28) plus Bank Holidays
• 2 fully paid volunteering days per year (supported by the McCarthy Stone Foundation)
• Health benefits such as Remote GP, 24/7 access to EAP Services (including counsellors and legal advisors) and eyecare voucher
• Cycle to work scheme
• Colleagues Benefit Booklet with a range of store offers discounts and promotions
• Family Friendly Policies
• Excellent development opportunities

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the administration of the residential estate, commercial and office premises portfolio
• Assist with dispute resolution matters and litigation
• Assist with general commercial contracting
• Assist with regulatory, policy and other corporate governance matters.

These are in addition to the core responsibilities of the role.

At McCarthy Stone, we celebrate diversity and promote equality and inclusion amongst our colleagues. We welcome applications from all, regardless of personal characteristics or background.

All applications will be reviewed as soon as they are received, and we hold the right to appoint before the closing date.