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Job description

A&O Shearman is a new global industry-leading law firm, with 48 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 optimize 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.
 
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 optimize 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 Allen & Overy 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, with a specific emphasis on the firm’s operations in the US.

Key relationships

• Associate Director (PMU)/Head of Legal (PMU).
• US General Counsel and Head of Risk & Compliance.
• Chief Human Resources Officer in the US and the other global HR Heads.
• 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 to the US GC 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 Shearman practice entities in liaison with local HR teams (with a specific emphasis on the US).
• Advising on partner relocations and secondments including terms and contractual issues and coordinating 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 as they apply to partners in the US.
• Updating of specific partner policies when applicable in line with professional conduct rules in the US.
• 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 programs.
• Maintenance of partner files, working with the appropriate HR Heads and continually developing our processes, documentation and reporting in relation to partner matters.

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. International experience would also be a benefit.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel. Microsoft Powerpoint would also be a benefit.
• Proven ability to research and monitor on-going legal and regulatory developments as they apply to partners in the US.
• 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.
• 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 organizational skills required.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills.
• An independent self-starter, pro-active and a quick learner, with a willingness to try their hand at new things, take ownership of matters and drive them forward.
• Flexibility around days/hours during peak times.

This role is preferred to be based in our Washington, DC office but has the option to be based in our New York office.

For individuals assigned to or hired for this opportunity in New York, the annualized base salary range is $165,000 to $185,000. The actual base salary offered will depend on the overall qualifications of the individual applicant for the position and other job-related factors permitted by law.

Additional information - External

A&O Shearman is an equal opportunity employer. Every individual has the right to work in a professional environment that promotes equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination and harassment. It is AOS policy to ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals, without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status or alienage, disability, pregnancy or related medical issue, military or qualified veteran status, familial status, marital status, partnership status, sexual orientation, gender, including gender identity, gender expression or transition status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and/or sex offenses, sexual and reproductive health decisions, unemployment status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of an individual’s relationship with AOS, including, without limitation, recruitment, hiring, training and development, promotion, compensation, discipline, termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment.

If you are vision-impaired or have another disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act or similar law and wish to discuss accommodations related to applying for employment at AOS, please contact US HR Transactions at US-HRTransactions@aoshearman.com or call +1 212 610 6300 and ask for HR Transactions.