At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal support for merchant services and negotiate contracts with customers and suppliers.
- Company: Join a leading bank with a commitment to innovation and flexible working.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, and adaptable benefits including 30 days' holiday.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a focus on personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in banking while developing your legal expertise in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 8+ years in commercial contracts and strong relationship-building skills.
Job Description Summary
End Date: Thursday 23 July 2026
Salary Range: £114,606 - £134,830
We support flexible working – click here for more information on flexible working options
Flexible Working Options: Flexibility in when hours are worked, Hybrid Working, Job Share
Job Title
Senior Lawyer – Merchant Services - Banking Products Legal (12 months FTC)
Location
Bristol, Cardiff, Chester, Edinburgh, Halifax & Leeds
Hours & Working Pattern
Full‑time
Hybrid work style: at least two days per week, or 40% of time, at an office site.
About this opportunity
The Banking Products Legal team plays a critical role in supporting the Bank’s strategy. This role focuses on legal support for merchant services solutions to small businesses, larger corporate customers, governmental bodies and local authorities. The work includes product development, commercial contract negotiation, regulatory change projects, rectifications, industry change initiatives, customer onboarding and legal risk management.
What you’ll be doing
- Operate as a specialist legal advisor in merchant services matters, providing input to support delivery of projects, innovation and product developments and rectifications.
- Negotiate with customers and suppliers related to customised agreements.
- Advise on and draft terms and conditions for contracts relating to merchant services and associated services.
- Support legal, regulatory and change projects across Business and Commercial Banking, Corporate and Institutional Banking, and Legal & Secretariat.
- Proactively identify, report and address legal and governance risks, recommending solutions as needed.
- Advise on customer and colleague journey enhancements.
- Build and maintain a strong partner network to align business strategy and pipeline with team activity.
- Manage use of panel law firms and nurture relationships with external lawyers.
- Run the team by monitoring service delivery, improving working methods, and training the team and business.
What we’re looking for
- Qualified as a solicitor in the UK (or equivalent).
- Minimum 8 years of experience in commercial contracts and/or merchant services, payment services regulations and transaction banking services.
- Experience in developing and coaching others.
- People orientated, able to build strong collaborative relationships across Legal, Secretariat and business teams.
- Confident in using experience and insights to influence, advise and challenge business partners.
- Ability to identify, mitigate and control legal risk.
- Strong workload management, supporting less senior colleagues.
- Stays on top of and shares regulatory, industry and legal change with the team.
- Commitment to self‑development and colleague development.
- Enthusiasm and curiosity for the role.
- Relevant transferable experience is welcome.
Benefits and Adjustments
- Reasonable workplace adjustments for colleagues with disabilities, including flexibility in office attendance, location and working patterns.
- Disability Confident Leader: guaranteed interviews for a fair and proportionate number of applicants with a disability, long‑term health or neurodivergent condition through the Disability Confident Scheme.
- Generous pension contribution of up to 15%
- Annual performance‑related bonus
- Share schemes including free shares
- Adaptable benefits such as discounted shopping, 30 days’ holiday plus bank holidays
- Wellbeing initiatives and generous parental leave policies
Senior Lawyer – Merchant Services - Banking Products Legal (12 months FTC) in Bristol employer: Lloyds Bank plc
Lloyds Banking Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Cardiff that fosters professional growth and collaboration. With a competitive salary package, generous benefits including a robust pension scheme and flexible working options, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. The company prioritises inclusivity and well-being, ensuring that all team members can achieve their full potential while making a meaningful impact in the SME banking sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Lawyer – Merchant Services - Banking Products Legal (12 months FTC) in Bristol
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Lloyds Bank plc. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Lawyer – Merchant Services - Banking Products Legal (12 months FTC) in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Lloyds Bank plc.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Lloyds Bank plc's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lloyds Bank plc
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Lloyds Bank plc.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Lloyds Bank plc will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Lloyds Bank plc employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
