At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the in-house legal function and provide strategic legal support across all business lines.
- Company: A rapidly growing UK-regulated bank with a dynamic team of 450 employees.
- Benefits: Flexible 4-day work week, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a senior leadership team and drive efficiency in legal operations.
- Why this job: Shape the legal function and make a significant impact in a thriving financial services environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with in-house financial services experience, especially in banking.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
A UK-regulated bank with c.450 employees. The business has grown organically over the past decade, quadrupling in value and is now targeting continued significant growth over the next four to six years, supported by a recent private equity investment. The bank operates across property finance, secured lending, recoveries and specialist financial services.
A newly created, sole counsel position reporting to the Chief Risk Officer and sitting on the Senior Leadership Team. The Head of Legal will establish the bank's in-house legal function, reduce reliance on external counsel and deliver commercially focused legal support across all business lines. The role carries significant autonomy, and the incumbent will shape the function.
Key Responsibilities- Advise on Watchlist, Recoveries and distressed lending, with focus on property lending, restructures and enforcement strategy.
- Support lending litigation and dispute management, including guarantee claims and recovery actions.
- Own and maintain the bank's lending and security documentation framework — Facility Agreements, Offer Letters, Terms & Conditions and related core documentation.
- Lead legal structuring support for new products, services and strategic initiatives.
- Provide legal oversight of TPRM and outsourcing arrangements in line with PRA/FCA requirements.
- Draft, review and negotiate supplier and outsourcing contracts, including liability, indemnity, operational resilience and regulatory provisions.
- Support governance, regulatory reporting and outsourcing oversight, including board reporting and regulatory submissions.
- Establish and manage the external legal panel — selection, onboarding, performance management and fee negotiation.
- Drive reduction in external legal spend through strengthened in-house capability and process efficiency.
- Qualified solicitor or barrister with in-house financial services experience, ideally within Banking as a Head of Legal.
- Strong grounding in banking and property finance law — secured lending, recoveries and regulation.
- Sound knowledge of PRA/FCA regulatory requirements, outsourcing frameworks and TPRM obligations.
- Proven ability to draft, review and negotiate complex commercial, lending and supplier agreements.
- Commercially astute — able to deliver clear, pragmatic legal advice to senior stakeholders.
- Track record of managing external panel firms and optimising legal spend.
- Able to operate independently as sole counsel with the gravitas to influence at ExCo level.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Legal - in-house in London
✨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 SSQ, 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 Head of Legal - in-house in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at SSQ, 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 SSQ and the specific role of Head of Legal - in-house. 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 SSQ’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at SSQ
✨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 SSQ.
✨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 SSQ.
