Description
Footasylum is a leading UK-based retailer specialising in streetwear and sportswear, committed to delivering innovative and trend-setting products to our customers, with a strong focus on digital transformation and data-driven decision-making.
The role
We are looking for a General Counsel to be the senior legal leader for Footasylum, responsible for overseeing all legal, governance, and compliance across the business. Operating as a trusted advisor to the Executive Team and Board, the role supports Footasylum’s commercial objectives while managing legal risk across retail operations, e‑commerce, supply chain, brand protection, and international growth. This role blends strategic counsel with hands‑on leadership in a fast‑paced, consumer‑focused retail environment.
Responsibilities
We are looking for someone who embodies the Footasylum values – Collaboration, Communication & Challenge.
You will lead corporate governance for Footasylum, ensuring compliance with statutory, regulatory, and shareholder requirements
Act as principal legal advisor to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team and Board
Identify, manage and mitigate legal and regulatory risk across the business
Along with;
Providing pragmatic, commercial legal advice aligned to Footasylum’s growth and brand strategy
Supporting major strategic initiatives including store expansion, partnerships, acquisitions, and international development
Embedding legal insight early into business planning and decision‑making
Overseeing Board processes, including resolutions, policies, and reporting
Maintaining effective risk management frameworks and legal controls
Leading legal support for UK and international retail operations, including store leases, property matters, and landlord negotiation
Advising on consumer law, pricing, promotions, returns, and customer complaints
Drafting, negotiating and managing high‑value commercial contracts (suppliers, distributors, logistics, technology, sponsorships)
Supporting e‑commerce operations, digital platforms, and omnichannel trading
Protecting and managing Footasylum’s intellectual property, including trademarks, branding, and licensing
Advising marketing and brand teams on advertising standards, influencer partnerships, sponsorships, and promotions
Managing brand risk and reputational issues
Ensuring compliance with data protection (GDPR), competition law, modern slavery, ESG and sustainability obligations
Overseeing regulatory relationships and responses where required
Monitoring legislative and regulatory developments impacting the retail and consumer landscape
Leading developing and mentoring the in‑house legal team, including personally overseeing an SQE candidate completing their QWE and certifying such steps with the SRA
Managing external legal advisers, controlling quality, cost, and risk
Delivering efficient, scalable legal processes appropriate for a high-growth retail business
Skills & Experience Required
Qualified solicitor (England & Wales) with significant post‑qualification experience (8 years minimum)
Strong background in retail, consumer, fashion, or FMCG environments (in‑house or top‑tier private practice)
Proven experience advising senior leadership and Boards
Commercial, pragmatic mindset with the ability to balance risk and opportunity
Expertise in commercial contracts, retail law, consumer law, and corporate governance
Strong leadership, influencing, and communication skills
Comfortable operating in a fast‑moving, brand‑driven environment
Why Footasylum?
We are one of the leading omni‑channel retailers across the UK, but more than that we are a brilliant place to work. We value you and your development. We have loads of examples of people moving upwards, across to other departments and given training to excel their personal and professional skills. Our aim is to create a fun environment, where your success is paramount to ours and you are given the right tools, support and platform to achieve your goals.
Diversity
We recognise and value the importance of diversity to help make sure we have lots of different perspectives when we are building services to customers and the wider business. This is great news for our business. Diversity for us is also, importantly, about building happy teams full of people that want to learn and want to be inspired by each other and our different experiences and backgrounds.
#J-18808-Ljbffr