Legal Counsel | S2 | Legal & Corporate Governance, Treasury & Structured Finance Legal | London TSQ

Santander (www.santander.com) is evolving from a global, high-impact brand into a technology-driven organisation, and our people are at the heart of this journey. Together, we are driving a customer-centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what's possible. This is more than a strategic shift. It's a chance for driven professionals to grow, learn, and make a real difference. Our mission is to contribute to help more people and businesses prosper. We embrace a strong risk culture and all our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management.

The Treasury & Structured Finance Legal team is looking for a Trainee Solicitor/Paralegal based in London. This role is a 12-month Secondment. The successful candidate will become part of the Treasury & Structured Finance Legal team and will assist with the provision of legal support to the CFO and CCB Divisions of Santander UK and other business divisions of the Santander UK Group in relation to a broad range of matters, including:

• the Santander UK group unsecured wholesale funding programmes and issuances, including the regular issuance of regulatory capital, MREL, Eurobonds, SEC-registered notes, commercial paper and certificates of deposit;
• the execution of a range of securitisation and structured finance transactions, covering different asset classes (including retail mortgage loans, unsecured personal loans and commercial banking assets);
• the drafting, negotiation and execution of derivatives and securities lending transactions;
• the drafting, negotiation and execution of documentation relating to secured loan linked hedging transactions across a range of asset classes (including commercial lending, real estate finance, social housing, project finance and private credit);
• the drafting, review and negotiation of documentation relevant to the issuance and distribution of structured notes.

The successful candidate will also be expected to spend time and take advantage of opportunities to develop their knowledge and understanding of the legal and regulatory framework(s) applicable to the above financial products.

What you'll bring:

• Practising trainee solicitor or paralegal (required)
• An understanding of/exposure to capital markets transactions, including one or more of the following: EMTN programmes, covered bonds, securitisations or structured notes. Some exposure to/experience of derivatives and/or securities lending/repo transactions. (required)
• Some experience of secured lending, including facility agreements and intercreditor agreements (preferred).
• Experience working as part of a transactional environment (either in private practice or in house) (required)
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills (required)
• Proactive and enthusiastic approach to learning and undertaking tasks to support colleagues (required)
• Ability and willingness to manage a varied workload (required)
• Numeracy skills with good experience of Excel and PowerPoint (preferred)
• Experience of / aptitude for working with AI in a professional / legal environment (preferred)

We value your impact:

At Santander, your contribution matters. We recognise the difference you make every day, and we make sure you feel valued, supported and rewarded in return. Here, recognition goes beyond pay. It's about the pride you feel in your work, the impact you have on customers and communities, and the opportunities you have to grow and thrive - personally and professionally.

Salary and benefits:

• Salary Range: £52,181.00 - £78,271.00 per annum (depending on experience)
• £500 annual cash allowance to spend on our great range of benefits.
• 27 days' holiday plus bank holidays, which increases to 28 days after 5 years service, with the option to purchase up to 5 contractual days per year.
• Voluntary healthcare benefits at discounted rates, including medical insurance, dental insurance, and health assessments.
• We put 8% of salary into your pension, even if you don't contribute yourself. We'll pay in up to 12.5% of salary, if you contribute as well, and you can take some of our contribution in cash if you prefer.
• Protection for you and your family, with company-funded death-in-service benefit and income protection insurance, and the option to take advantage of discounted rates for additional life assurance and critical illness cover.
• Share in Santander's success by saving or investing in our share plans.
• As a Santander UK employee, you are able to request staff versions of our products like our Edge Current Accounts and Credit Cards with no fees, as well as apply to many other deals and discounts in Santander products and services.
• Competitive rewards that reflect the real impact you make and the value you bring.
• Wellbeing that goes beyond work - we work with a range of wellbeing partners across our 4 pillars of wellbeing (physical, mental, social and financial) to give you access to a suite of apps, discounted gym and fitness access, weekly online classes, flexible healthcare and mental health support.
• Support for every life stage - from menopause and pregnancy to parenthood and beyond, with enhanced family leave, childcare options and tailored wellbeing support.
• Time to give back through volunteering opportunities that let you make a difference in the communities we serve.
• Global growth opportunities to shape your career, learn new skills and explore what's possible across our international network.

Local compliance:

At Santander, we're proud to be an inclusive organisation that provides equal opportunities for everyone - regardless of age, gender, disability, civil status, race, religion or sexual orientation. We want our people to thrive - at work and at home - while delivering the best outcomes for our customers and supporting each other to grow. To make this possible, our roles are site-based with a hybrid working pattern, where colleagues are expected to attend the office at least 12 days per month (pro-rata for part-time roles). When applying, please consider the travel distance, time and cost to your chosen office location(s).

What to do next:

If this sounds like a role you are interested in, then please apply. If there's anything we can do in the recruitment process to help you achieve your best, get in touch. Whether it's a copy of our application form in another format or additional assistance, we're available through email. You can contact us at resourcing@santander.co.uk.