At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise on international enforcement matters and manage key relationships with global partners.
- Company: Join the FCA, a leading regulator shaping the future of UK financial services.
- Benefits: Generous leave, private healthcare, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration across departments.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in international law and enforcement while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with significant experience in regulatory investigations and international cooperation.
The predicted salary is between 69700 - 86900 £ per year.
Division: Legal Division
Department: Law, Policy and International, Enforcement Legal
Salary: National (Edinburgh and Leeds) ranging from £69,700 to £86,900 and London from £76,600 to £95,500 (salary offered will be based on skills and experience)
This role is graded as: Lead Associate - Practising legal
About the FCA and team
We regulate financial services firms in the UK, to keep financial markets fair, thriving and effective. By joining us, you'll play a key part in protecting consumers, driving economic growth and shaping the future of UK finance services.
Our Legal Division provides advice and legal services across the full breadth of FCA activity, including regulatory, policy, enforcement and operational work. This Lead Associate position is in the Law and International team, which is part of the Law, Policy and International Department within Enforcement Legal. The department provides strategic, legal and policy advice on enforcement powers and policies and international enforcement engagement.
The Law and International team owns the FCA's strategy on international enforcement matters and is responsible for managing and developing key international enforcement relationships. We advise on, among other matters, the use of FCA investigation powers on behalf of overseas authorities, the disclosure of confidential information and the disclosure of personal data in an international enforcement context. The team also provides policy input on cooperation aspects of domestic legislation and legal advice on MoU work.
Role responsibilities
- Work with FCA investigation teams to advise on seeking assistance abroad and the use of evidence obtained abroad in civil, criminal and regulatory investigations and proceedings.
- Perform initial reviews of requests for assistance received from overseas regulators. Your role is to identify all key legal issues, determine which FCA stakeholders should be made aware of the request and determine who at the FCA should respond to the request.
- Build experience of managing more junior associates and their work. You will be expected to ensure that this work is managed and progressed effectively and to sign off key decisions for the exercise of legal powers.
- Provide meaningful contributions to the department's know how and guidance documents and training across the FCA, working together with the manager to ensure that legal risks are appropriately managed and work to become a specialist in agreed areas.
- Have overall responsibility for the relationship management of several key international partners and internal stakeholders, building, maintaining and owning the relationships. This will involve regular discussions and development of a strategy to promote effective engagement, for example arranging visits and engaging others across the FCA.
- Act as representative of Enforcement/Legal Division to senior managers and at international level, where appropriate, to ensure that the FCA's interests are effectively represented.
- Be accountable for advancing multiple key projects identified in collaboration with the team manager and department head. These are likely to involve complex legal issues and span the breadth of Law and International's remit.
- Where business need arises, associates in Law and International will work on projects relating to the wider remit of the Law, Policy and International Department.
Skills required
- Minimum: Qualified lawyer, Solicitor or Barrister of England and Wales or international equivalent.
- Significant post-qualification experience in any of the following areas: contentious financial services or other regulatory investigations or proceedings; financial services or public law advisory work; international cooperation; complex international investigations.
- Essential: Ability to apply sound principled legal and evidential analysis to novel situations and think strategically.
- Well-developed relationship management skills to build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, international counterparts and external bodies.
- Robust, self-motivated and a good team player.
- Ability to perform effectively in demanding situations and meet deadlines.
- Effective communication skills to present the outcome of analysis clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.
- Real interest in international work, cross-border cooperation and enforcement policy.
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Non-contributory pension (8-12% depending on age) and life assurance at eight times your salary.
- Private healthcare with Bupa, income protection and 24/7 Employee Assistance.
Lead Associate Lawyer employer: FCA
Foster Care Associates (The FCA) is an outstanding employer that prioritises the well-being and professional development of its staff. With a supportive work culture, generous benefits including a £2,000 car allowance and up to 35 days of annual leave, employees are encouraged to grow within their roles while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families across the South West. Located in Ivybridge, this position offers a unique opportunity to work in a vibrant community dedicated to fostering excellence in care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Associate Lawyer
✨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 FCA, 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.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Associate Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at FCA, 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 FCA and the specific role of Lead Associate Lawyer. 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 FCA’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at FCA
✨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 FCA.
✨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 FCA.
