A&O Shearman is a new global industry-leading law firm, with nearly 50 offices in 29 countries worldwide. Our fluency in English law, US law, and the laws of the world’s most dynamic markets, enables us to provide unmatched insight and seamless delivery to clients. We work on challenging and important deals and disputes that have the potential to shape the future.
We offer exceptional opportunities for our people; opportunities to work for the world’s leading businesses; to transform the status quo, and to deliver your best work, helping you and your career to thrive, while delivering unparalleled outcomes for our clients.
Whether you're helping clients solve complex challenges, transforming the ways we manage our business, or ensuring the smooth-running of our operations, this is an environment where you can belong and excel. We provide first-rate training and development, we are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and we provide support and ways of working that help you optimise your wellbeing.
What truly defines a career with us? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. And together, we will redefine success.
Department purpose
The HR team at A&O Shearman provides a first-class service to the business, offering strategic HR business advice at the business partner level and quality support services in the full range of HR functions through specialist teams such as learning & development, resourcing, reward, employee relations, payroll, systems and HR administration.
The Partner Matters Unit (PMU) provides comprehensive advice and support directly to the global partnership, with the ultimate aim of streamlining and enhancing the experience partners have in relation to their own HR matters. The legal team within the PMU compliments this aim by ensuring the consistent application of the firm’s constitutional and governance documents to the firm’s partners.
Role purpose
The role includes providing legal advice and guidance both to the firm and its partners on the firm’s constitutional documents and HR-related policies and procedures.
Key relationships
* Managing Director (PMU)/Head of Legal (PMU)
* PMU colleagues
* The Global and US General Counsels, Partner – Employee Relations and Head of Risk & Compliance.
* Global HR Heads and COOs
* Internal networks (including Business Acceptance, In-House Legal, Regulation and Conduct and Partnership Finance and Tax teams).
Role and responsibilities
* Acting as a point of advice to global partners and HR teams on the firm’s constitutional and governance documents and partner HR-related matters.
* In conjunction with the Head of Legal (PMU), providing support and advice on specific partner issues where necessary.
* In conjunction with the Head of Legal (PMU), managing the documentary process throughout the partnership lifecycle.
* Drafting specific partner documents including offer letters, letters of admission, equity agreements, withdrawal agreements and releases.
* Managing the formalities (including documentation) of promotion to partnership and equity progression within all A&O practice entities in liaison with local HR teams.
* Advising on partner relocations and secondments including terms and contractual issues and co-ordinating with relevant internal colleagues to ensure that transitioning partners are dealt with efficiently, sensitively and consistently.
* In conjunction with the Head of Legal (PMU), managing the process around withdrawals from the partnership, including the negotiation of specific clauses and agreements and the co-ordination of partner withdrawals with the other support teams in the US.
* Researching and monitoring relevant legal and regulatory developments as they apply to partners including the latest position on professional conduct rules.
* Updating of specific partner policies when applicable in line with local professional conduct rules where applicable.
* Dealing with ad hoc queries from partners, HR heads etc, including ability to determine appropriate course of action assisted by developed network of contacts.
* Working with the global HR team on any project work that may arise, including but not limited to, the opening of new offices or change management programmes.
* Maintenance of partner files, working with the appropriate HR Heads and continually developing our processes, documentation and reporting in relation to partner matters.
* Working on special projects for management as necessary.
Key requirements
* The ideal candidate will have significant legal experience in a law firm, in-house, or regulatory environment, preferably with exposure to partnership law, professional conduct rules, corporate governance, and HR law.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
* Proven ability to research and monitor on-going legal and regulatory developments.
* Excellent drafting and negotiation skills with excellent attention to detail.
* Strong commercial acumen, together with the ability and credibility to form effective ‘client’ relationships across all levels including the highest levels of management with the confidence to challenge appropriately.
* Proven discretion and ability to deal with sensitive issues and to influence at all levels.
* Proven ability to multi-task, deliver advice in a measured, pragmatic and risk-conscious manner that balances legal risks and business objectives– strong organisational skills required.
* Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills.
* An independent self-starter, curious, pro-active and a quick learner, with a willingness to try their hand at new things, take ownership of matters and drive them forward.
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