Director of Legal

Our client, a leading professional services firm, is seeking to recruit a Director of Legal to join their team.

Responsibilities:

Strategy & Business Unit Development

• Contribute to the formulation and execution of the strategic and policy direction of the company’s Legal Services business unit.
• Ensure appropriate strategies, execution plans, operational metrics, policies, and tools are in place to achieve business unit objectives.
• Proactively assess the service portfolio to identify gaps and opportunities for new or enhanced legal service offerings.
• Support the continued growth and development of the Legal Services function, including strengthening existing service lines and launching new ones.

Client & Engagement Management

• Act as a key point of contact for clients, anticipating needs, responding promptly to requests, and maintaining regular communication.
• Take full ownership of client portfolios and legal engagements from inception through delivery.
• Draft, review, and approve legal agreements and documentation, ensuring full compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure assignments are delivered within agreed budgets and timelines, managing resources effectively and communicating any variances to Partners and clients.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients at senior and executive level, ensuring confidence in the firm’s services.
• Act as a liaison between clients and other specialist service lines within BDO to deliver integrated solutions.

Leadership & Team Management

• Direct, allocate, and review work performed by junior team members, ensuring quality, accuracy, and compliance with firm standards.
• Provide mentorship, coaching, and on-the-job feedback to support professional development.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team environment.
• Identify training and development needs and support continuous professional growth within the team.
• Conduct performance appraisals and goal-setting in line with company policy.

Quality, Risk & Governance

• Consult with Partners and colleagues on technical, regulatory, and risk-related matters.
• Ensure adherence to the firm’s quality control procedures and professional standards.
• Provide in-house legal counsel to Executive Management, ensuring compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
• Uphold professional ethics and manage legal and regulatory risk appropriately.

Business Development & Market Presence

• Identify and pursue business development opportunities, working closely with Executive Management to develop and grow client relationships.
• Participate in the preparation of proposals and tenders for new engagements.
• Promote the company’s legal and wider service offerings and actively seek cross-selling opportunities across the firm.
• Keep abreast of industry and regulatory developments to identify emerging opportunities.
• Act as an ambassador for the company by maintaining a strong presence at industry events, conferences, panels, and networking activities.

Requirements:

• Fully qualified lawyer with a valid warrant to practise under Maltese law.
• 5–10 years’ experience in a similar senior legal role, ideally within a professional services or advisory environment.
• Strong technical legal knowledge with excellent commercial awareness.
• Proven ability to manage client relationships, lead teams, and deliver complex engagements.
• Demonstrated experience in business development and service line growth.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to quality.