At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic legal team providing advice on fund launches and regulatory projects.
- Company: M&G, a leading asset management firm with over 175 years of innovation.
- Benefits: 38 days annual leave, flexible working, and a valuable pension scheme.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse backgrounds and offering excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in asset management while enjoying a supportive work culture.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with 5+ years PQE in funds and asset management.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
At M&G, our purpose is to give everyone real confidence to put their money to work. With a heritage dating back more than 175 years, we have a long history of innovation in savings and investments, combining asset management and insurance expertise to offer a wide range of solutions. Our two distinct operating segments, Asset Management and Life, work together to provide access to balanced, long-term investment and savings solutions.
We are recruiting an experienced funds/asset management lawyer to join as a permanent member of the Asset Management Legal team within M&G. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic in-house legal team which has a mixture of funds and trading legal specialists. The role will involve providing legal advice and sound commercial risk assessments on legal issues including fund/product structuring, supporting strategic growth and change projects and regulatory change projects.
Key Responsibilities
- The role covers the full range of asset management skills including legal advisory, fund/product design, structuring and maintenance, drafting and negotiating fund documentation, investment management/investment advisory agreements and related documentation, regulatory work and supporting the company’s strategic projects.
- The role encompasses providing legal support on product launches (fund launches, IMAs, IAAs), providing general legal advice to the asset management business, regulatory advice on compliance matters, advising on strategic and regulatory change projects.
Qualifications
Essential
- Qualified lawyer
- Strong academic background
Preferred/Desirable
- Qualification in a common law jurisdiction
Knowledge & Experience
- 5+ years PQE working in the funds team of a law firm and/or in-house team of an asset manager with demonstrable experience working on fund launches and negotiating IMAs for segregated mandates
- An excellent understanding of the asset management business/value chain and the relevant regulatory framework applicable to asset managers (in particular MiFID II, EMIR and SFTR)
- Ability to build and develop relationships with key internal stakeholders and experience in reporting to executive committees
- Proficiency in English essential (contract negotiation level)
Preferred/Desirable
- Experience in structuring private funds
- An understanding of Luxembourg and Irish fund structures and fund documentation
- Experience of working in a cross-border environment
- Experience working with and managing external counsel in a multi-jurisdictional context
Personal Qualities
- Strong drafting and analytical skills and excellent attention to detail, sound judgement and is decisive
- A willingness to challenge/debate and offer own views
- Tenacious, willing to go beyond the job description
- Transparent and a good communicator. Works most effectively when collaborating within the team and across other functions
- Resilience and strength of character that enables effective communication across all levels of the organisation
- Strong organisational skills
- Flexible with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and fluid deadlines.
Experience Level: Manager/Expert
What we offer
We’re dedicated to supporting your wellbeing and helping you thrive, both at work and beyond. Our benefits are designed to help you balance your professional and personal life, and financially plan for the future. Our UK benefits include:
- A valuable pension scheme of up to 18% (13% made up of employer contributions and 5% employee contributions).
- Access to our Share Save and Share Incentive Plan, alongside financial wellbeing and support services.
- Enjoy 38 days annual leave (including bank holidays), with the opportunity to purchase up to five extra days.
- Our Time Off When You Need It policy gives you the flexibility to balance work and personal commitments.
- Our market-leading Inspiring Families policy includes comprehensive support and paid parental leave covering maternity, adoption, surrogacy, and paternity leave.
- Health & Protection cover includes Private Healthcare, Critical Illness cover and Life Assurance for you, with additional family options.
At M&G we strive to have a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture, underpinned by our policies and employee-led networks that offer networking, support and development opportunities for the diverse communities our colleagues represent. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds – across gender, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation and more – including neurodivergent individuals, career returners and those with military service experience. M&G is proud to be Level 3: Disability Confident Leader under the UK Government Disability Confident employer scheme, and we welcome applications from candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions.
If you would like to participate in the initiative, you will have the opportunity to indicate this on your application. We are committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process. All candidates have the opportunity to request reasonable adjustments when applying. If you need any additional support at any stage, please contact us at: careers@mandg.com
Legal Counsel (Funds) employer: MG
M&G is an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where actuaries can thrive in their roles while contributing to meaningful projects. With a strong focus on employee growth, M&G offers numerous professional development opportunities and encourages a supportive environment that values diverse perspectives. Located in the UK, employees benefit from a dynamic market presence and the chance to work alongside industry leaders in a forward-thinking organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel (Funds)
✨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 MG, 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 Legal Counsel (Funds)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at MG, 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 MG and the specific role of Legal Counsel (Funds). 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 MG’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at MG
✨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 MG.
✨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 MG.
