Legal Counsel (UK based) in London

Pirum, a dynamic Fintech/SaaS platform provider that has the investment backing and aspiration for global expansion, is looking for a commercially minded Legal Counsel in its London headquarters. This is a great opportunity for a mid-level lawyer looking to support the business on a wide variety of legal (advisory and transactional) matters as it continues its ambitious growth plans.

Alongside the General Counsel and Senior Compliance Manager, the Legal Counsel plays a pivotal role within Pirum’s Legal & Compliance function, ensuring an effective second line of defence within FCA regulated service company.

As Legal Counsel, you will be covering a wide variety of matters, including:

• acting as the first point of contact for the business with respect to ad hoc legal queries/requests;
• independently managing contract negotiations with clients, vendors and collaboration partners;
• liaising with external legal counsel on project work and ad hoc matters;
• maintaining contract templates, playbooks and trackers;
• keeping informed of relevant legal/regulatory developments and advising of changes that impact the business.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide day‑to‑day legal advice to the business on complex legal matters, contract negotiations, regulatory compliance issues, and potential legal risk across Sales, Technology, Information Security and Product Development and People functions, leveraging external counsel as required.
• Lead in the preparation of complex contracts on a wide range of technology contracts including SaaS, cloud services, and subcontractor agreements together with clients, vendors and collaboration partners.
• In collaboration with the GC negotiate commercial agreements, to ensure legal terms protect Pirum’s interests.
• Assist with updating contract templates and continuous improvements to internal legal processes and procedures.
• Support the Information Security and Compliance functions with RFQs and audit processes, including SOC audits, as well as market data provider and client‑due diligence exercises.
• Provide advice on IP matters, including ownership, licensing and protection of Pirum's technology and data assets.
• Manage and oversee relationships with external legal counsel and other legal service providers.
• In collaboration with Compliance, Finance and People, coordinate and feed into periodic PE investor reports relating to ESG and DEI matters.
• Lead on Pirum’s annual carbon certification and offsetting exercises as well as on periodic ESOS reporting.
• Assist the GC with the preparation of monthly Board packs and ad‑hoc PE investor updates on Legal, Compliance and Risk matters.
• In collaboration with Compliance, identify, analyse and advise on legal/regulatory developments impacting the business and ensure that contractual templates are kept up to date.

Experience, Skills, Competencies & Attributes

• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales with at least 2 years for a Legal Counsel or 4‑10 years for a Senior Legal Counsel of PQE.
• Previous in‑house experience with a strong tech exposure is desirable.
• Strong experience in Technology and IT law, Commercial Contracts, DORA, Data Protection and Privacy is essential.
• Background in financial services, securities finance, regulation and corporate law / M&A background, including familiarity with FCA‑regulated or complex financial services and banking environments, is beneficial.
• Keen interest in legal technology, AI tools and automation, with an appetite for applying new developments to improve internal legal processes and create efficiencies.
• Highly organised and able to thrive in a fast‑paced environment by effectively prioritising and managing multiple time‑sensitive matters.
• Excellent written/verbal communication skills and ability to convey complex concepts in a clear and simple, business‑friendly manner.
• Strong analytical skills, coupled with a commercial and solution‑orientated approach.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a consistent track record of relationship‑building while working across functions and regions as a member of a diverse team.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
• Proficient in Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

Qualifications

• Strong academic record.
• Qualified solicitor in England & Wales (or equivalent common law jurisdiction).

Equal Opportunities Statement

Pirum is an Equal Opportunities employer. We see diversity as integral to our success as a company and are committed to providing an inclusive, mutually respectful workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment. We believe in recognising our people based on merit and ability alone and do not discriminate, or tolerate discrimination, whether on the basis of race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins), sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy/maternity, religion or belief.