Senior Corporate Counsel

INTRODUCTION

FGS Global is the world’s leading strategic communications and public affairs consultancy, with more than 1,400 professionals across 30 offices worldwide. We empower organizations to lead in today’s complex, multi-stakeholder environment, providing integrated strategies that activate stakeholders and achieve results when it matters most.

As a PE-backed firm operating at the intersection of business, policy, and reputation, FGS Global requires sophisticated senior legal counsel to navigate complex commercial transactions, regulatory matters, and corporate governance issues with a focus on securities regulation. Our in-house legal team serves as a strategic partner to the business, providing practical, business-minded counsel that enables growth while managing risk.

SUMMARY OF ROLE

FGS Global seeks an experienced Senior Corporate Counsel to join our in-house legal team, reporting to the Chief Legal Officer. This attorney will serve as a trusted legal advisor to senior leadership and business units across the firm, providing counsel on a broad range of securities, corporate, commercial, and regulatory matters.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong securities regulatory background, combined with practical experience advising private PE-backed companies with a broad employee shareholder base. This individual will be equally comfortable drafting securities disclosure documents, negotiating complex commercial agreements, advising on corporate governance matters, and providing strategic counsel on regulatory compliance issues. They will thrive in a fast-paced, client-service environment and understand how to balance legal risk with business objectives.

This role offers the opportunity to work at the center of a global firm advising the world's most prominent organizations on their highest-stakes challenges, while building deep relationships across FGS Global's leadership and practice areas.

CRITICAL EXPERIENCES & STRENGTHS

• Securities Regulatory Expertise:
  Minimum 10 years of legal experience with demonstrated expertise in securities law and corporate governance. Experience advising PE-backed private companies and working with private equity investors on compliance, reporting, and governance matters strongly preferred.
• Big Law and In-House Experience:
  Background combining top-tier law firm experience and sophisticated in-house legal department work. Proven ability to provide practical, business-oriented counsel while maintaining the highest professional standards.
• Commercial and Transactional Acumen:
  Strong experience drafting, negotiating, and advising on complex commercial agreements, vendor contracts, partnership arrangements, and other business transactions. Ability to identify and mitigate risk while enabling business growth.
• Corporate Governance:
  Deep understanding of corporate governance principles and best practices, particularly in the context of PE ownership. Experience advising boards, management teams, and investors on governance structures, fiduciary duties, and compliance obligations.
• Regulatory and Compliance:
  Knowledge of regulatory frameworks affecting professional services firms, including lobbying disclosure requirements, conflicts of interest, data privacy, and employment law. Ability to design and implement practical compliance programs.
• Strategic Business Partner:
  Demonstrated ability to serve as a trusted advisor to senior executives and business leaders. Track record of providing clear, actionable legal guidance that balances risk management with commercial objectives. Understands the business context and can translate legal issues into business terms.
• Judgment and Problem-Solving:
  Exceptional judgment and ability to assess complex, ambiguous situations quickly. Skilled at identifying creative solutions to legal and business challenges while managing risk appropriately.
• Communication and Collaboration:
  Outstanding written and verbal communication skills. Ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly to non-legal audiences. Collaborative working style and commitment to building strong relationships across the organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Advise on securities law compliance matters related to private PE-backed ownership structure
• Provide day-to-day legal counsel to business units and corporate functions on a wide range of matters, including commercial contracts, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and risk management
• Draft, review and negotiate vendor contracts, partnership agreements, and other commercial transactions
• Support corporate transactions, including M&A activity, equity investments, and corporate restructurings
• Partner with the Chief Legal Officer and senior leadership on strategic legal and business issues
• Manage relationships with outside counsel and oversee external legal spend on assigned matters
• Provide training and guidance to business teams on legal and compliance topics
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments affecting the firm and advise on implications

QUALIFICATIONS

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Active bar membership in good standing
• Minimum 10 years of legal experience, with a mix of big law firm and in-house experience
• Strong securities background required
• PE-backed private company experience strongly preferred
• Experience advising professional services, communications, or consulting firms preferred
• Proven track record of providing practical, business-oriented legal counsel
• Exceptional analytical, drafting, and negotiation skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships at all levels
• Commitment to excellence, integrity, and collaborative teamwork
• National and international travel as needed.