Legal Counsel

Legal Counsel

Bristol Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
C

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead on technology contracts and provide legal advice to Capital One's tech teams.
  • Company: Join Capital One, a pioneering information-based technology company transforming banking.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous holiday, private medical insurance, and access to a fully-serviced gym.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team focused on innovation and collaboration in a fast-paced environment.
  • Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with experience in commercial contracts, especially in technology and data protection.
  • Other info: Diversity is key; we welcome applications from under-represented groups.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Nottingham Trent House (95002), United Kingdom, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire

Senior Legal Counsel – Commercial Contracts

About this role
Capital One is excited to have a new opportunity for an experienced in-house commercial contracts solicitor within the UK Legal Team, to lead on technology contracts for the UK business.

Reporting to the head of UK Contracts, you\’ll provide legal advice to the technology teams within Capital One\’s business on a range of supplier contracts, including SaaS agreements, software licences, outsourcing contracts and IT infrastructure arrangements, as well as other commercial matters.

Our Contracts team within Legal plays a key role in managing risk when we are engaging suppliers who work for Capital One. As a financial institution, ensuring robust supplier contracts is essential. We are looking for a strong team player with great communication skills, contract drafting and negotiating experience and commercial acumen. If you\’re looking for a new, exciting step in your career this could be for you!

What you\’ll do

  • Prepare and negotiate contractual arrangements, including services agreements, outsourcing agreements, SaaS and other cloud based agreements, software licences, terms and conditions of purchase, variation agreements, termination agreements, and renewals, following Capital One\’s precedents
  • Support Capital One\’s US Legal and supplier management teams with UK aspects of global agreements, with a focus on SaaS
  • Manage the contractual workstreams for the technology department and partner with the relevant supplier management and business teams to integrate legal considerations into initiatives at the appropriate point and ensure timely execution in line with business priorities
  • Advise on legal and regulatory risks as well as strategic considerations for third party contracting, including in relation to outsourcing requirements and data protection, intercompany agreements and other international matters, and collaborate with other legal specialists where necessary
  • Supervise and mentor junior team members in relation to contract negotiation and drafting, legal research and advice
  • Develop and maintain great working relationships with stakeholders including suppliers, sourcing managers and business managers in Capital One UK and where appropriate within our US parent company
  • Identify and assess the impact of new laws, training other business areas where appropriate, and provide advice on legal risks for new tech initiatives
  • Instruct and manage input from outside counsel where needed
  • Manage your workload in a timely and effective manner and proactively communicate to stakeholders on progress
  • Ensure contracts procedures and policies are followed and risks escalated appropriately
  • Own your own development and support the development of others within the business through feedback, coaching and mentoring

What we\’re looking for

  • Qualified solicitor with significant experience in drafting and negotiating complex commercial contracts, with expertise in technology contracts and a strong understanding of data protection law
  • In house experience preferred, ideally with financial services context, although this is not essential
  • Ability to apply strategic thinking and strong problem solving skills to support the business with navigating challenges
  • Excellent workload management skills, with an ability to work in a fast paced environment, and flexibility to adapt to our changing business needs
  • Confidence in written and verbal communications, tailoring content and style to the audience as needed
  • Proven track record of delivery with a results focus
  • Great relationship building and team working – across our supplier and sourcing managers and our broader Legal department and throughout our business\’ multi-functional teams
  • Forward thinking on maximising use of digital opportunities as part of providing legal advice and contract drafting
  • Genuine focus on delivering a best in class legal service to our business
  • Previous experience with managing a team (preferable)

We are committed to creating a level playing field and seek to create teams that are representative of our customers and the communities we serve. We\’d love to hear from you if you identify with a typically under-represented group in our industry and are particularly keen to hear from women, the LGBTQ+ community and ethnic minority candidates.

Where and how you\’ll work

This is a permanent position based in our Nottingham office.

We have a hybrid working model which gives you flexibility to work from our offices and from home.

We\’re big on collaboration and connection, so you\’ll be based in our Nottingham office 3 days a week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Many of our associates have flexible working arrangements, and we\’re open to talking about an arrangement that works for you.

What\’s in it for you

  • Bring us all this – and you\’ll be well rewarded with a role contributing to the roadmap of an organisation committed to transformation
  • We offer high performers strong and diverse career progression, investing heavily in developing great people through our Capital One University training programmes (and appropriate external providers)
  • Immediate access to our core benefits including pension scheme, bonus, generous holiday entitlement and private medical insurance – with flexible benefits available including season-ticket loans, cycle to work scheme and enhanced parental leave
  • Open-plan workspaces and accessible facilities designed to inspire and support you. Our Nottingham head-office has a fully-serviced gym, subsidised restaurant, mindfulness and music rooms

What you should know about how we recruit

We pride ourselves on hiring the best people, not the same people. Building diverse and inclusive teams is the right thing to do and the smart thing to do. We want to work with top talent: whoever you are, whatever you look like, wherever you come from. We know it\’s about what you do, not just what you say. That\’s why we make our recruitment process fair and accessible. And we offer benefits that attract people at all ages and stages.

We also partner with organisations including the Women in Finance and Race At Work Charters, Stonewall and upReach to find people from every walk of life and help them thrive with us. We have a whole host of internal networks and support groups you could be involved in, to name a few:

  • REACH – Race Equality and Culture Heritage group focuses on representation, retention and engagement for associates from minority ethnic groups and allies
  • OutFront – to provide LGBTQ+ support for all associates
  • Mind Your Mind – signposting support and promoting positive mental wellbeing for all
  • Women in Tech – promoting an inclusive environment in tech
  • EmpowHER – network of female associates and allies focusing on developing future leaders, particularly for female talent in our industry

Capital One is committed to diversity in the workplace.

If you require a reasonable adjustment, please contact All information will be kept confidential and will only be used for the purpose of applying a reasonable adjustment.

For technical support or questions about Capital One\’s recruiting process, please send an email to

Capital One does not provide, endorse nor guarantee and is not liable for third-party products, services, educational tools or other information available through this site.

Capital One Financial is made up of several different entities. Please note that any position posted in Canada is for Capital One Canada, any position posted in the United Kingdom is for Capital One Europe and any position posted in the Philippines is for Capital One Philippines Service Corp. (COPSSC).

Who We Are

At Capital One, we\’re building a leading information-based technology company. Still founder-led by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard Fairbank, Capital One is on a mission to help our customers succeed by bringing ingenuity, simplicity, and humanity to banking. We measure our efforts by the success our customers enjoy and the advocacy they exhibit. We are succeeding because they are succeeding.

Guided by our shared values, we thrive in an environment where collaboration and openness are valued. We believe that innovation is powered by perspective and that teamwork and respect for each other lead to superior results. We elevate each other and obsess about doing the right thing. Our associates serve with humility and a deep respect for their responsibility in helping our customers achieve their goals and realize their dreams. Together, we are on a quest to change banking for good.

Legal Counsel employer: Capital One UK

Capital One is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Nottingham that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee development through comprehensive training programmes and a focus on diversity and inclusion, associates can thrive both personally and professionally. The hybrid working model, alongside modern office amenities such as a fully-serviced gym and mindfulness rooms, ensures a balanced and supportive workplace for all employees.
C

Contact Detail:

Capital One UK Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific types of contracts mentioned in the job description, such as SaaS agreements and outsourcing contracts. Understanding the nuances of these contracts will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the legal field, especially those who have experience in technology contracts or financial services. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals that could strengthen your application.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in contract negotiation and drafting during the interview. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your problem-solving skills and how you've successfully managed legal risks in past roles.

✨Tip Number 4

Research Capital One's culture and values, particularly their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with theirs can set you apart as a candidate who is not only qualified but also a good cultural fit.

We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel

Qualified solicitor status
Experience in drafting and negotiating complex commercial contracts
Expertise in technology contracts
Strong understanding of data protection law
In-house legal experience, preferably in financial services
Strategic thinking
Problem-solving skills
Excellent workload management
Effective communication skills (written and verbal)
Relationship building and team working
Ability to mentor and supervise junior team members
Knowledge of SaaS agreements and cloud-based contracts
Familiarity with outsourcing agreements
Understanding of regulatory risks in third-party contracting
Proactive approach to managing legal risks
Adaptability to fast-paced environments

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in drafting and negotiating commercial contracts, particularly in technology. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in SaaS agreements and data protection law.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, such as managing contractual workstreams and advising on legal risks.

Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, provide examples in your application of how you've effectively communicated complex legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders. This could be through previous roles or projects.

Highlight Teamwork Experience: Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively within a team. Mention any experience you have in mentoring junior colleagues or working with cross-functional teams, as this is important for the position at Capital One.

How to prepare for a job interview at Capital One UK

✨Know Your Contracts

Familiarise yourself with different types of commercial contracts, especially those related to technology like SaaS agreements and software licences. Be prepared to discuss your experience in drafting and negotiating these contracts during the interview.

✨Understand Data Protection Laws

Since the role involves advising on legal and regulatory risks, brush up on data protection laws relevant to the UK. Be ready to explain how you would approach compliance and risk management in relation to third-party contracting.

✨Showcase Your Teamwork Skills

This position requires great relationship-building abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams or mentored junior colleagues in previous roles, highlighting your communication skills.

✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking

Be ready to discuss how you apply strategic thinking to solve complex problems. Think of specific instances where your problem-solving skills made a significant impact on a project or contract negotiation.

C
Similar positions in other companies
UK’s top job board for Gen Z
discover-jobs-cta
Discover now
>