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Chief Legal Officer | General Counsel | Legal Director
In-House Legal & Recoveries - Specialist Lending / Asset Finance
East Midlands HQ | Hybrid Working (1-2 days office)
c. 120,000 - 150,000 + Bonus + LTIP + Car Allowance + Benefits
About the Role
We are recruiting a commercially astute Chief Legal Officer (CLO) to join a high-growth, independent finance group. This in-house legal leadership role offers genuine boardroom impact, leading legal, litigation, and recoveries operations in a regulated lending environment.
As CLO, you will oversee legal disputes, regulatory compliance, collections strategy, and commercial contract negotiation. The role is hybrid with 1-2 days/week in the East Midlands HQ, ideal for a Senior Associate, Legal Director, or Partner ready to transition into a strategic in-house legal role.
This is a rare opportunity to move from private practice into a full executive leadership role - without billing targets, and with the influence to shape legal policy, recoveries, and board decision-making.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead all legal and commercial dispute matters, litigation strategy, and contract reviews.
* Oversee internal collections and recoveries teams, including End of Term operations.
* Chair the Impairments Committee and report key risk insights to the executive team.
* Develop and implement legal frameworks for asset recoveries, defaults, and loan enforcement.
* Negotiate and advise on finance agreements, trading contracts, and lender partnerships.
* Manage relationships with external legal advisors, compliance, and regulatory bodies.
Ideal Candidate Profile
* Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) with 7+ PQE.
* Background in commercial litigation, banking & finance disputes, or regulated lending.
* Current or recent experience as a Partner, Senior Associate, or Legal Director.
* Proven experience in credit litigation, contract enforcement, legal recoveries, and asset finance.
* Experience advising on FCA, FLA, or NACFB-regulated environments is a strong advantage.
* Confident communicator and advisor to the Board, CEO, and Executive stakeholders.
* Experience leading or managing legal, risk, or collections teams.
Why Apply?
* Board-level influence in a growing, agile finance group.
* Career-defining move for a commercial legal leader.
* No billing targets. Clear work/life balance.
* Hybrid working - just 1-2 days per week onsite.
* Strong total package: Base up to 150k + Bonus + LTIP + Car Allowance.
* Culture focused on outcomes, not hours.
Apply Now
To apply or find out more, send your CV quoting Ref LX (phone number removed)
