Job Description

Freshfields is seeking an outstanding lawyer to join our Partnership Affairs team, working alongside the Head of Partnership Affairs, General Counsel and Global Leadership Team on matters central to the governance, structure and operation of the firm.

This is a rare opportunity to gain unparalleled insight into the strategic and operational workings of a global law firm. The successful candidate will play a key role in advising on partnership arrangements, constitutional and governance matters, structural changes, regulatory considerations and strategic initiatives that support the continued success of the firm.

The role offers a unique combination of high-level legal advisory work, stakeholder engagement, project management and strategic problem-solving, making it ideal for a lawyer who enjoys working across a broad range of complex and business-critical issues.

What you'll be doing

Working closely with the Head of Partnership Affairs, you will:

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

About you

We're looking for a collaborative and commercially minded lawyer who enjoys working at the intersection of legal advice, governance and business strategy.

You'll bring:

• Qualification as a lawyer, ideally gained within a leading commercial law firm.
• Experience working within an international legal or professional services environment.
• Strong technical legal skills, coupled with sound commercial judgement.
• The ability to interpret complex issues and deliver practical, solution-focused advice.
• Excellent drafting skills and the confidence to communicate effectively with senior stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and project management capabilities, with the ability to balance multiple priorities.
• Exceptional attention to detail while maintaining a pragmatic and commercial outlook.
• Confidence, credibility and diplomacy when working with stakeholders across all levels of the organisation.
• A proactive, resilient and collaborative approach, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• A commitment to continuous improvement and finding better ways of working.
• Experience or knowledge of partnership law, contentious employment matters, business tax, or the regulatory framework applicable to solicitors in England & Wales would be advantageous, although these areas can be developed within the role.

Why join us?

This role offers a unique opportunity to work on some of the most strategically significant matters facing a leading global law firm. You will work directly with senior leaders, influence important decisions, and contribute to initiatives that shape the future of Freshfields and its global partnership.

If you are looking for a role that combines high-quality legal work, commercial impact and exposure to senior decision-makers, we would love to hear from you.

Inclusion

Freshfields is an equal opportunities employer and all applications received by the firm will be considered by the firm on the basis of their merit alone and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background. All offers of employment will be conditional on the candidate having/securing the right to work in the UK and providing the firm with evidence of that right (as required by the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006) prior to employment commencing.

Freshfields is a Ban the Box employer. We ask applicants to disclose criminal convictions only when a conditional job offer is made. A conviction does not automatically lead to withdrawal of the offer: we make decisions on a case by case basis and take a number of factors into account (eg the role you are applying for and the circumstances of the offence). You would have the opportunity to discuss the matter with us before we make a decision