At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal support for merchant services and negotiate contracts with clients.
- Company: Join a leading bank focused on innovation and customer solutions.
- Benefits: Generous pension, performance bonuses, flexible working, and 30 days holiday.
- Other info: Supportive environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving legal solutions in a rapidly evolving sector.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 8+ years in commercial contracts and payment services.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
LOCATION(S): Bristol, Cardiff, Chester, Edinburgh, Halifax & Leeds
HOURS: Full-time
WORKING PATTERN: Our work style is hybrid, which involves spending at least two days per week, or 40% of our time, at one of our office sites.
About this opportunity
We're looking for a Senior Lawyer to join the Banking Products team in Business and Commercial Banking and Corporate and Institutional Banking Legal on a 12-month FTC. Banking Products Legal plays a critical role in supporting the Bank's strategy. This role will focus on legal support for merchant services solutions to small businesses, larger corporate customers, governmental bodies and local authorities. We work closely with colleagues in Product, Coverage, our transformational Platform teams and Delivery plus other functional support areas.
The products and services we support are merchant acquiring, payment gateways, partnerships, digital innovations including embedded finance payment methods and online digital channels through which our products and services are provided to clients.
Our team provides legal and advice support in relation to product development and innovation, negotiation of commercial contracts, legal and regulatory change projects, rectifications and remediations, industry change initiatives, customer onboarding, end-to-end customer journeys and the management of legal risk. The merchant services business has a programme of strategic growth so a really exciting time to be part of the legal team supporting this.
The successful candidate will be someone who delivers influential insight, engages proactively with senior partners and the Legal & Secretariat Community and operates as a subject matter specialist. The role will also include delegated line management responsibilities.
The place to be!
You’ll be part of a truly supportive team working on core and innovative products and helping to find legal solutions to support strategy. We like to challenge the status quo and help drive continuous improvement activity.
This role will require a good understanding of the legal, regulatory framework applicable to payments and strong commercial contracts experience.
What you’ll be doing:
- Operate as a specialist legal advisor in relation to merchant services matters including providing legal input to support delivery of projects, innovation and product developments and rectifications.
- Negotiate with customers and suppliers in relation to customised agreements.
- Advise on and draft terms and conditions for contracts related to merchant services and associated services.
- Support legal, regulatory and change projects across Business and Commercial Banking and Corporate and Institutional Banking Legal and Legal & Secretariat.
- Proactively identify, report and call out legal and governance risks and recommend solutions as required.
- Advise on customer and colleague journey enhancements.
- Build and maintain a strong partner network to ensure there is a good understanding of business strategy and pipeline and use that knowledge to help prioritise team activity.
- Manage use of panel law firms and build and maintain strong relationships with external lawyers.
- Help run the team by monitoring our service delivery, finding opportunities to improve the way we work and training the team and our business.
We're on an exciting journey to transform our Group and the way we're shaping finance for good. We're focusing on the future, investing in our technologies, workplaces, and colleagues to make our Group a great place for everyone.
What we're looking for:
- Qualified as a solicitor in the UK (or equivalent qualification).
- Minimum 8 years of experience of 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 and Secretariat and the business to support delivery of strategy.
- Confident in using your experience and insights to influence, advise and challenge business partners.
- Helps identify, mitigate and control legal risk weakness.
- Able to manage your own workload priorities and support more junior colleagues to do the same.
- Can stay on top of and share regulatory, industry and legal change with our team and business.
- Demonstrates commitment to self-development and the development of colleagues.
- Brings enthusiasm and curiosity to the role.
We know that great talent comes from many backgrounds. Whilst this job advert may reference specific years of experience, we recognise that skills are developed in many ways, so if you have relevant, transferable experience, we encourage you to apply.
This is a place for you
We offer reasonable workplace adjustments for colleagues with disabilities, including flexibility in office attendance, location and working patterns. And, as a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee interviews for a fair and proportionate number of applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role with a disability, long-term health or neurodivergent condition through the Disability Confident Scheme.
We also offer a wide-ranging benefits package, which includes:
- A generous pension contribution of up to 15%
- An annual performance-related bonus
- Share schemes including free shares
- Benefits you can adapt to your lifestyle, such as discounted shopping
- 30 days' holiday, with bank holidays on top
- A range of wellbeing initiatives and generous parental leave policies
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Lawyer - Merchant Services (12 months FTC) in Bristol
✨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 LLOYDS BANKING GROUP, 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 Senior Lawyer - Merchant Services (12 months FTC) in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at LLOYDS BANKING GROUP, 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 LLOYDS BANKING GROUP and the specific role of Senior Lawyer - Merchant Services (12 months FTC). 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 LLOYDS BANKING GROUP’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at LLOYDS BANKING GROUP
✨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 LLOYDS BANKING GROUP.
✨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 LLOYDS BANKING GROUP.
