Description

ISP Group Legal Counsel Role Profile

Purpose of Role

International Schools Partnership (ISP) is a growing group of committed colleagues in financially responsible schools around the world, all of which aim to be the school of choice in their local area. Learning is at the heart of everything we do for our students, colleagues and parents. We are committed to getting better, all the time.

We  are now looking to expand our central legal function and hire a legal counsel to work with and report into our Head of Group Legal.   This role will have an international outlook and involve remotely partnering with business colleagues in 19 countries (across South and Central America, Middle East, Europe, USA & Canada and Asia) to advise on a broad range of commercial and legal matters, including liaising and managing external counsel where appropriate, with oversight from Head of Group Legal.

ISP Principles

Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.

Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.

Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.

Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.

ISP Group Legal Counsel Key Responsibilities

• Advising business colleagues on legal aspects of commercial matters, including key contracts, real estate, intellectual property, IT and certain operational matters and identifying risk-based solutions where appropriate
• Negotiation, review and maintenance of key contracts across the Group, including third party vendors and parent contracts
• Working with colleagues and external counsel across the globe to help ensure privacy compliance and risk management in respect of the collection and use of personal data
• Liaising with external company secretarial firms to provide advice to support the Group and maintain compliance across the globe
• Liaising with external counsel in respect of intellectual property matters and protections
• Transaction management/ support for M&A activity undertaken by the Group

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum 4 years post qualification experience in private practice
• International, varied cross border experience
• Excellent commercial awareness
• External counsel management experience / insight 
• Examples of business partnering and understanding of operational matters for an international business 
• Experience with commercial contracts 
• Understanding of data protection principles and ability to manage compliance programmes

Personal attributes

• Self-starter with sound judgement
• Strong team working skills
• Excellent communication skills and ability to manage key stakeholders across different jurisdictions
• Ability to develop strong relationships with key business colleagues 
• Ability to manage workload independently and manage competing deadlines in fast paced environment

This role offers real scope for professional development and the successful candidate will have the appetite to expand their knowledge into different practice areas and take ownership of different matters.

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.