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Head of Legal
Head of Legal Application Deadline: 13 March 2026 Department: Central Employment Type: Permanent Location: Edinburgh Reporting To: Gavin Higgins
Description Head of Legal – AAB Group
Location: UK (hybrid; travel to AAB offices across the UK & Ireland as required) Reports to: Chief Financial Officer Contract: Permanent, full‑time or part‑time
AAB is a leading and fast-growing professional services group operating across the UK, Ireland, and the USA. With over 1,000 team members, we specialise in supporting individuals, family businesses, and mid-market organisations through a full suite of services including audit, tax, corporate finance, payroll, people consultancy, and wealth management.
Driven by an ambitious growth strategy and strong acquisitive momentum, AAB continues to expand its global reach and capabilities. As we scale, we are strengthening our internal infrastructure to support integration, governance, and long-term value creation, including the establishment of AAB’s first in-house legal function as part of this exciting next phase of growth.
Purpose of the Role The Head of Legal will establish and lead the Group’s in‑house legal function, acting as the primary point of contact for all legal matters across the business. The role may be structured on a full‑time or part‑time basis, depending on the successful candidate and organisational needs.
While legal work will continue to be delivered predominantly through external law firms, the Head of Legal will provide the oversight, coordination, and commercial judgement needed to ensure legal advice is consistent, proportionate, and aligned with the Group’s objectives. The role will own the Group’s target corporate structure, support M&A activity, advise on contracts and wider commercial matters, and work closely with the Risk & Compliance team to identify and manage legal risk.
Key Responsibilities
Establishing the In‑House Legal Function
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Serve as AAB’s first in‑house legal lead and primary contact for all legal matters. Define how external legal advisers are engaged, including scope, quality, pace, and cost management. Develop proportionate legal processes, templates, and playbooks suited to a lean internal model.
Corporate Structure & Governance
Own and maintain the Group’s target corporate and legal structure. Advise on corporate governance matters, supporting the CFO and senior leadership. Oversee company secretarial requirements through external advisers where appropriate.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Provide legal leadership across all stages of the M&A lifecycle. Coordinate and manage external legal advisers throughout transactions. Support post‑acquisition integration from a legal and structural perspective.
Contracts & Commercial Support
Advise on commercial and contractual matters, working closely with: Head of Procurement on supplier and third‑party contracts Head of Real Estate & Facilities on property and lease agreements Business unit leaders on client, operational, and partnership contracts Review and oversee key contracts, escalating to external specialists where required. Maintain and develop standard contract templates and guidance.
Risk, Compliance & Legal Advisory
Work with Risk & Compliance to identify and manage legal risks. Provide legal input into policies, frameworks, and control mechanisms. Manage disputes and contentious matters through external counsel.
Operational & Financial Management
Oversee external legal spend and adviser relationships. Provide clear, pragmatic legal advice aligned with AAB’s commercial objectives and risk appetite. Support legal budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
Experience & qualifications Skills & Experience
Qualified solicitor with substantial post‑qualification experience. Strong background in corporate law and M&A. Experience in a senior advisory capacity (in‑house or private practice). Proven ability to manage external law firms. Broad commercial legal experience, including drafting and negotiation.
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Personal Attributes
Commercial, pragmatic, and solutions‑focused. Comfortable operating in a fast‑paced, acquisitive environment. Confident in engaging and influencing senior stakeholders. Strong prioritisation and multitasking skills Additional Information
This will remain a strategically focused and lean legal function, with delivery largely supported by external advisers. The remit of the role will evolve as AAB continues to grow and integrate newly acquired businesses. The position may be appointed on a full‑time or part‑time basis.
WHAT AAB OFFER We want you to feel supported inside and outside of work. That’s why we offer a benefits package designed for your wellbeing, lifestyle, and career.
Time Off & Family Support Annual leave (plus public holidays), with the option to buy or carry over leave Enhanced parental leave (maternity, paternity, adoption) Paid volunteering day to support causes that matter to you Health & Wellbeing Private Medical Insurance (PMI) for you and the option to cover family members Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for 24/7 mental health and wellbeing support Death in Service benefit Financial Security Competitive pension scheme Life assurance policies to support you and your family Flexible & Agile Working Hybrid working model Agile working culture that supports flexible hours and smarter working Modern office spaces designed for collaboration, focus, and wellbeing
Disclaimer Unsolicited CVs sent to AAB by Recruitment Agencies will not be accepted for this position. AAB operates a direct sourcing model and where agency assistance is required, the Talent Acquisition team will engage directly with our recruitment partners.
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