Azets is an international business advisory group, with 9,000 local experts in 190 locations across eight countries, backed by progressive technology. We are united by one clear purpose: to improve the lives of our clients, colleagues and communities in a sustainable way.

Our people thrive in a supportive, inclusive culture with a modern life-work balance and professional development. Collaboration, community and every contribution allows them to move forward with confidence.

The role

As in-house Legal Counsel you will play a key role in supporting the business to manage a variety of risks. Initially, this will primarily involve resolving client complaints and claims across the business. You will work closely with stakeholders at all levels to investigate concerns, assess risk and support the effective and timely resolution of matters.

This is a varied role, offering genuine depth across complaints, claims and risk management within a growing international group. The role will also give you exposure to the wider work of the Legal team, which spans commercial contracts, data protection, risk management, professional regulatory standards, AI governance, and support on M&A and integration matters.

You will join a close-knit and supportive direct team of five, reporting to the Deputy General Counsel. We work collaboratively and share knowledge openly, so you will always have colleagues to talk a matter through with rather than working things out in isolation. Our direct team works closely with the rest of the business on a daily basis, including particularly the Compliance, Data Protection, Finance and Procurement teams, as well as the client facing Partners.

You will have real ownership of your own matters from the outset, direct access to Partners across the group, and the opportunity to build a broad in-house skill set within a regulated professional services environment.

This is a fully remote role, with the flexibility to work from a local office of your choice if preferred. We are also happy to talk about flexible working - including part-time, compressed or adjusted hours - at any stage of the process.

Responsibilities

• Manage client complaints and claims, ensuring matters are handled promptly, professionally and in accordance with relevant procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Investigate complaints and claims by reviewing client files, correspondence, engagement terms, technical advice and other relevant documentation to establish the facts, identify potential exposure and determine appropriate responses and ensure matters are progressed within agreed timescales.
• Draft clear, well-reasoned and commercially appropriate responses to clients and their representatives, addressing the issues raised and seeking to resolve complaints effectively and efficiently.
• Advise internal stakeholders and engagement teams on the handling of complaints, potential claims and areas of legal or regulatory risk, providing practical, commercial guidance on appropriate next steps.
• Assess and manage potential financial, legal and reputational exposure arising from complaints and claims, escalating matters where appropriate and supporting the business in reaching proportionate outcomes.
• Maintain accurate records of complaints and claims, monitor deadlines and ensure matters are progressed and resolved efficiently.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, providing a professional, pragmatic and approachable service while maintaining appropriate independence when assessing complaints.
• Contribute positively to the wider legal team, sharing knowledge and supporting continuous improvements to the way complaints and claims are managed across the business.
• Supporting the business more widely on both contentious and non-contentious matters.

Skills & experience

We are open to two quite different backgrounds for this role, and you will not need both: either a recently qualified solicitor with contentious experience, or a more experienced claims or complaints specialist who is not necessarily a qualified solicitor. The ranges below are a guide rather than a strict requirement - if you are close to them and interested, we would like to hear from you.

• Either 2-5 years PQE as a qualified solicitor with contentious experience, or 5-10 years' relevant experience in a claims or complaints environment, ideally within a professional services environment.

• Strong analytical and written communication skills, with the ability to investigate issues and draft clear, well-reasoned and commercially appropriate responses.
• Sound judgement and attention to detail, with the ability to assess risk, identify when escalation is required and reach proportionate outcomes.
• Comfortable dealing with challenging or dissatisfied clients in a professional and empathetic manner.
• Highly organised and able to manage a varied caseload and competing priorities to deadline.
• Self-motivated and pragmatic, with the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with Partners, Directors and wider teams.
• An interest in developing a wider Legal skill set to contentious and non-contentious matters arising in the business.

What's in it for you?

Our benefits include hybrid & flexible working, birthday leave, professional subscription and much more. You can find out more about how we reward our colleagues - Careers | Rewards and Benefits | Azets UK

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