At a Glance
- Tasks: Work on complex legal issues in financial regulation and consumer protection.
- Company: Join the FCA, a key player in UK financial services regulation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, hybrid work, and private healthcare.
- Why this job: Shape legislation and influence policy while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with strong analytical skills.
- Other info: Diverse, inclusive culture with extensive learning opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Division: Legal
Department: Payments Credit Competition and Claims Management (PCCC)
Salary: National (Edinburgh and Leeds) ranging from 47200 to 59000 and London from 49700 to 62000 (salary offered will be based on skills and experience)
This role is graded as: Associate Practising Legal
Your recruitment contact is Rumana Hussain via. Applications must be submitted through our online portal. Applications sent via social media or email will not be accepted.
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.
The Legal Division provides advice and legal services across the full spectrum of FCA activities whether regulatory policy enforcement or operational. Sitting in Regulatory & Corporate Legal (R&CL) Payments Credit Competition and Claims Management (PCCC) is responsible for advising the FCA on law relating to consumer credit, mortgages, retail banking, payments, competition and the regulation of claims management companies.
Role responsibilities
- Gain exposure by working at the forefront of financial regulation and consumer protection on complex and high‐profile legal issues
- Influence the drafting of legislation and contribute to FCA policy development including creating rules and guidance for the FCA Handbook
- Advise on the application and effect of regulatory requirements and powers in practice collaborating with colleagues to ensure firms comply with relevant rules, legislation and law
- Acquire broader experience in financial services regulation and policymaking while learning how regulators operate and how laws and regulations are developed
- Collaborate on pioneering projects with colleagues across the FCA, government departments and external organisations such as the Bank of England and HM Treasury while building strong relationships at all levels
- Shape the role around your strengths and interests while taking full ownership of your responsibilities and impact
- Work in a diverse inclusive and supportive environment that offers extensive learning and development opportunities within the Legal Division
Skills required
- Minimum: Solicitor or barrister qualified in England or Wales or holder of an equivalent foreign legal qualification
- Essential: Ability to apply sound legal reasoning to complex and unfamiliar scenarios
- Highly developed analytical and problem‐solving abilities with a strategic approach to tackling challenges
- Ability to create solutions and deliver pragmatic outcome‐focused judgments
- Adaptability and resilience able to thrive under pressure in dynamic and unpredictable environments
- Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills supporting the development of effective relationships with internal teams, external partners and senior management
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Hybrid model with up to 60% remote work
- Non‐contributory pension (812% depending on age) and life assurance at eight times your salary
- Private healthcare with Bupa income protection and 24/7 Employee Assistance
- 35 hours of paid volunteering annually
- A flexible benefits scheme designed around your lifestyle
For a full list of our benefits and our recruitment process as a whole, visit our benefits page.
Our values and culture
Our colleagues are the key to our success as a regulator. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture: one that's free from discrimination and bias, celebrates difference and supports colleagues to deliver at their best. We believe that our differences and similarities enable us to be a better organisation, one that makes better decisions, drives innovation and delivers better regulation.
If you require any adjustments due to a disability or condition your recruiter is here to help – reach out for tailored support. We welcome diverse working styles and aim to find flexible solutions that suit both the role and individual needs, including options like part‐time and job sharing where applicable.
Disability confident: our hiring approach
We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and therefore people or individuals with disabilities and long‐term conditions who best meet the minimum criteria for a role will go through to the next stage of recruitment. In cases of high application volumes we may progress applicants whose experience most closely matches the role's key requirements.
Useful information and timelines
Timeline:
- Job Advert Close: 07th December 2025
- CV Review/Shortlist: 9th December 2025
- Technical Assessment / Interviews: w/c 15th December 2025
Your recruiter will discuss the process in detail with you during screening for the role, therefore please make them aware if you are going to be unavailable for any date during this time. Candidates from this recruitment round may also be considered for future vacancies in the Legal Division.
Lawyer – Associate in London employer: Financial Conduct Authority
Contact Detail:
Financial Conduct Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lawyer – Associate in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the FCA through LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insights into the company culture and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your legal knowledge, especially around financial regulation. We want to show that we’re not just qualified but also genuinely interested in the role and the impact we can make.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions with a mate or in front of the mirror. We need to articulate our thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing complex legal scenarios.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through the FCA’s online portal! It’s the only way to get our application seen. Plus, it shows we’re serious about the opportunity and following their process.
We think you need these skills to ace Lawyer – Associate in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Lawyer – Associate. Highlight your relevant experience in financial regulation and consumer protection, and don’t forget to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving abilities!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about the role and how your background aligns with the FCA's mission. Keep it concise but impactful, and let your personality come through.
Follow the Application Process: Remember, we only accept applications through our online portal. Make sure you submit everything as required and double-check for any specific instructions in the job description. We want to see your application in the best light!
Proofread Before You Submit: Before hitting that submit button, give your application a thorough proofread. Typos and errors can distract from your qualifications, so take the time to ensure everything is polished and professional. We’re looking for attention to detail!
How to prepare for a job interview at Financial Conduct Authority
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Brush up on the latest developments in financial regulation and consumer protection. Be prepared to discuss how these issues impact the role and the FCA's objectives. Showing that you’re up-to-date will demonstrate your commitment and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of complex legal scenarios you've navigated successfully. Highlight your analytical abilities and how you approach unfamiliar challenges. This is crucial for a role that requires sound legal reasoning and strategic thinking.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Practice your interpersonal skills by engaging with mock interviewers. The FCA values strong stakeholder engagement, so be ready to discuss how you’ve built effective relationships in previous roles. A friendly, confident demeanour can go a long way!
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the FCA’s current projects or challenges in the legal division. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the organisation aligns with your career goals. It’s a two-way street!