Legal Counsel & Assistant Company Secretary
Kensington Office, London. Legal / Permanent Full-Time / Hybrid
Born in 1971, the roots of Mulberry are in Somerset, England. For more than fifty years, Mulberry has been a British lifestyle brand, internationally acclaimed for quality and design capturing the Mulberry Spirit. Sustainability has been part of the Mulberry ethos since the brand’s inception, in recognition of our purpose-driven approach, in 2024 we proudly achieved B Corp Certification. Today, we are a global brand, but our values remain the same; we are committed to improving our impact on people and the planet. If these are values you share, we would love you to join our team.
Responsibilities
Generalist Legal Counsel
* Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements (supplier, distribution, licensing, marketing).
* Advise on contract risks, obligations, and dispute resolution strategies.
* Provide legal guidance on advertising, T&Cs, consumer protection, GDPR, IP protection, and employment matters.
* Identify and mitigate legal risks across business operations.
* Support strategic initiatives including corporate structuring, M&A, and fundraising.
* Conduct legal research and deliver clear, actionable advice to stakeholders.
* Collaborate cross-functionally to embed legal best practices.
Company Secretarial & Governance
* Ensure compliance with AIM Rules, QCA Code, Jersey Law, Companies Act, and other international regulations.
* Provide Company Secretarial services to the PLC Board and Committees: manage meeting logistics, prepare board packs, draft agendas, and take accurate minutes.
* Maintain statutory registers and oversee company filings with support from the Legal Assistant.
* Manage executive shareholding requirements, annual board evaluations, and onboarding/training for new directors.
* Coordinate and publish the Group’s Annual Report, including Directors’ Remuneration Report.
* Organise AGMs and GMs, ensuring statutory compliance and shareholder engagement.
* Advise on executive reward strategies and oversee employee equity and bonus plans.
* Manage insider lists and ensure compliance with UK MAR.
* Deliver training and communication programmes to support timely disclosure of inside information.
* Oversee the Group’s insurance programme and collaborate on risk management and internal controls.
* Lead compliance initiatives, including policy reviews (anti-bribery, whistleblowing, market abuse, tax evasion, modern slavery).
* Work with ESG team to integrate sustainability into governance structures and disclosures.
Culture
* Embrace and demonstrate the Mulberry values and behaviours: honesty, dynamism, and a community-oriented spirit.
* Support Mulberry to deliver an inclusive culture, behaving in a way that is open-minded and respectful towards others, and understanding that your views, opinions, and experiences may not always be shared by your colleagues.
* Act as an ambassador for Mulberry and communicate positively about the brand.
Sustainability
* As a certified B Corp, we are committed to using business as a force for good. Encourage the incorporation of environmentally and socially responsible practices into your work across Climate, Circularity, and Community.
* Help foster a culture where diversity is celebrated and every individual feels valued, respected, and included. Champion equity, empathy, and understanding in all interactions—internally and externally.
Skills & Knowledge
Essential
* Qualified solicitor (England & Wales).
* Minimum 5 years’ post-qualification experience in legal and/or governance roles (listed company experience preferred).
* Proven expertise in drafting and negotiating commercial contracts.
* Corporate governance and board support.
* Regulatory compliance (Companies Act, AIM Rules, UK MAR).
* Strong understanding of UK corporate law, company secretarial practice, risk management, and governance frameworks.
* Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.
Preferred
* Chartered Company Secretary (ICSA or CGI UK).
* Experience in retail or consumer-facing sectors.
* Familiarity with board portal software (e.g., Diligent, Board Intelligence).
* Ability to manage cross-border governance and support international subsidiaries.
* Comfortable delivering training and fostering a culture of integrity and compliance.
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