Overview of Firm
PKF Littlejohn is one of the leading challenger firms in the UK with offices in London, Leeds and Manchester. We are also an active member of PKF Global, an international network of legally independent accounting firms that gives us an on the ground presence in 150 countries around the world with access to more than 20,000 people across 440 offices globally.
We provide a full range of audit, accountancy, tax and advisory services, and are experts at simplifying complexity. We are particularly well-known for working with complex clients with challenging issues in fast-moving and highly technical areas, such as the insurance industry, the global capital markets and the not for profit sector. Our aim is to understand people, the organisations they run, and what matters to them, so we can simplify complexity and help them achieve their ambitions.
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Introduction to the Division
Infrastructure
We are good at getting things done and our Infrastructure team applies this mentality to ensure we have the right tools, technology, strategies and services in place to deliver exceptional client service and future-proof our growing business.
We're looking for forward-thinking people to come on board and join us within Technical & Compliance, Finance, IT, Training, Human Resources, Business Development/Marketing, Legal, and Administration.
These teams play a key role in the success of the firm as they shape the way we operate. By joining one of these teams, you'll influence the future of PKF, while enjoying the support, training and opportunities you need to succeed both personally and professionally.
Responsibilities
As part of PKF's growing Legal function, the Lawyer will deliver clear, commercial and pragmatic legal advice that supports PKF's strategic priorities, operational needs, and culture of accountability, collaboration and respect. This role is suited to a lawyer who enjoys being embedded in the business, acting as a trusted adviser, and helping teams navigate legal, regulatory and contractual issues with confidence and clarity.
You will work closely with the General Counsel and internal stakeholders across all Divisions, contributing to a high-performing, approachable and solutions-focused legal team that is integral to PKF's success.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial & Operational Advisory
Provide timely, practical legal advice across a range of commercial matters, including technology contracts, procurement, NDAs, consultancy agreements, services agreements, data terms and confidentiality provisions.
Draft, review and negotiate commercial contracts in a way that balances commercial objectives with risk management.
Support business units in understanding contractual obligations, negotiating with suppliers and clients, and escalating issues appropriately.
Governance, Risk & Compliance
Contribute to PKF's governance frameworks, including policy drafting, updates and compliance processes.
Support risk identification and mitigation across workstreams, ensuring PKF's legal, regulatory and ethical obligations are met.
Advise on data protection, confidentiality, intellectual property and related regulatory requirements, with guidance founded on PKF's operational context.
Strategic Partnership & Collaboration
Act as an accessible and trusted adviser to internal stakeholders, modelling PKF's values of respect, integrity and teamwork.
Build strong working relationships across the Business and Finance, HR, Risk, IT, Technical and Compliance, and operational teams.
Help embed a culture of early legal engagement, proactively identifying issues before they escalate.
Dispute, Issue & Incident Management
Provide support on contentious or pre contentious matters, including complaints, claims, regulatory requests, escalations and sensitive issues.
Work collaboratively with external counsel where appropriate, managing instructions efficiently and cost effectively.
Contribution to a High Performing Legal Team
Support the General Counsel in strengthening legal processes, developing templates, streamlining workflows and enhancing operational efficiency.
Provide guidance to junior team members, secondees or business colleagues as required.
Help build PKF's legal knowledge base and drive continuous improvement.
Person Specification
Required
Skills, Experience and Qualifications
Solicitor qualified in England & Wales (or equivalent), with 4–6 years' post‑qualification experience.
Strong commercial contracts experience (in‑house or private practice), ideally supporting professional services, technology, consulting, audit, or regulated environments.
Excellent drafting skills with an ability to simplify complex issues and communicate them clearly.
A pragmatic, solution‑orientated mindset with sound judgement and the confidence to advise senior stakeholders.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, operate independently and remain calm under pressure.
Desirable
Experience working in or supporting professional services firms.
Familiarity with regulatory frameworks such as data protection/GDPR, confidentiality requirements, procurement processes, and legal risk management.
Understanding of cross‑functional dynamics across the Business, HR, Data, Risk and Technology.