Partnership Affairs Lawyer

About the role

Freshfields is seeking a lawyer to join its Partnership Affairs team in London, working alongside the Head of Partnership Affairs, the General Counsel and the Global Leadership Team on matters central to the governance, structure and operation of the firm. The role advises on partnership arrangements, constitutional and governance matters, structural changes, regulatory considerations and strategic initiatives, combining legal advisory work, stakeholder engagement, project management and strategic problem-solving.

Key responsibilities

• Advise on the firm's partnership structure, governance framework and constitutional arrangements.
• Support partner lifecycle matters, including admissions, departures, changes to profit-sharing arrangements, international movements and bespoke working arrangements.
• Provide legal and commercial input on structural changes, including regulatory, compliance and risk considerations.
• Collaborate with the General Counsel and the wider Legal Department to prepare advice, briefings and reports for senior leadership and governance bodies.
• Liaise between the General Counsel function, the Legal Department, the company secretarial team, the Partnership Accounting team and other business stakeholders.
• Guide partners, lawyers and business services colleagues on partnership and governance matters.
• Assist with the professional indemnity insurance renewal process and ongoing engagement with brokers and insurers.
• Contribute to risk management, policy development, training and continuous improvement projects.
• Support major projects such as constitutional amendments, office openings and network developments.
• Conduct legal research, analyse developments in law and regulation and help implement policies and procedures.

Required profile

• Qualification as a lawyer, ideally gained within a leading commercial law firm.
• Experience in an international legal or professional services environment.
• Strong technical legal skills and sound commercial judgement.
• Ability to interpret complex issues and give practical, solution-focused advice.
• Excellent drafting skills and the confidence to communicate with senior stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and project management capabilities, with attention to detail and a pragmatic, commercial outlook.
• Confidence, credibility and diplomacy with stakeholders at all levels.
• Proactive, resilient and collaborative, able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to continuous improvement.
• Experience or knowledge of partnership law, contentious employment matters, business tax or the regulatory framework for solicitors in England & Wales is advantageous but can be developed.