Legal Counsel in Leeds

Legal Counsel in Leeds

Leeds Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide legal advice on corporate matters and support various business functions.
  • Company: Join QBE, an international insurer with a human touch and a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, flexible working options, and a generous pension plan.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your legal expertise.
  • Qualifications: LLB or equivalent, with 2-3 years PQE in corporate law.
  • Other info: Be part of a team recognised for excellence in the insurance industry.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

QBE Europe are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Legal Counsel to provide additional support in our corporate legal team. Working alongside existing Legal Counsel and Head of Legal, Corporate, the successful candidate will play a crucial role in providing legal advice and support on various corporate initiatives, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and contributing to the overall success of the organisation.

Having the right to work in the UK is a requirement for this role. QBE may consider sponsorship at its discretion.

Your New Role

  • Legal Support
    • Provide legal advice on all aspects of corporate matters to business functions including Corporate Development, Capital Management, Compliance, Finance and Treasury.
    • Work with Chief Legal Officer, Head of Legal, Corporate, existing Legal Counsel and Group colleagues to manage and deliver M&A, capital, finance, group (re)structuring/(re)organisation and treasury projects.
    • Review and advise on a variety of other legal contracts and other legal obligations of QBE International companies, both on strategic/project basis and on ad-hoc/single issue basis as required to identify any risk to the business and recommend effective solutions.
    • Develop templates, guides, and toolkits to streamline legal support.
  • Risk Management
    • Identify and assess legal risks and recommend mitigation strategies, be able to act on own initiative, negotiate directly with third parties and to recognise when to seek guidance from senior colleagues.
    • Support internal governance processes to manage legal risks, make recommendations for improvements to existing processes and controls where identified, to implement changes that will enhance effectiveness and meet best practice.
    • An understanding of global sanctions regimes and preferably practical experience in advising on sanctions compliance in the financial services context.
  • Stakeholder Engagement
    • Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to understand legal needs, build and maintain relationships and strategic awareness to assist in the on-going development of the QBE International Legal Team and its promotion within QBE as a valuable resource to the business.
    • Collaborate and manage spend with external counsel and advisors when required.
    • Provide training and guidance on legal and regulatory matters.

About You

  • Bachelor's degree in law (LLB) or equivalent; LLM or other relevant qualifications advantageous.
  • Qualified to practise law in the relevant jurisdiction.
  • Minimum 2-3 years’ PQE experience in a similar role, ideally in-house or within a corporate legal team.
  • Understanding of corporate governance, corporate/commercial law, and regulatory compliance.
  • Excellent drafting, negotiation, research and communication skills.
  • Strong organisational skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
  • Project experience and/or exposure to project management.
  • Practical and commercial awareness.
  • Experience in financial services or insurance sectors.
  • Knowledge and competent understanding of UK/EU company law, competition law, sanctions and data protection regulations.
  • Familiarity with ESG principles and their corporate application.

Benefits

We offer a range of benefits to help provide holistic support for your work life. As a QBE employee you will have access to and benefit from:

  • 30 days holiday a year with the option to buy up to 2 additional days.
  • Flexible working – balancing work and life with options including part-time, job share and compressed hours.
  • Pension – automatic enrolment into the QBE pension plan with employer contributions of 10% of basic salary.

Awards & Recognition

We value our employee’s experience and are proud to have been recognised for the following awards:

  • Insurance Post British Insurance Awards 2025: multiple wins including Commercial Lines Insurer of the Year, Reinsurer of the Year - QBE Re, ESG, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative of the Year, Insurance Personality of the Year - Chris Wallace, Executive Director UK insurance.
  • AXCO Global Insurance Awards 2024 Winner: Network Management of the Year.
  • Insurance Business UK 5-Star Cyber Awards 2024: QBE rated as a 5-Star Cyber Insurer.

To learn more about our achievements, click here.

Apply now and let’s make it happen! If you’re looking for a career that combines your expertise and your empathy, click Apply today.

How to Apply: To submit your application, click "Apply" and follow the step by step process.

Equal Employment Opportunity: QBE is an equal opportunity employer and is required to comply with equal employment opportunity legislation in each jurisdiction it operates.

Legal Counsel in Leeds employer: QBE Europe

At QBE, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values flexibility and employee well-being. With 30 days of holiday, generous pension contributions, and opportunities for professional growth, our London and Leeds locations provide a dynamic environment where you can make a meaningful impact while collaborating with passionate colleagues in the insurance sector.
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Contact Detail:

QBE Europe Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel in Leeds

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, attend industry events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Legal Counsel role.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching QBE and understanding their corporate culture. Think about how your skills in corporate governance and compliance can add value to their team. Show them you’re not just a fit on paper, but a perfect match for their ethos.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your negotiation skills! As a Legal Counsel, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or mentor to get comfortable discussing legal terms and conditions.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the QBE team.

We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel in Leeds

Legal Advice
Corporate Governance
Corporate/Commercial Law
Regulatory Compliance
Drafting Skills
Negotiation Skills
Research Skills
Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Project Management
Risk Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Understanding of UK/EU Company Law
Knowledge of Sanctions Compliance
Familiarity with ESG Principles

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Legal Counsel role. Highlight your relevant experience in corporate law and any specific projects you've worked on that align with what QBE is looking for.

Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills in drafting, negotiation, and compliance can add value to the QBE team. Use examples from your past roles to illustrate your capabilities.

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your key messages about your experience and motivation come through clearly.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people and helps us get to know you better!

How to prepare for a job interview at QBE Europe

✨Know Your Legal Stuff

Make sure you brush up on corporate governance, compliance, and the specific legal frameworks relevant to QBE. Familiarise yourself with UK/EU company law and any recent changes in regulations that could impact the role.

✨Showcase Your Experience

Prepare to discuss your previous roles and how they relate to the responsibilities of a Legal Counsel at QBE. Highlight any M&A projects or risk management experiences you've had, as these will be crucial in demonstrating your fit for the position.

✨Engage with Stakeholders

Think about how you would build relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in the past, especially in a legal context.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in QBE's operations and culture. Inquire about their approach to legal risk management or how they integrate ESG principles into their corporate strategy to demonstrate your proactive mindset.

Legal Counsel in Leeds
QBE Europe
Location: Leeds

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