Director and Associate General Counsel

at  KPMG

JOB DETAILS

Location: London
Capability: International
Experience Level: Director
Type: Full Time
Service Line: International
Contract type: Permanent

EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE

• As a guide, at least 10 years PQE (or equivalent, if not UK qualified), with significant experience in leading the provision of corporate and commercial legal advice to clients operating in global business environments. Such experience is likely to include advising on corporate/commercial/finance matters in areas such as governance and corporate structuring, investments (including equity and debt), acquisitions, disposals and cross border legal risks and regulations.
• Significant experience in leading on matters involving the laws of, and legal and other professionals in, multiple jurisdictions with minimal direction or supervision, and having a proactive work style.
• Significant experience in handling multiple matters presenting atypical issues, including being able to quickly ascertain the key legal issues from multiple different areas of the law that require analysis.
• Significant experience in using strong influencing and negotiation skills to establish strong relationships with individuals and groups at all levels across the global organization.
• Ability to quickly absorb, process and analyze a large amount of information in respect of complex issues, which may be provided by stakeholders orally and/or in written form across multiple documents.
• Ability to manage and prioritize a large volume of complex matters with competing deadlines and different internal stakeholders.
• Experience in, and proficient at, instructing and managing external counsel on significant matters, including being appropriately aware of, and sensitive to, the overall relationship between KPMGI and the external counsel.
• Ability to manage legal and other professionals in cross border matters involving multiple jurisdictions with well-developed cultural sensitivity to enable engagement with people at all levels and with diverse backgrounds.
• Experience in overseeing/leading on complex strategic programs and projects acting as a key contact with senior stakeholders. There is likely to be a stronger focus on managing internal client interactions than managing the details of the assignment and a demonstrated ability to understand overall key priorities and dependencies.
• Experience in driving initiatives that promote cross functional communication, team working and knowledge sharing.
• Experience in developing best practice in area of expertise to positively impact the work of others and the results of the firm.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and experience in building and maintaining relationships with key business leads and senior stakeholders including ability to lead discussions with senior leadership.
• Knowledge of global business, geopolitical, legal, regulatory and technology issues/trends which may be relevant to KPMG and the Audit profession more broadly and uses it as appropriate context when advising on matters and shares this knowledge within IOGC.
• Ability to perform as people management leader (PML) and pastoral skills, including managing performance assessment, development and underperformance.
• Ability to ensure wellbeing matters are properly handled and resolved by demonstrating empathy and awareness of team.
• Ability to participate in IOGC’s recruitment efforts in a way that is fully aligned with being an advocate for equality.
• Experience in leading discussions, as required, with external third parties, such as vendors.
• Ability to diplomatically sensitive messages in conflict situations and displays confidence and expertise even in difficult or stressful situations.
• Demonstrates good judgment in consulting with/escalating issues to relevant IOGC Partner(s) and/or internal client in an appropriate way.
• Takes a key role in supporting IOGC’s effort to use innovative approaches in our practice management initiatives.
• Well-developed commercial acumen.

TECHNICAL SKILLS, ABILITIES & QUALIFICTIONS

• UK qualified lawyer (or equivalent if qualified outside of the UK)
• Advanced technical legal skills, particularly in the areas of international corporate transactions and structuring, contract, tort, corporate governance and cross-border commercial law issues.
• Advanced legal drafting skills.
• Advanced communication skills to enable the translation of complex legal and regulatory issues into easily understandable advice.
• Advanced negotiation and analytical skills.
• Ability to advise based on first principles.
• Strong people management and presentation skills.

ROLE SUMMARY

This role is an important part of IOGC. It involves the provision of legal advice to the leadership of KPMG International (such as the Global Board and Global Management Team) and their teams on a wide variety of key strategic issues, as well as supporting the execution of key business decisions made by KPMG International and the global network of member firms in dealing with legal, regulatory and reputational issues and risks for the organization.