Senior Legal Counsel

Senior Legal Counsel

Full-Time 53438 - 65313 £ / year (est.) Hybrid
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Advise on compliance matters and shape governance for our international trading business.
  • Company: Join RWE Supply & Trading, a leader in energy markets with a diverse team.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace that values passion and willingness to learn.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on compliance in a dynamic, international environment.
  • Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with experience in compliance and strong analytical skills.

The predicted salary is between 53438 - 65313 £ per year.

  • RWE Supply & Trading Gmb H
  • To start as soon as possible, full time / part time, permanent

Join RWE Supply & Trading’s Corporate Compliance team and advise our UK and international commodity trading business.

Your focus will be on shaping compliance governance, developing our Compliance Management System (CMS) and advising on sanctions and wider corporate compliance matters.

You’ll work directly with commercial teams and specialists to turn complex legal requirements into practical controls and clear business decisions.

You’ll also work with specialists on market conduct, regulatory requirements and exchange rules.

About the role

  • Advise on sanctions, anti-bribery and corruption, anti-money laundering and compliance-related contractual matters.
  • Give practical, risk-based advice on business relationships, transactions and new activities.
  • Shape compliance governance and develop the CMS across commodities, markets and jurisdictions.
  • Translate group policies into local processes and controls, clarify responsibilities and support risk assessments and reporting.
  • Act as a compliance contact for the UK business, working with international commercial and support teams and drawing on specialist expertise for market conduct, regulatory requirements and exchange rules.
  • Support business initiatives and complex transactions, including M&A compliance due diligence and entry into new markets.
  • Identify risks early and help teams address them.
  • Lead or support compliance investigations, proceedings and dispute resolution.

Coordinate responses to enquiries from regulators and exchanges, including the FCA and Ofgem, and involve external counsel where appropriate.

  • Support internal and external audits and use the findings to improve the CMS.
  • Develop guidance and processes that teams can use day to day, and deliver practical compliance training across the global business.
  • Job requirements and experience
  • You are a solicitor qualified in England and Wales, with substantial relevant post-qualification experience and the judgement to advise senior stakeholders.
  • You have practical experience in sanctions, compliance governance or both, and can develop your expertise across the wider compliance remit.
  • You bring strong analytical skills and commercial awareness.
  • You can assess unfamiliar legal and business issues, prioritise competing demands and deliver accurate, timely advice.
  • You take ownership of your work and collaborate effectively across functions and jurisdictions.
  • You’re confident advising and constructively challenging senior stakeholders.
  • You communicate clearly in written and spoken English and can explain complex requirements in terms colleagues can act on.
  • Advantageous, but not essential
  • Experience advising regulated businesses, particularly in commodity trading, energy trading or banking.
  • Relevant compliance or regulatory experience gained in a law firm or with a regulatory authority.
  • Additional language skills.

RWE is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment – we value your passion, your willingness to learn and your desire to thrive.

Even if you don't have all the above skills, need flexible working arrangements or other adjustments not yet listed here, we'd love to hear from you.

  • Your benefits
  • Varied legal and compliance work in an international commodity trading business, with opportunities to broaden your expertise across markets and jurisdictions.
  • Scope to take ownership and shape how our compliance framework works in practice, with direct access to commercial teams and senior management.
  • An open, collaborative team, competitive terms of employment, a range of benefits and a good work–life balance.

RWE is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment – we value your passion, your willingness to learn and your desire to thrive.

Even if you don't have all the above skills, need flexible working arrangements or other adjustments not yet listed here, we'd love to hear from you.

We value diversity and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of gender, disability, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, age, sexual orientation, and identity. #inclusionmatters

RWE Supply & Trading is our connection to the world’s energy markets.

Headquartered in Essen, Germany, the company operates one of Europe’s largest and most advanced energy trading floors.

A diverse team of over 2,300 professionals from around 90 countries trades electricity, gas, commodities, and CO2 emission allowances.

With precise market analysis and a strong customer focus, we create innovative energy supply solutions and tailored risk management concepts for industrial clients.

We also ensure the commercial optimisation of RWE’s power plant portfolio and market the electricity generated by RWE.

In addition, legally independent RWE gas storage companies operate in Germany, contributing to a secure energy supply.

Senior Legal Counsel employer: RWE

RWE is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the Little Barford Power Station where collaboration and proactive engagement are key. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, comprehensive pension scheme, and ample training opportunities for personal and professional growth, all within a supportive culture that values teamwork and innovation.

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Contact Details:

RWE Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel

✨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 RWE, 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 Senior Legal Counsel

Legal Qualification in England and Wales
Compliance Governance
Sanctions Advisory
Anti-Bribery and Corruption Knowledge
Anti-Money Laundering Expertise
Risk Assessment
Regulatory Requirements Understanding

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at RWE, 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 RWE and the specific role of Senior 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 RWE’s culture!

How to prepare for a job interview at RWE

✨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 RWE.

✨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 RWE.