Junior Lawyer in London

About SEI Investments (Europe) Limited (SEI)

SEI's operation in London is primarily concerned with two aspects of its global business: providing innovative platform services to clients in the UK, including investment processing and custody, and management and distribution of its investment fund range, distributing to retail investors through third-party distribution channels and to institutional investors as part of a wider advice and implementation offering. The SEI Legal team advises on regulatory matters and supports the negotiation and drafting of a wide range of commercial, client and vendor agreements. The team works closely with colleagues across SEI's global Legal and Compliance functions and engages external counsel where appropriate.

Key Objectives of the Role

This role is suited to a qualified solicitor with up to 12–18 months' post-qualification experience who is seeking to develop a broad in-house skillset within financial services. The Lawyer will support SEI Legal team in providing legal advice to SEI's UK business, with a primary focus on transactional and commercial legal work, alongside exposure to regulatory and legal matters relevant to the business. The role is intended as a development position for a junior lawyer, with close supervision, support from senior lawyers and opportunities to build experience and confidence over time. The role offers regular interaction with internal stakeholders and, with experience, exposure to clients and third-party vendors within an evolving and innovative sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing legal support to SEI, including assisting senior lawyers on the negotiation and renegotiation of commercial and outsourcing agreements with clients and vendors.
• Drafting and negotiating a range of financial services agreements, under appropriate supervision, including custody, distribution, dealing and terms of business agreements.
• Assisting with the drafting and negotiation of fund distribution agreements with third-party fund managers and distributors for the distribution of third-party funds on SEI's Global Wealth Platform.
• Identifying legal and regulatory issues and escalating matters appropriately to the UK General Counsel or senior lawyers within the team, as appropriate.
• Working collaboratively with members of SEI's Legal and Compliance teams in London and globally, as well as with external counsel and other business stakeholders across the SEI group.
• Supporting other legal matters impacting SEI's UK activities, as required.

Ongoing Responsibilities

• Developing and maintaining a basic working knowledge, with guidance, of relevant legal and regulatory developments affecting financial services and fintech, including FCA rules relating to outsourcing, client assets, data protection and conflicts of interest.
• Ensuring internal legal systems and data reference points are maintained accurately and consistently.
• Embedding risk awareness into day-to-day legal advice and decision-making, in line with SEI's policies and procedures.
• Completing all required risk management and compliance training and adhering to FCA requirements.
• Actively engaging in learning, training and development opportunities within the Legal and Compliance teams.

Position Requirements

• Qualified solicitor with up to 12–18 months' post-qualification experience, ideally within financial services.
• Experience in corporate and/or commercial matters, gained in private practice or within an in-house legal department, would be beneficial.
• Exposure to reviewing or assisting with transactional and commercial documentation relating to a range of financial services agreements would be advantageous but not essential.
• An interest in developing knowledge of the FCA Handbook, including key rules governing outsourcing and client money.

Key Competencies

• Good drafting skills with strong attention to detail, with a willingness to learn and improve through feedback.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to ask questions and seek clarification when needed.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage tasks and deadlines.
• A thoughtful and pragmatic approach, with awareness of risk and when to expand issues.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative legal team and to seek guidance when appropriate.
• Enthusiasm for learning, developing new skills and building an in-house legal career within financial services.

Equal Opportunities

SEI is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

About SEI

SEI (NASDAQ:SEIC) is a leading global provider of investment processing, fund processing, and investment management business outsourcing solutions that help corporations, financial institutions, financial advisers and ultra-high-net-worth families create and manage wealth. SEI Investments (Europe) Ltd (SIEL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of SEI and is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK to provide certain regulated services.

SEI's competitive advantage: To help you stay energised, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of benefits including comprehensive care for your physical and mental well-being, strong pension plan, tuition reimbursement, hybrid working environment, and a work-life balance that enable you to relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.

We are a technology and asset management company delivering on our promise of building brave futures (SM) — for our clients, our communities, and ourselves. Come build your brave future at SEI.

SEI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and so much more...

After over 50 years, SEI remains a leading global provider of investment management, investment processing and investment operations solutions. Reflecting our experience within financial services and financial technology our UK office is based between the City of London and the growing technology hub of Shoreditch. The open plan nature of our office space, flowing lines and numerous art installations are designed to encourage innovation and creativity in our workforce. We recognise that our people are our most valuable asset and are (literally) invested in your success; we know that a healthy work-life balance is important and we offer employee benefits such as private medical care for your family, access to GPs online for appointments, enhanced family leave, volunteer days, access to thriving employee networks and not forgetting free fruit.

SEI Investments (Europe) Ltd (SIEL) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 191713).

AI Acceptable Use in the application and interview process: SEI acknowledges the growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools into individuals' personal and professional lives. If you intend to incorporate the use of any AI tools at any stage of the application and/or interview process, please ensure you have reviewed and adhere to our AI use guidelines.