At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal adviser role, providing support on commercial agreements and regulatory matters.
- Company: Established UK financial services business with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Significant autonomy, visibility, and opportunity to influence strategic decisions.
- Other info: Office-based role in Liverpool with some flexibility and occasional travel.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative team and make a real impact in a growing industry.
- Qualifications: 5+ years' PQE, strong commercial contracts experience, and knowledge of FCA regulations.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced commercial lawyer to join a well-established and growing UK financial services business as the lead lawyer supporting an established division. This is a broad, high-profile role offering significant autonomy and direct exposure to senior leadership, including Board-level stakeholders. The successful candidate will act as the principal legal adviser to a regulated business operating within payments, finance and merchant services.
The Role
- Reporting to both the Group General Counsel and the MD, you will provide pragmatic, commercially focused legal support across a diverse range of activities, including:
- Drafting, negotiating and advising on a wide variety of commercial agreements.
- Advising on regulated and unregulated consumer finance arrangements.
- Supporting product development, strategic initiatives and business growth projects.
- Advising on FCA regulatory matters, customer communications and financial promotions.
- Providing guidance on data protection, privacy and governance issues.
- Supporting senior management and Board committees on legal and regulatory matters.
- Managing external legal advisers where required.
About You
- Ideally 5+ years' PQE gained in-house and/or in private practice.
- Strong commercial contracts experience and excellent drafting skills.
- Experience advising FCA-regulated businesses.
- A solid understanding of consumer finance and regulatory frameworks.
- Consumer Credit Act experience would be highly advantageous.
- Knowledge of GDPR and data protection matters.
- A pragmatic, solutions-focused approach and strong commercial awareness.
- The confidence to engage with and influence senior stakeholders.
- Experience within financial services, payments, lending, consumer credit, fintech, merchant acquiring or other regulated environments will be particularly relevant.
Why Apply?
- Lead legal adviser role with significant autonomy and visibility.
- Opportunity to influence strategic business decisions.
- Broad commercial remit covering legal, regulatory and governance matters.
- Growing business with ambitious expansion plans.
- Collaborative and supportive leadership team.
Location
The successful candidate must be able to attend the Liverpool area office four days per week initially, with some flexibility available over time. Occasional travel to other UK offices may be required.
Head of Legal / Sole Counsel in Liverpool employer: BCL Legal In-House
Join a dynamic and expanding financial services business in the heart of Liverpool, where you will thrive in a collaborative work culture that values autonomy and strategic influence. As the Head of Legal, you will enjoy a broad remit with opportunities for professional growth, supported by a leadership team committed to your development and the company's ambitious expansion plans. With a focus on meaningful legal work in a regulated environment, this role offers a unique chance to shape the future of the business while enjoying a supportive and engaging workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Legal / Sole Counsel in Liverpool
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like BCL Legal In-House. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Legal / Sole Counsel in Liverpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to BCL Legal In-House.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on BCL Legal In-House's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at BCL Legal In-House
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with BCL Legal In-House.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at BCL Legal In-House will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former BCL Legal In-House employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
