At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to tackle complex regulatory challenges in financial services.
- Company: Global leader in legal services with a focus on financial regulation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for client secondments.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities to work on high-profile projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the fast-paced world of financial regulation.
- Qualifications: 1-2 years of experience in financial services regulatory work required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Our global FSR practice helps our clients solve their most complex and sensitive national and international regulatory challenges (both proactive and reactive), both non-contentious and contentious. We have specialists across our network of offices in Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. Our expertise covers the full spectrum of regulation, including authorisations and approvals; regulatory change; the regulatory aspects of transactions or restructurings; governance; risk management and compliance; market conduct; complaints handling; financial crime; and enforcement and investigations.
Our lawyers have a broader range of experience than many legal advisers: outstanding technical and professional skills are a prerequisite for our work, but they are not enough on their own. An in-depth understanding of regulatory policy and process and how it impacts on our clients is crucial. Our regulatory team includes Partners who have previously gained several years' experience working within financial institutions. We have also invested heavily in ensuring that our associates spend time on secondment with clients and with regulators.
The non-contentious part of the FSR practice (within our Corporate Division) specialises in generalist advisory and transactions/commercial projects work. The team advises banks (traditional and challenger), investment firms (including broker-dealers and insurance brokers), asset managers, market infrastructure providers (including CCPs and trading venues), Fintechs, private equity firms and other financial institutions on financial services law and regulation, including all major UK/EU regulatory regimes, including CRR/CRD, MiFID II, SMCR, MAR, EMIR, SSR, CSRD, PSD2, AIFMD etc.
Recent Matters
- Advising an investment vehicle and its owner on a majority equity investment in Metro Bank as part of the October 2023 rescue of Metro Bank.
- Advising the Earthshot Prize on regulatory issues on a new digital platform.
- Advising a leading international cross-border bank on its Basel 3:1 implementation.
- Advising a leading global financial services group on ESG related disclosure and greenwashing requirements.
- Advising a number of FinTechs, BigTech and TradFi companies on digital assets/crypto, AI and payments-related regulation.
- Advising a leading challenger bank on prudential requirements.
- Advising global asset managers on product and platform launches.
- Advising on the authorisation of a bank.
- Advising a global bank on CRDVI requirements.
Key responsibilities
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is presently recruiting for an associate in the non-contentious FSR practice (which sits within our wider Corporate Division). The role involves both advisory and transactional/commercial projects regulatory work; both UK domestic and international. Clients could be across many sectors of the FS industry, both wholesale and retail, including banks, payment services/e-money firms, interdealer brokers, asset managers, private equity firms, insurers, insurance intermediaries and energy sector clients. Non-contentious associates also have the rare and highly valuable opportunity of becoming involved in contentious work, to broaden their experience, if of interest.
Qualifications, skills and experience
We would expect the successful candidate to have approximately 1-2 years' experience in financial services regulatory work, with experience of dealing with large, complex and multi-jurisdictional matters. We would consider those with less or more experience, providing they meet the required competencies. Experience could be in any of the mini-sectors mentioned under Key Responsibilities above; although we expect that the successful candidate is most likely to have a broad spread of experience across several of these sectors. Academic excellence is essential for all positions within Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer. We would always expect at least a 2:1 degree (or equivalent). All applications should include full academic details including grades, subjects and transcripts where appropriate.
Associate, Corporate FSR (non-contentious) employer: Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
HSF Kramer is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Belfast that fosters collaboration and innovation within the banking and finance sector. Employees benefit from engaging in high-profile transactions while enjoying opportunities for professional growth and development, supported by a culture that values teamwork and client relationships. With access to a global network and the chance to work alongside leading experts, HSF Kramer provides a rewarding career path for solicitors looking to make a significant impact in digital finance.
Contact Details:
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate, Corporate FSR (non-contentious)
✨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 Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, 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 Associate, Corporate FSR (non-contentious)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, 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 Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer and the specific role of Associate, Corporate FSR (non-contentious). 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 Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
✨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 Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer.
✨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 Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer.
