Associate General Counsel

The role:

We are looking for an Associate General Counsel to join our Office of General Counsel department in London.

This is an exciting, newly created role which will take the work of the OGC to the next phase, in support of the firm’s global strategy. Working closely with the GC and with direct lines into the International Risk Partners, the Associate GC – International will have a lead responsibility for the provision of legal and regulatory advice across all international offices, with an emphasis on commercial and innovative solutions.

What will you do:

• Provide strategic legal and regulatory advice:  Provide high level legal and regulatory advice and support and embed the international OGC and firm global strategy, to include advising on global structure and regulatory compliance.
• Dedicated point person for all Risk Management Partners: provide support for all Risk Management Partners (and offices) globally in conjunction with the GC.
• Act as subject matter specialist : AML, economic crime, data protection, AI governance, ethics, conflicts, as it relates to the jurisdictions within which the firm operates.
• Assist the GC: Work closely with the GC in a wide variety of international tasks and projects, as required.
• Lead training and awareness: Identify opportunities and requirements for training, devise and help to deliver across the firm in conjunction with the GC and wider OGC team.
• Embed cross-border fluency across all aspects of the OGC: support the GC across the firm globally and be the key contact within the OGC for international considerations. Navigate legal frameworks, jurisdictions and collaborate across time zones.
• Support the firm’s compliance culture globally: through close and regular liaison with all firm offices.
• Promote the firm’s position externally: Develop and build relationships with regulators in all applicable jurisdictions and attend and contribute to international networks with peer firms.
• Advise: Develop and build relationships with Risk Management Partners and regulators in all applicable jurisdictions and attend and contribute to international networks with peer firms.
• Policy ownership, leadership and management: Draft, update and roll out policies as required across the firm and the OGC.
• Horizon scanning :  Remain abreast of updates, undertake legal research and advise the GC and firm as to relevant issues, risks and opportunities.
• Work collaboratively:  support Business Services in the UK and globally, particularly but not exclusively the Business Acceptance Team and HR.
• Innovate, lead and take us to the next phase:  Help to lead the next phase of the OGC internationally.
• Manage the AML audit process internationally.

What we are looking for:

• Qualified lawyer in England & Wales and at least one other international office (with a strong preference for Hong Kong, Singapore, or Luxembourg).
• Minimum 3-5 years’ PQE in an international firm.
• Language skills: fluent in English with an additional fluency in Cantonese/Mandarin desirable.
• “Firm first” approach with a one firm mentality.
• Hands-on self-starter with a high level of attention to detail and a focus on the highest level of quality.
• Experience of managing, motivating and leading teams.
• Proven ability to leverage creative thinking and emotional intelligence to solve challenges.
• Comfortable with working under pressure and to tight deadlines, particularly across time zones.
• Solution oriented.
• Commercially driven.

Career Level:

The career level assigned to this role is level 5. The career level framework provides a formal structure for the business services functions at the firm. The framework, which ranges from level 1 to level 7, clearly defines the responsibilities, skills and competencies required at each level.

Here at Simmons & Simmons:

At Simmons, we are proud of our collaborative, open and non-hierarchical culture, where everyone is treated with respect and dignity and the wellbeing of our people is paramount. Our dynamic minds work as one integrated team, partnering with leading organisations on inspirational and thought-provoking projects that matter. From day one, irrespective of job title, qualification or background, everyone’s voice is heard, and you are encouraged to have an enquiring mind and share ideas that drive the firm forward. Through innovative learning and development opportunities, you will have a platform to excel, exceed your career ambitions, and achieve things you never thought possible.

Some key information:

• We offer a competitive package including bonuses dependant on role/level, private medical insurance and pension contribution.
• Our global skills academy provides our people, regardless of their role and location, with excellent learning opportunities (including live workshops, podcasts, short videos and practical learning experiences).
• We have adopted a hybrid working approach with a requirement for a minimum of three days in the office with flexibility dependant on role/team/client demands.
• We are proud to rank as a Times Top 50 Employer for Gender Equality, a Stonewall Top Global Employer, and a Top 75 Employer for Social Mobility.
• We have a range of social and sports committees, summer and winter parties and monthly get togethers.
• We have a range of diversity networks to connect people and celebrate our differences which is integral to our inclusive culture.
• All UK offices have their own artwork collections – including Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin pieces in the London office. We have a long-standing history in supporting the art community especially up-and-coming artists.
• We have recently introduced a Strategic Advisory Council which is a mix of associates and business services who will propose strategic initiatives that align with our firm's mission and support the delivery of our business plan, shaping the future of our next-generation law firm.
• Our in-house generative AI tool, Percy, won the ‘Innovation in Automation and AI Tools’ category at the 2024 FT Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards. This achievement highlights our commitment to technological innovation and client service.
• We have been commended in The Times Best Law Firms 2026 across three categories: construction, employment, and intellectual property. Our profile is highly positive, highlighting our sector specialisms and notable case and transactional work.

Equal opportunities:

We are committed to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion within our firm and to ensuring equal employment opportunities. We believe that this commitment creates a vibrant and rewarding work environment. We are therefore committed to:

• Upholding equal opportunities, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, sex, gender reassignment, gender identity, marital status, or pregnancy, including maternity and paternity. This commitment extends to addressing any instances of perceived or associative discrimination and harassment. We also ensure fair treatment during recruitment and selection processes for those who are serving or have served in the armed forces, along with their families.
• Accommodating requests for flexible working arrangements whenever possible. We encourage you to discuss your needs with us if this is something you require.
• Making our roles accessible to individuals with diverse abilities. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know so we can meet your needs.
• We offer a range of employee networks to support our colleagues. More information about these networks can be found in the D&I Information booklet that candidates are sent when invited to interview.

We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single requirement. We are looking for individuals who are passionate and eager to learn and grow with us. Your unique experiences and perspectives could be a great addition to our team.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

If you’re interested in finding out more about this position, please contact the Recruitment Team. To apply for the role, click on the link at the top of the page or visit our careers page for more details.