Legal Counsel - UK

Job Title:                   Legal Counsel – UK

Industry:                    Financial Services

Location:                    United Kingdom

Salary:                        Competitive Salary Package + Benefits

Role Purpose:

As Legal Counsel, the role is integral to providing expert legal support within a wholesale banking environment. The primary focus is on ensuring compliance with relevant regulatory frameworks, including those set by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The Legal Counsel plays a key role in advising on legal matters related to trade finance, treasury services, and broader banking products, both in Africa and globally. This position is essential for managing legal risks, negotiating contracts, and supporting the business in its strategic objectives, ensuring that all activities align with the applicable laws and regulations of the financial services industry.

Responsibilities:

Legal:

• Advise on banking laws and regulations
• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of legal agreements and contracts for various departments of the Bank (including Trade Finance and Treasury)
• Liaise with regulatory bodies such as the FCA and PRA to ensure compliance with UK banking laws and regulations, in conjunction with the Compliance Department
• Represent the bank in legal disputes, working either directly or through external legal advisors
• Manage and advise on any legal matters / issues affecting the Bank
• Provide internal legal advice on both strategic initiatives and daily operational issues
• Train and educate staff on relevant legal matters
• Assess and advise on potential legal risks and liabilities
• Collaborate with various departments within the organisation to ensure cohesive legal and business decisions

Experience

Technical

Legal Expertise:

• Must have in-depth knowledge and practical experience in UK and relevant European Banking Laws and Financial Sector Regulations.
• Ability to draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of legal contracts and agreements for Trade Finance, Treasury, IT and other departments of the Bank.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Familiarity with regulatory bodies such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA).
• Proven experience in liaising with these bodies (where necessary) to ensure the bank's compliance with legal requirements.

Dispute Resolution:

• Ability to represent the bank in legal disputes, either directly or through coordinating with external legal advisors.

Sector-Specific Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in a similar role within the financial sector is essential.

Education and Training:

• Qualified English solicitor.

General

Communication Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential for drafting legal documents and advising senior management.     

Interdepartmental Collaboration:

• Ability to collaborate with various departments within the organisation for cohesive legal and business decisions.

Risk Assessment:

• Proficiency in assessing and advising on potential legal risks and liabilities.

Strategic Planning:

• Capable of providing internal legal advice on strategic initiatives as well as on daily operational issues.

Training and Education:

• Experience in training and educating staff on matters of compliance, governance, and relevant legal issues.

Project Management:

While not essential, project management skills are considered desirable.

Accountability and Governance:

• Familiarity with Senior Management Function (SMF) responsibilities and accountabilities, especially in a financial setting, would be beneficial.

Qualifications/Education/Training

Essential

• Qualified English Solicitor
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a similar role within the financial sector
• In-depth knowledge of UK and relevant European Banking Laws and Regulations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Desirable

• Master’s degree in law or related field
• Experience in Pan-African financial regulations
• Commercial law experience
• Project management skills

Place of work