We’re supporting a well-established, values-led organisation in the education and franchise sector with the appointment of an In-House Solicitor. This is a broad in-house role offering genuine autonomy, commercial exposure, and the opportunity to shape legal strategy across the business.The RoleAs the organisation’s internal legal lead, you’ll take overall responsibility for ensuring compliance across all relevant legal and regulatory frameworks. Acting as a trusted adviser to senior leadership, you’ll balance legal rigour with commercial pragmatism, identifying and managing risk while enabling the business to operate effectively and confidently.This is a hands-on role covering both strategic and operational legal matters, with line management responsibility for a small team and oversight of external legal providers.Key ResponsibilitiesAct as the organisation’s internal solicitor, ensuring compliance across all relevant jurisdictionsProvide pragmatic legal advice, guidance, and training to stakeholders across the businessDraft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts and documentationIdentify, assess, and manage legal and regulatory risk, escalating business-critical issues appropriatelyAdvise on franchise agreements, data protection, safeguarding, health & safety, and business complianceManage child protection matters where required, including liaison with local authorities and statutory bodiesOversee the procurement and management of external legal services and associated budgetsEnsure compliance with Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) requirementsProvide legal updates on relevant legislation and case lawContribute to business continuity planning and respond to urgent legal issues as they arisePrepare reports and updates for senior leadership and executive meetingsLine manage and develop members of the legal teamSupport cross-functional projects and attend meetings as required (including occasional travel)About YouEssential:Qualified Solicitor with four consecutive practising certificatesStrong experience in contract review and negotiationProven background in a commercial, in-house or business-facing legal environmentExperience managing both contentious and non-contentious mattersSound understanding of legal and regulatory risk managementExcellent communication skills and attention to detailOrganised, pragmatic, and comfortable managing multiple prioritiesDesirable:Experience within a franchise-based businessIn-house legal team experienceExposure to data protection and safeguarding mattersExperience managing external legal providers and budgetsProject management experiencePersonal AttributesProfessional, personable, and commercially mindedConfident, proactive, and action-orientatedStrong negotiator and logical thinkerCollaborative leader with the ability to influence at senior levelAdditional InformationFlexibility around working hours where requiredWillingness to travel within the UK and occasionally overseasFull UK driving licence preferredIf you’re an experienced in-house solicitor looking for a broad, impactful role with real influence across a values-driven organisation, we’d love to hear from you!