About Columbia Threadneedle Investments
Working at Columbia Threadneedle Investments you'll find growth and career opportunities across all of our businesses.
We're intentionally built to help you succeed. Our reach is expansive with a global team of 2,300 people working together. Our capability is diverse with more than 550 investment professionals sharing global perspectives across all major asset classes and markets. Our clients have access to a broad array of investment strategies, and we have the capability to create bespoke solutions matched to clients' specific requirements. Our unwavering focus on our clients and strong financial foundation connects each of our enterprise businesses — Ameriprise Financial, Columbia Threadneedle Investments and RiverSource Insurance and Annuities.
Job Description
Where you’ll fit in & what our team goals are…EMEA Real Estate is a strategic growth priority for the Columbia Threadneedle Alternatives business. The business continues to expand in what is a very challenging market environment. This is a great opportunity to join as a Legal Counsel (2-5 PQE) within the Alternatives & Responsible Investment legal team (the “Team”), providing legal support and advice to the Real Estate businesses in EMEA. The role will report to the EMEA Real Estate Senior Counsel.
Note that the legal support model for EMEA Real Estate is a hybrid model, given the needs of the business versus available capacity within the legal function. This means that:
• Legal are involved in fund structuring and internal governance matters working with external counsel directly.
• The business lead on a BAU basis on all asset level transactions working with external counsel and without the involvement of the legal function unless an escalation is required.
How you'll spend your time...
• Supporting the legal/regulatory aspects of the structuring and launch of new products, or restructuring of existing products, working with senior counsel as a key point of contact to progress any initiative with external counsel and assisting with drafting and negotiation of all associated documentation.
• Working with other business functions including portfolio managers, tax, finance, company secretarial and real estate operations, to deliver new products or business critical projects.
• Negotiating various legal documents and related contracts for funds and mandates including contracts with service providers (e.g. valuers, brokers, property managers) and letters of intent.
• Keeping up to date with key developments and issues arising in relation to all relevant areas of law and regulation relating to real estate funds and real estate itself as an asset class in the UK and Europe.
• Supporting the effective governance and oversight of the real estate business.
• Assisting with supervising a trainee on secondment from external counsel.
• Providing legal support and advice as needed on other products/services supported by the Team.
• Actively contributing to Columbia Threadneedle’s General Counsel’s Organisation’s (“GCO”) culture and aligning with its use of technology, such as AI, in a responsible and considered way.
To be successful in this role you will have...
Required Qualifications
Must be 2-5 years PQE with real estate funds or other alternative funds experience and/or experience as a corporate lawyer, whether acting on real estate or other private asset transactions, gained either in-house at an investment management firm or in private practice.
Required Skillset
• Ability to act with a clear sense of ownership of tasks following through on commitments around delivery of work product to business stakeholders, whilst keeping them informed on progress as required.
• Ability to proactively build new relationships, to deal with a range of personalities and, where needed, to confidently raise effective challenge. Strong collaborative skills are a must.
• A growth, flexible, and resilient mindset and the willingness to tackle new issues and areas of work is essential given that the current legal support model for the EMEA real estate business is relatively recent and continues to evolve.
• Ability to evaluate pros, cons and implications of different courses of action and to frame them in a way that can be easily understood by the business and is aligned with the enterprise risk appetite.
• Ability to work easily within a team both within Legal and with other support functions, in particular Compliance and Tax.
• Willingness to pitch in to “go the extra mile” to hit key deadlines.
• Ability to take a commercial and pragmatic approach is key to success in this role.
In-Office Collaboration
We are a client-centric, relationship-based business. Working together, in-person, is foundational to how we achieve results. By fostering a culture of face-to-face collaboration, idea sharing, productivity and personal connection, we deliver for our stakeholders — clients, advisors, employees and shareholders. Our employees work in the office at least four (4) days per week, with flexibility to work from home one (1) day per week. Some roles may require additional in-office time or different in-office expectations, and specific requirements will be discussed during the hiring process.
Full-Time/Part-Time
Worker Sub Type
Job Family Group
Columbia Threadneedle is a people business, and we recognise that our success is due to our talented people, who bring diversity of thought, complementary skills and capabilities. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and performance-based culture where everyone can belong, grow, contribute and realise their potential.
We appreciate that work-life balance is an important factor for many when considering their next move so please discuss any flexible working requirements directly with your recruiter.
Columbia Threadneedle Investments is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to racial or ethnic background, religion or belief, sex or gender, nationality, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status, pregnancy or maternity or any other basis prohibited by law.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment process for individuals with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to aid your participation in the application or interview process, speak to your recruiter to discuss how we can support you.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel (Alternative Funds) in London
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Ameriprise, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Ameriprise, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Ameriprise and the specific role of Legal Counsel (Alternative Funds). Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Ameriprise’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ameriprise
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Ameriprise.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Ameriprise.
