At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver expert legal advice and manage projects across various banking sectors.
- Company: Join a leading bank with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Hybrid working model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on legal technology and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the financial sector while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience as a solicitor with knowledge of banking law and regulatory issues.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
Join us as a Legal Counsel. This is an excellent opportunity to deliver the legal strategy and provide expert, accurate and cost-effective legal advice. Your role will sit within our Customer Finance Legal Centre of Expertise, so we’ll need you to have an understanding of associated legal and regulatory issues. You’ll be recognised as a strategic thinker and an expert in your field, gaining exposure to stakeholders across the bank and externally. In this hybrid role, you'll spend a minimum of two days every week working from your office location.
What you'll do:
- Manage and coordinate the delivery of legal advice, supporting business areas across the bank including Retail, Private Banking & Wealth Management and Commercial & Institutional.
- Work closely with stakeholders and legal and regulatory colleagues to ensure the timely, effective and efficient delivery of all issues, projects and initiatives related to products, services, customer journeys, digital and transactional matters either directly or through a team.
- Ensure that legal advice is readily understandable to non-lawyers, delivered within relevant timescales, and manages and minimises legal and regulatory risks.
- Deliver continuous improvement in operating practices and processes, including adopting new ways of working and using legal technology to identify efficiencies, improvements and opportunities to reduce costs.
- Provide communication of internal and external legal advice and help deliver transactions and projects to stakeholders in a commercial, user-friendly and efficient manner.
- Manage legal costs through the use of e-billing, auctions and other cost tools and drive a culture of disciplined cost management and controls.
The skills you'll need:
- Experience as a solicitor, providing legal, regulatory and commercial advice in relation to transactions and projects either in-house or in a leading UK law firm.
- In-depth knowledge of general banking law and practice, the UK regulatory environment and the financial services industry, coupled with the ability to establish and maintain strong relationships across the bank.
- Knowledge of our Retail, Private Banking & Wealth Management and Commercial & Institutional business activities along with the commercial environment within which the bank operates and associated legal and regulatory issues.
- Experience of working with leading law firms and other professional advisers and consultants.
- The ability to keep up to date with and share relevant legal, regulatory, market and legal technology developments, applying relevant insights to day-to-day practice and delivering legal and regulatory change.
- Confidence in using legal technology tools, including AI-assisted research and drafting, document automation, e-billing, matter management and collaboration platforms, and openness to learning and adopting AI-assisted workflows and digital-first service delivery.
- The ability to set and achieve high-performance targets and use management information, dashboards and operational data to inform priorities, measure outcomes and drive efficiency.
Hours: 35
Ways of Working: Hybrid
Legal Counsel in Edinburgh employer: RBS
At NatWest Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions diversity and innovation. Our Engineering Insights Experience for Women in London offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the tech landscape of banking, while benefiting from a supportive work culture that fosters personal and professional growth. With hands-on experiences, networking opportunities, and the potential to progress into our internship programme, you'll be empowered to turn your ambition into action in a dynamic and inclusive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel in Edinburgh
✨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 RBS, 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 in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at RBS, 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 RBS and the specific role of Legal Counsel. 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 RBS’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at RBS
✨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 RBS.
✨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 RBS.
