At a Glance
- Tasks: Support legal matters in private lending and real estate finance while managing external advisers.
- Company: Join a dynamic international group with a focus on UK private lending.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid working arrangement and exposure to senior decision-makers.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-responsibility role with diverse legal challenges.
- Qualifications: UK-qualified solicitor with experience in private lending and real estate finance.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a discreet, commercially-focused environment.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced In-House Legal Counsel or Legal Manager to support a privately held international group with UK-focused private lending, real estate finance and global legal matters. This is a hands-on, commercially-oriented role combining legal advisory responsibilities with practical execution and coordination. The successful candidate will work closely with senior management supporting complex transactions, managing external legal advisers and overseeing ongoing dispute and risk matters across jurisdictions. The role is ideal for a lawyer comfortable operating in an international, high-responsibility environment where discretion, judgement and commercial awareness are essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Private Lending & Finance (UK Focus)
- Drafting, reviewing and negotiating documentation for UK private lending and secured finance transactions, including:
- Loan agreements
- Security documents
- Intercreditor and enforcement-related documentation
- Supporting the legal structuring of private credit and lending platforms
- Advising on contractual, regulatory and enforcement considerations relevant to private lending
- Providing legal support on real estate finance, development and asset management matters
- Drafting and reviewing:
- Sale and purchase agreements
- Development and Joint Venture Agreements
- Consultancy and Contractor Agreements
- Acting as the internal legal point of contact for ongoing disputes and litigation matters
- Coordinating and managing external legal advisers, including:
- Instruction management
- Progress tracking
- Cost control
- Supporting group-level legal governance, including:
- Corporate structuring
- Shareholder and board documentation
- Assisting with legal risk reviews across multiple jurisdictions
Candidate Profile
- Essential Requirements
- UK-qualified solicitor (or equivalent common-law qualification)
- Strong experience in UK private lending / secured finance
- Background in real estate finance or property-related transactions
- Experience working in-house or in a commercially focused legal environment
- Comfortable managing external law firms and multiple legal workstreams
- Strong drafting skills and sound commercial judgement
- High level of discretion and professionalism
- Highly Desirable
- Experience with:
- Private lending platforms
- Bridging finance
- Distressed or enforcement-related matters
- Exposure to dispute resolution or litigation management
- Experience supporting international or multi-jurisdictional businesses
- Ability to balance legal risk with pragmatic commercial solutions
Role Characteristics
- Hybrid working arrangement (London-based)
- Broad remit with exposure to senior decision-makers
- Discreet, low-profile environment with high responsibility
- Opportunity to play a key role in legal structuring and risk management at group level
In-House Legal Counsel in London employer: LEOS International
Contact Detail:
LEOS International Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land In-House Legal Counsel in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the legal field. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its legal challenges. Understand their business model and think about how your skills can help them navigate complex transactions. This will show you’re not just another candidate but someone who’s genuinely interested in their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience in private lending and real estate finance clearly and confidently. Highlight specific examples of how you’ve managed legal risks or coordinated with external advisers in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Keep an eye on our listings and jump on opportunities that match your skills!
We think you need these skills to ace In-House Legal Counsel in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the In-House Legal Counsel role. Highlight your experience in UK private lending and real estate finance, as well as any relevant legal advisory roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your commercial awareness and ability to manage complex transactions. We love a good story!
Show Off Your Drafting Skills: Since strong drafting skills are essential for this position, consider including a brief example of your work or summarising a relevant project in your application. This will give us a taste of your expertise right from the start!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, we love seeing candidates who follow instructions!
How to prepare for a job interview at LEOS International
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK private lending and secured finance. Be ready to discuss specific cases or transactions you've worked on, as well as any relevant regulations. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Show Off Your Drafting Skills
Since drafting is a big part of this role, prepare to showcase your drafting skills. Bring examples of loan agreements or sale and purchase agreements you've worked on. You might even be asked to draft a short document during the interview, so practice makes perfect!
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
This role requires a strong sense of commercial judgement. Be prepared to discuss how you've balanced legal risks with business needs in past roles. Think about specific scenarios where your advice led to successful outcomes for the business.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to disputes or managing external counsel. Think through how you would handle these scenarios, focusing on your problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple workstreams effectively.