At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice, draft documents, and support strategic initiatives in a banking context.
- Company: Established Edinburgh-based bank with a close-knit, high-profile team.
- Benefits: Up to £105,000 salary, excellent bonus, and comprehensive benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to work on innovative governance projects.
- Why this job: Broaden your legal expertise while influencing key stakeholders and driving strategic objectives.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 6+ years of experience in private practice or in-house.
The predicted salary is between 105000 - 105000 £ per year.
Are you a qualified solicitor looking to broaden your remit beyond pure legal advisory work within a close-knit, high-profile team? Due to exciting growth, we are recruiting on behalf of an established Edinburgh-based bank looking for a Legal Counsel to join their Legal & Corporate Affairs team. This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded lawyer to take on a genuinely varied brief – combining hands‑on legal work with company secretarial and wider governance responsibilities, deputising for the Chief Legal & Corporate Affairs Officer, and influencing stakeholders at all levels across the Bank.
Responsibilities for the successful Legal Counsel to include:
- Provide high-quality, commercially focused legal and governance advice across a broad range of matters, helping the Bank meet its legal and governance obligations while supporting the delivery of its strategic objectives within the agreed risk appetite.
- Provide pragmatic and commercial legal and governance advice within a UK private banking context, acting as a key day‑to‑day legal contact for the business.
- Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of documentation, including client and product documentation and commercial/supplier contracts.
- Support the delivery of strategic initiatives, change projects and new product development, balancing legal and regulatory risk with commercial objectives.
- Identify, assess and manage legal and regulatory risks, contributing to the development of frameworks, policies and processes.
- Act as Secretary for Management and Board-level Committees, including preparing and collating papers, minuting meetings, and advising stakeholders on governance pathways and decision-making.
- Act as a key point of contact for shareholder matters, including responding to queries.
- Undertake legal and governance horizon scanning, providing insight and reporting on relevant developments.
- Manage external legal counsel, ensuring effective outcomes and robust cost control.
- Build strong relationships across the business, translate complex issues into clear, actionable guidance, and contribute to the development of the legal function, including improving templates and processes and supporting the adoption of technology, such as AI, to enhance the team's delivery, efficiency and insight.
- Support and deputise for the Chief Legal & Corporate Affairs Officer as required.
Requirements for the successful Legal Counsel to include:
- Qualified solicitor (Scotland or England & Wales) with significant post-qualification experience (typically 6+ years), gained in private practice and/or in-house.
- Strong technical grounding in commercial contracts and both personal and corporate law, with a sound understanding of the legal and regulatory framework applicable to private banking.
- Experience of, or a genuine willingness to learn and devote a material portion of the role to, company secretarial and corporate governance, including supporting the Board and committees.
- The communication skills and gravitas to interact with and influence at Board and executive level, presenting complex legal issues clearly and persuasively.
- Excellent drafting and negotiation skills, with strong analytical and problem-solving capability and the ability to proactively assess and mitigate legal risk.
Legal Counsel (Banking) in Scotland employer: Montpellier Resourcing
Join an established Edinburgh-based bank that values its employees and fosters a collaborative work environment. As a Legal Counsel, you will enjoy competitive remuneration, including an excellent bonus and benefits package, while working alongside a close-knit team dedicated to professional growth and development. The bank's commitment to innovation and strategic initiatives ensures that you will have the opportunity to influence key stakeholders and contribute meaningfully to the organisation's success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel (Banking) in Scotland
✨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 Montpellier Resourcing, 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 (Banking) in Scotland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Montpellier Resourcing, 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 Montpellier Resourcing and the specific role of Legal Counsel (Banking). 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 Montpellier Resourcing’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Montpellier Resourcing
✨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 Montpellier Resourcing.
✨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 Montpellier Resourcing.
