At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal strategy for EMEA, negotiate agreements, and support international expansion.
- Company: Join Capital One, a top-rated workplace with a mission to be a force for good in lending.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, extensive career development funding, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with a vibrant office culture and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Be a strategic partner in a dynamic team, making impactful decisions in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with experience in commercial agreements and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 125370 £ per year.
Location: London - Hybrid
Working Pattern: 3 days in-office (Tuesday-Thursday) and 2 days remote.
Our Mission
We’re on a mission to be a force for good in lending. Throughout our almost 30-year history, we’ve consistently been recognised as a great place to work; in 2026, Capital One was officially ranked 9th in the UK’s Best Workplaces™ list.
About the Role
We’re seeking an experienced and collaborative Senior Manager to join our growing Global Payment Network Legal team to lead our legal strategy across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). You won’t just be giving advice, you will be a critical strategic partner embedded directly within the business.
The successful candidate will be a valued member of a truly global team, providing legal and commercial guidance to the Global Payments Network, to support the business in navigating our growth agenda. They will leverage their outstanding legal and communication skills, and bring an ability to anticipate and deliver on the needs of an innovative, sophisticated, and fast-paced business while simultaneously managing a wide range of transactions and projects.
As a key strategic partner embedded within the business, you will negotiate commercial agreements, help identify risks, and solve problems alongside a team of world-class professionals. You will find that the Legal Department is not a “check the box” function but instead, an important voice and strategic partner in all aspects of the business.
What you’ll do
- Serve as lead counsel to help drive international expansion for our Global Payments Network by providing strategic and actionable legal and commercial advice and expertise.
- Own our EMEA legal and commercial contracting strategy, and delivery roadmap for the Global Payments Network.
- Provide cross-functional assistance by partnering closely with Risk and Compliance officers to ensure comprehensive support.
- Provide thought and strategic leadership on relevant legal and commercial considerations for EMEA.
- Engage and oversee outside legal counsel as needed in an effective and efficient manner.
- Stay abreast of external legal and regulatory developments and expectations that could impact the environment in which Capital One operates, understanding its impact on Capital One's inherent compliance risk.
- Stand up and refine processes that make legal workflows dramatically more efficient and user-friendly for our business partners.
The skills and experience you need
- Qualified solicitor with solid post-qualification experience.
- Prior experience negotiating, drafting, and guiding implementation of commercial agreements strongly preferred.
- Experience working within a financial services environment.
- Strong business judgment and analytical skills.
- Excellent communication skills, with an ability to clearly communicate legal and commercial terms, business strategy, and compliance risk to stakeholders at all levels across the business and to external stakeholders.
- A willingness and ability to influence and effectively challenge stakeholders with credibility at all levels of business, as well as external stakeholders.
- Being comfortable balancing trade-offs between risk and returns in order to achieve our business objectives and to support us in effectively managing all compliance legal risks associated with Capital One.
- An ability to understand complex topics quickly with depth that allows for the delivery and actionable insights.
- An ability to build and leverage relevant networks inside and outside the organisation.
Where and how you'll work
This is a permanent position based in our London (Hammersmith) office. We embrace a hybrid approach to work. You'll spend three days a week in the office (Tuesday-Thursday), with Monday and Friday being dedicated work-from-home days.
What’s in it for you
We invest in the growth of our people alongside our business. You will have extensive opportunities to learn and develop your career, including access to up to £5,000 in funding for external qualifications.
In addition to career development, our comprehensive benefits package is designed to grow with you, ensuring your wellbeing is prioritised at every stage of your career:
- Wealth & Future: Competitive pension and performance-based bonus schemes.
- Holidays: Start with 25 days of annual leave, increasing with tenure. Need more? You have the option to buy 5 additional days.
- Health: Access premium care through our private medical insurance.
- Family Support: We champion your milestones with enhanced parental leave.
A full list of our benefits is available here.
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. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging at our core. We empower our associates to do great work by creating an inclusive culture—one that values diverse perspectives, fosters collaboration and encourages innovative ideas—and a place where associates of all backgrounds can thrive by bringing their most authentic selves to work. We call this our Culture of Belonging, and it rests at the heart of our business.
Our associate-led Business Resource Groups were created to help support our diverse population and include over 10 groups across our offices. Because each Business Resource Group is as unique as the population it serves, they offer a range of activities, networking opportunities, special events and learning programmes to associates.
Capital One is committed to diversity in the workplace.
If you require a reasonable adjustment, please contact ukrecruitment@capitalone.com. 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 Careers@capitalone.com.
Senior Counsel - EMEA Commercial Contract and Product in London employer: Capital One
Capital One is an exceptional employer, recognised for its commitment to employee growth and well-being. With a hybrid working model in London, employees enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises diversity and inclusion, alongside extensive career development opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance both personal and professional lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Counsel - EMEA Commercial Contract and Product 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.
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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.
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Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Capital One, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Counsel - EMEA Commercial Contract and Product in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Capital One, 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 Capital One and the specific role of Senior Counsel - EMEA Commercial Contract and Product. 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 Capital One’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Capital One
✨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 Capital One.
✨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 Capital One.
