Consultant Financial Services Solicitor in Guildford

We are looking for an experienced Financial Services Solicitor with a minimum of 8 years PQE to join Harper James on a consultancy basis. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a growing and diverse client base ranging from innovative start‑ups and Fintech businesses to established national and international companies operating in regulated markets. As a consultant within our flexible model, you will manage your own caseload while benefiting from the support, infrastructure and collaborative culture of a forward‑thinking national firm. You will also have the opportunity to help build and grow our Financial Services offering, working with colleagues across the firm to support clients operating in regulated sectors.

What you’ll be doing

You will advise businesses on a wide range of financial services regulatory matters, helping clients navigate complex regulatory frameworks while supporting commercial growth and innovation. You will work closely with founders, leadership teams, in‑house counsel and compliance teams, providing clear, pragmatic advice on regulatory requirements, business models and risk management. Your work is likely to include advising on matters such as:

• Investment advisory and investment management arrangements
• Funds and asset management structures and regulatory considerations
• Retail and wholesale investment products
• Insurance distribution and related regulatory frameworks
• Claims management services regulation
• Benchmarking, mortgage and home finance activities, and other regulated activities
• Payment services and electronic money regulation
• Consumer credit regulation
• Fintech business models and emerging asset classes, including digital assets

You may also support clients with Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) authorisations, regulatory compliance frameworks, governance arrangements and ongoing regulatory obligations.

As part of the wider Harper James legal team, you will collaborate with colleagues across Corporate, Commercial, Data Protection and Technology teams, particularly where regulatory considerations arise within transactions, product launches or new service offerings.

What we’re looking for

• Minimum 8 years’ PQE with strong experience advising on financial services regulation
• Broad exposure to UK regulated financial services activities
• Experience advising fintech or technology‑enabled financial services businesses would be advantageous
• Ability to manage matters independently and deliver pragmatic, commercially focused advice
• Excellent client relationship and stakeholder management skills
• Confidence working with founders, senior leadership teams and in‑house legal and compliance functions
• An interest in helping build or grow a Financial Services team, with experience doing so being advantageous

The Harper James Difference

We are a tech-driven, agile law firm where lawyers are empowered with modern legal technology to maximise efficiency, productivity and work‑life balance. Our consultant model offers experienced solicitors flexibility, autonomy and the ability to work remotely while remaining part of a supportive national team. We welcome proactive, self‑motivated solicitors who thrive in a modern legal environment and are passionate about delivering exceptional client service.

You’ll excel as part of the HJ team if you:

• Are a quick learner, ready to adapt to new systems and technologies with enthusiasm
• Are excited about adopting and using AI tools to boost efficiency and productivity
• Have a solid working knowledge of Microsoft 365 products (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Can confidently navigate SharePoint to manage and collaborate on projects
• Have a keen eye for detail when drafting documents, ensuring consistency and professionalism

The Bottom Line

This is an opportunity to play an important part in the growth of the business, with a great team of people who all play a fundamental part in our continued success. An environment with no politics and no bureaucracy. We are offering a competitive consultancy rate with flexible working as part of a fully remote but collaborative team.