Senior Legal Counsel

Job Description

As an experienced, confident and energetic individual, you will play a senior and leading role in the provision of legal support to Nord Anglia and The Americas Region (encompassing North, Central and South America), providing pragmatic, commercial and strategic legal advice.You will operate at the highest level, and demonstrate a proven ability to effect improvements in the Legal functions activities, building and maintaining excellent relationships with senior stakeholders, including members of the Groups Board, Executive Committee, Central and Regional management teams and SLT.

Operations

• Support on day-to-day legal operational matters arising in the Region including:
• Review and negotiation of large-scale commercial contracts
• Issues arising in the private school sector (such as parent disputes; requests and enquiries from governmental and/or educational authorities; student wellbeing and safety matters)
• Advising on, and managing, disputes and contentious matters (including support on employee relations), with external counsel support
• Addressing ad hoc queries

Real Estate

• Providing advice on existing lease obligations / relationships with landlords
• Review and negotiation of real estate and construction documentation for greenfield developments, campus lease renewals, and school expansions

Acquisitions / Integration

• Support on acquisitions in the Region
• Support on integration of newly acquired schools, inc. addressing issues identified in the due diligence, transfer of contracts, regulatory compliance, post-closing restructuring matters, etc.

Risk Management

• Lead region-specific projects to transform legal operational practice and risk management
• Advise on key corporate governance policies and procedures, and lead on the internal approvals process
• Lead on crisis management
• When the need arises, support on projects for other key/strategic/functional areas within Nord Anglia

Required Skills/Abilities

Qualifications

• Experienced lawyer with 5+ years PQE.
• Training in an international law firm.
• Prior in-house experience desirable.
• Knowledge and experience working with international laws and cross border transactions.
• Experience working with senior management teams.
• Excellent Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint skills.
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal.
• High-level drafting and negotiation skills.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to influence across a broad range of stakeholders.