The Role
You will assist the COO, the in-house lawyer and the legal secretary with all legal and business-related queries for the GIA group in this varied role. The nature of GIA’s business is such that legal, and particularly contractual, liability is a key risk. You will work closely with the partners to ensure that the partnership’s exposure to legal risk is appropriately managed.
To succeed in the role, you will need to have strong organisational and communication skills and be service-oriented. The role requires the ability to work with autonomy and flexibility, as you will be working independently. It also requires someone of unquestionable discretion and integrity due to exposure of sensitive and confidential matters and a need to earn and maintain the respect and trust of key stakeholders. Personal accountability is also essential.
This is an excellent role for either an ambitious law graduate hoping to gain strong experience to help secure a training contract/pupillage or an experienced paralegal looking to further their career.
Duties Include
- Reviewing and negotiating various types of contracts such as appointment documents, NDAs, reliance letters and collateral warranties. This necessitates a thorough understanding of planning law and procedures, rights of light and easements, The Party Wall Act etc. 1996, dilapidations and building consultancy, and the nuances of commercial property development;
- Providing legal advice on a range of commercial concerns, including litigation, data protection, intellectual property, employment, tax compliance and confidentiality;
- Supporting the Daylight Department by drafting and serving Light Obstruction Notices. This involves managing surveyors and administrative staff, corresponding with the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) and local authorities, and giving educational presentations to GIA employees, current and prospective clients. This requires strong understanding of Rights of Light law;
- Assist with internal policies; support with the review of existing policies and guidance documents and the creation of new documents, where required;
- Implementing internal procedures and policies by working with the finance and operational teams to ensure compliance with GIA’s legal and regulatory requirements (such as completing IR35 determinations and RICS);
- Running CPDs for employees on data protection, Light Obstruction Notices and contract law;
- Supporting the finance team and external counsel in the legal due diligence necessary for future mergers and/or acquisitions. This includes reviewing contracts, leases, deeds of assignment, shareholders’ agreements and business transfer agreements;
- Providing assistance with clients on-boarding processes in the form of Pre-qualifying Questionnaires and compliance questionnaires.
Desired attributes
- Minimum GDL or LLB with a strong academic record;
- Prior experience of working with legal and compliance support, ideally in an in-house environment or a law firm;
- A basic understanding of construction law and the ability to draft simple agreements;
- Legal administrative knowledge and basic drafting skills (experience with construction contracts preferred);
- Ability to manage relationships with external lawyers;
- Ability to 'issue spot' problems with forms, contracts, leases, policies and other documents;
- Ability to work independently while maintaining high level of communication with COO/CFO and partners;
- Ability to work collaboratively across different departments and remote offices;
- Ability to prioritise various workstreams in line with the business needs;
- Evidence of being a self-starter who is good at identifying legal problems and proactively remedying them;
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills;
- Knowledge of the relevant legal issues for an in-house legal role (such as contract and data protection);
- Knowledge of the real estate industry, in particular Rights of Light and planning (preferred but not essential).