Assistant General Counsel

Role Overview:

Assistant General Counsel (Hybrid – London)

If you have a learner’s mindset, a can-do perspective, and a deep commitment to client service and quality, then we would like to meet with you. We're a global firm operating at the intersection of law and business, with key operations in the US, UK, and Belgium.

We're looking for an Assistant General Counsel to join our small, highly collaborative legal team. This is an exciting opportunity for a talented lawyer who wants to be a key contributor to our Office of the General Counsel. You’ll provide vital internal legal support across all areas of the firm, advising on legal and contractual matters related to our global business engagements.

A successful candidate will have impeccable ethical standards, exercise sound commercial judgment, and possess a strong client service orientation. You'll thrive as part of a close-knit team that values a positive work environment and a sense of humor, while being flexible in meeting the day-to-day demands of a fast-paced firm. This role requires an individual who can build credibility and interact tactfully, courteously, and professionally with colleagues and clients at all levels, from associates to executives.

This is more than just a legal role—it's a chance to be a true business partner. You’ll work directly with our General Counsel, gaining valuable hands-on experience across multiple international jurisdictions and supporting a wide range of legal matters. We’re seeking someone who is ready to take ownership of their work and grow with us. If you are a driven and adaptable legal professional looking for a challenging role with significant potential for professional development, we encourage you to apply.

At Cornerstone Research, you will be part of a thriving, 1,000-strong team that spans nine offices, comprises more than 55 nationalities, and leads the industry in its commitment to develop team members across all levels. Inc. Magazine has recognized Cornerstone Research three times as a Best Workplace for its outstanding employee engagement, collaborative culture, and professional growth opportunities.

You’ll Love It Here If You:

• Embrace learning and continuous improvement

• Set and strive for a high bar of excellence

• Believe that teamwork leads to success: ask us what it means to be #onefirmfirm!

• Take pride in always doing your best work, even if it’s harder or takes longer

• Are passionate about what you do

How You'll Help Our Team Succeed:

• Provide proactive and pragmatic guidance on legal matters; anticipate, mitigate, and advise on potential legal issues arising from UK and EU law across the company and on client engagements.

• Ensure the company conducts its business in compliance with all applicable UK and EU laws and regulations.

• Oversee, review, draft, and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts, including client engagement letters, Master Services Agreements, and other client-facing documents governed by UK and EU law.

• Draft, review, and negotiate supplier and third-party contracts, including consultancy agreements, vendor agreements, subscription agreements, and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs).

• Ensure compliance with UK and EU data protection laws, including both the UK GDPR and EU GDPR, and review and negotiate Data Processing Agreements (DPAs) for cross-border data transfers.

• Advise on cross-border legal issues impacting contracts and operations between the US, UK and the EU.

• Instruct and manage external counsel in the UK and Europe and oversee legal budgets effectively.

• Collaborate with the Finance team on UK and international debt recovery matters.

• Advise and partner with Human Resources (HR) on UK and Belgian employment law matters and provide support on employment issues where applicable.

• Coordinate with the IT department on matters of client confidentiality, data protection, and cybersecurity in line with UK and EU standards.

• Draft and review internal company policies and procedures for UK and European operations.

• Respond to regulatory notices, court orders, or other formal enquiries from UK and EU government agencies or authorities.

• Establish and manage information barriers and litigation holds as required.

• Develop and maintain the company’s UK and Belgium contract templates and assist in the implementation of contract management systems.

• Supervise junior legal staff in the UK or EU, as the team grows.

• Design and deliver legal training sessions for employees on relevant topics.

• Assist and advise on any US related matters as needed.

 

What You'll Need to Be Successful:

Essential:

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales with a current SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority) practicing certificate.

• Minimum of 8 years' Post-Qualification Experience (PQE).

• Experience advising on UK and EU commercial law, including drafting and negotiating cross-border contracts.

• Experience gained as a solicitor at a Magic Circle firm, ideally one with a US presence, or in an in-house legal department with multi-jurisdictional responsibilities.

• Experience in litigation or formal dispute resolution in the UK and ideally the US, and/or experience working on multi-jurisdictional cases in the UK and US.

• A strong academic record, including a high-achieving undergraduate degree in law.

Desirable:

• Prior experience advising a business with significant operations across the UK and the European Union.

• Experience working on US litigation matters.

• Familiarity with UK and EU data protection law, including both the UK GDPR and EU GDPR.

Cornerstone Research is offering a competitive market base salary for this position. We believe compensation is more than just a base salary and offer a competitive total compensation package that includes an annual discretionary performance bonus and comprehensive benefits such as private medical insurance, income protection, wellness reimbursement and enhanced pension scheme. Please note that relocation assistance is not offered for this position.

Who We Are:

Cornerstone Research provides economic and financial analysis and expert testimony in all phases of commercial litigation and regulatory proceedings.

We work with a broad network of testifying experts, including leaders from academia and industry, who are recognized for their depth of knowledge, accomplishments, and research. Our staff consultants contribute expertise in economics, finance, accounting, and marketing, as well as business acumen, familiarity with the litigation process, and a commitment to produce outstanding results.

We’re looking for passionate individuals who share our firm’s core values and can bring varied perspectives and experiences to our team. The firm’s uniquely collegial, supportive atmosphere makes Cornerstone Research a great place to work. We invest in our people in a host of ways, from providing meaningful learning and development opportunities to organizing memorable social events. To many, our culture and our people are the most exciting, enriching aspects of a Cornerstone Research career.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Cornerstone Research provides Equal Employment Opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to legally protected categories, such as age, sex, gender, gender identity, race, color, creed/religious belief, medical condition, predisposing genetic characteristics or genetic information or testing, disability, marital status, pregnancy status, military status, veteran status, arrest or conviction record (except where permitted by law), sexual orientation, ethnic background, citizen status, ancestry, national origin, or any other consideration protected by federal, state or local law.