Senior Legal Counsel

Job Introduction

A very rare opportunity has arisen within our legal team for a Senior Legal Counsel with experience in regulatory matters, litigation and disputes to advise our Justice segment. You’ll report to the Assistant General Counsel and can be in any location across the UK.

Our Justice Services business delivers prison and probation services, changing lives for the better by reducing re-offending and risk of harm and improving the quality of life of those under our supervision and in our care.  We are a values-based organisation, working in partnership to provide proven, ethical and innovative rehabilitation services to local communities.

Travel across the UK will be required to attend sites and Court hearings.

Role Responsibility

• Advising on disputes, litigation and inquests
• Representing Sodexo at inquests
• Handle own caseload of litigation and regulatory matters which will include commercial disputes and claims, human rights claims, judicial reviews, inquests and serious incidents
• Appointment and management of external solicitors and counsel
• Identifying and mitigating legal risks
• Keeping knowledge of legal developments up to date in an increasingly regulated, competitive and complex environment
• Compliance with professional Code of Conduct
• Holistic risk management – legal, financial and reputational
• Ensuring legal compliance with expanding regulations that impact our business
• Managing resources to support the business in a cost-efficient manner

The Ideal Candidate

• Qualified solicitor or barrister in the UK
• Right of audience in lower Courts
• Demonstrated experience of advising on litigation and regulatory matters
• Experience of dealing with third party solicitors and litigants in person
• Solicitors with previous experience of inquests are of particular interest
• Experience in managing a broad and diverse caseload
• Ability to manage relationships with senior managers successfully and to influence their decision-making
• Excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively at all levels of the organisation

About the Company

In the UK and Ireland, Sodexo employs some 35,000 employees to deliver integrated facilities management services to clients at over 2,000 locations in the corporate, healthcare, education, leisure, defence and justice sectors. With an annual turnover of over £1bn, we provide everything from catering, cleaning and reception to security, laboratory and grounds maintenance services, enabling our clients to focus on their core business.

Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults within a regulated activity. Certain roles will require applicants to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and/ or Disclosure Scotland.

We are building on our support to the Armed Forces community through the development of specific pathways within our recruitment process to further engage ex-forces personnel and reservists.  Those applying for roles with us who meet the essential criteria advertised under the ‘ideal candidate’ on the vacancy advertised are guaranteed to progress within the selection process.