We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced In‑House Lawyer to join our growing Engagement Terms Team in the A&O Shearman Belfast office. This newly created role sits at the heart of our global risk and compliance function, offering a unique chance to combine high‑quality legal work with strategic influence across the firm. This is a 12‑month FTC opportunity.
The Engagement Terms Team - Belfast
The Engagement Terms Team (ETT) is a global function that provides a first‑class service to the firms partners and fee earners offering strategic legal support on a wide range of client engagement terms and risk related issues. Engagement Terms are the contracts which we need to have in place with each of our clients. They are one of our most fundamental tools of risk of management and cover most of our key regulatory and commercial areas of risk as well as the relationships we have with our clients, so the breadth of responsibility and expertise required in this area is very great.
What you will do
* Take the lead on reviewing, interpreting and negotiating complex client engagement terms, with a particular focus on data privacy, information security and AI‑related provisions.
* Provide clear, pragmatic and commercially focused advice on how the firm must comply with contractual obligations within our global operations – including areas such as incident response.
* Maintain detailed records of key contractual terms, leveraging technology and data tools to analyse, report and advise on trends, risks and impacts.
* Review and map A&O engagement terms to the firms latest SToB template, amending and repapering provisions to reflect market developments, firm strategy and regulatory requirements. Provide direction to paralegals on cleansing methodology, data capture and quality assurance.
* Approve, escalate and advise on high‑risk or non‑compliant terms, ensuring alignment with the firms risk appetite.
* Track, analyse and report on project progress, key metrics, migration rates and stakeholder engagement to the Head of Client Engagement Terms/OCG.
* Work collaboratively with global colleagues across functions including Data Privacy, Marketing & Business Development, IT and Information Security.
* Support the broader work of the Engagement Terms Team through stakeholder management, review coordination, briefing playbooks, training, presentations and policy development.
* Act as a point of escalation within the ETT on complex or high‑risk contractual terms.
What you will have
* Strong experience in contract negotiation and complex contract review, ideally within a risk, regulatory or law firm environment.
* The ability to deliver clear, business‑focused, solutions‑driven advice on contractual compliance.
* A track record of systemising processes and driving continuous improvement, ideally within a risk management or operational setting.
* Experience engaging with a wide range of business stakeholders, balancing priorities and managing issues effectively.
* Excellent IT and technology skills and an enthusiasm for understanding and explaining technical processes in business‑friendly language.
* Outstanding organisational skills with the ability to plan ahead, prioritise and manage a demanding workload.
* Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to influence strategic decision‑making and champion efficient systems and processes.
* A collaborative mindset, excellent communication skills and the ability to build credibility with partners and senior stakeholders.
* A proactive, high‑energy approach and the flexibility to balance both strategic and operational responsibilities in a fast‑paced environment.
What we can offer you
We recognise that our people are our most valuable asset, which is reflected in the wide range of benefits that are available to our employees. Some of these benefits include: our occupational pension scheme, group income protection cover, private medical insurance, mental health resources and free apps, health and wellbeing services encompassing GP service, emergency back‑up care support, parental and special leave, holiday entitlement increasing with length of service, holiday trading, online discounts and lifestyle management services.
We recognise the value of flexible working and embrace hybrid working, allowing our people to work from home up to 40% of their working time. We do, however, remain committed to working together in person for the remaining 60% of time so that we can learn, grow and succeed together.
Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any adjustments as required.
We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
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