At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice and lead on complex legal matters.
- Company: Join Railpen, a leader in pension fund management with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous bonus, and a commitment to diversity.
- Other info: Hybrid working model and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape legal strategy and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with 7+ years of commercial legal experience.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Senior Legal Counsel to join our Legal team on a permanent basis in London (hybrid working).
Who we are: Railpen is responsible for the safekeeping and investment of around £34 billion in assets and the administration of several pension schemes, including the Railways Pension Scheme, one of the UK’s largest and longest established pension funds. Our heritage of looking after the pension needs of the rail industry and its employees gives us our name and our unique outlook on how we serve our members. Railpen takes a holistic view, focusing on how we serve members today and how we can positively impact the communities and the world they will retire into.
Role: As Senior Legal Counsel, you will act as a trusted adviser to senior leadership and the business, leading on the most complex legal matters and shaping the organisation’s approach to legal risk. You will play a key role in developing the capability, judgement and performance of legal colleagues, ensuring alignment with Railpen’s values and strategic objectives. This role is responsible for delivering technically excellent, commercially astute and strategically aligned legal advice across a broad range of business areas, including IT, Procurement, HR, Data Privacy, Compliance, Investment Operations and Pensions Administration. A core focus will be on building strong partnerships with senior stakeholders, enabling the business to achieve its objectives while proactively identifying and mitigating risk. You will provide legal leadership on complex, high‑value and high‑risk commercial, data and technology matters, ensuring that Railpen is supported by clear, pragmatic and forward‑thinking advice.
Qualifications: You will be a qualified lawyer with ideally a minimum of seven years’ commercial legal experience, gained within a complex or regulated environment. Previous in‑house experience will be advantageous. You will bring strong technical expertise, coupled with a genuine curiosity and drive to continually develop new skill sets in response to an evolving legal and business landscape. You will demonstrate confidence and credibility in engaging with internal clients and senior stakeholders, with the ability to communicate complex legal matters in a clear, pragmatic and commercially focused way. Your interpersonal skills will enable you to build trusted relationships across the business and influence decision‑making at a senior level.
Benefits: A competitive salary (depending on experience) and a generous annual bonus plan. Railpen is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment; we value diversity and welcome people from all backgrounds and walks of life.
Senior Legal Counsel employer: Railpen Limited
Railpen is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises inclusivity and diversity while managing significant assets for the rail industry. As a Senior Legal Counsel in London, you will benefit from hybrid working arrangements, competitive salaries, and generous bonuses, all while playing a pivotal role in shaping legal strategies that impact communities and members alike. With a strong focus on professional development and collaboration with senior leadership, Railpen provides a unique opportunity to grow your legal expertise in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the legal field! Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at Railpen. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Ace the Informational Interview
If you can, set up an informal chat with someone from Railpen’s legal team. This is your chance to learn more about the company culture and what they really value in a Senior Legal Counsel. Plus, it shows your genuine interest!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to meet with hiring managers, be ready to discuss specific legal challenges you've tackled in the past. Tailor your examples to align with Railpen’s focus areas like data privacy and compliance to really impress them.
✨Follow Up with Flair
After interviews or networking chats, send a personalised thank-you note. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your fit for the role. It’s a small touch that can make a big difference in their decision-making process!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Senior Legal Counsel role. Highlight your commercial legal experience and any in-house roles you've had, as we want to see how you can bring value to our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about joining Railpen and how your background makes you the perfect fit for this position. Be sure to mention your ability to communicate complex legal matters clearly.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills:In your application, emphasise your experience in building relationships with senior stakeholders. We’re looking for someone who can influence decision-making, so share examples of how you've done this in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Railpen Limited
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest legal trends and regulations relevant to Railpen's operations. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in areas like data privacy and compliance.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Since this role involves building strong partnerships with senior stakeholders, think of examples where you've successfully influenced decision-making. Highlight your interpersonal skills and how you've navigated complex relationships in previous roles.
✨Be Pragmatic and Commercially Focused
Railpen is looking for someone who can provide clear and forward-thinking legal advice. Prepare to discuss how you've approached legal challenges in a commercially astute way, ensuring that your advice aligns with business objectives.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Learning
With the legal landscape constantly evolving, show your genuine curiosity and commitment to professional development. Share any recent courses or certifications you've completed that enhance your skill set and keep you ahead of the curve.
