At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead on complex legal matters and provide strategic advice to senior leadership.
- Company: Join Railpen, a key player in managing £34 billion in pension assets.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous bonus plan, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and offers career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of pension schemes and community welfare.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with 7+ years of commercial legal experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ 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.
The 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.
The Person
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.
What we can offer you
- A competitive salary (depending on experience)
- Generous annual bonus plan
Next Steps
Please apply for the apply button or visit Careers Page by Tuesday 23rd June 2026. 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 in London employer: Railpen
Railpen is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises inclusivity and professional growth. As a Senior Legal Counsel in London, you will benefit from hybrid working arrangements, competitive salaries, and a generous bonus plan, all while contributing to the meaningful mission of safeguarding pension assets for the rail industry. With a focus on developing your skills and building strong partnerships across the organisation, Railpen provides a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on communities and the future of its members.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel in London
✨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 or former Railpen employees. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in complex legal matters. Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in areas like data privacy or compliance. We want to see your skills in action!
✨Ask Smart Questions
During interviews, come prepared with insightful questions about Railpen’s legal strategies and how they align with their values. This shows you're not just interested in the role, but also genuinely care about the company’s mission and culture.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our Careers Page! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Railpen team and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that align with the Senior Legal Counsel role. Highlight your commercial legal experience and any in-house roles you've had, as these will resonate well with us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for Railpen. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to provide clear and pragmatic legal advice, especially in complex environments.
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:We value strong relationships at Railpen, so make sure to highlight your interpersonal skills in your application. Share examples of how you've influenced decision-making or built trust with senior stakeholders in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you can explore more about our values and culture while you're there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Railpen
✨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 practical 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 curiosity and commitment to professional development. Share any recent courses or certifications you've completed, and how they’ve equipped you to handle new challenges in the legal field.
