At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic legal team supporting asset management with exciting projects.
- Company: Standard Life, a leading financial services company with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £75,000, flexible working, 38 days leave, and private medical cover.
- Other info: Inclusive environment welcoming diverse backgrounds and offering excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing team while developing your legal skills.
- Qualifications: Strong legal drafting skills and experience in investment agreements.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 75000 £ per year.
Job Type: Permanent
Location: This role could be based in either our Birmingham, Edinburgh or London offices with time spent working in the office and at home.
Flexible working: All roles are open to part-time, job-share and other types of flexibility. We will discuss what is important to you and balancing this with business requirements during the recruitment process.
Closing Date: 15/04/2026
Salary and benefits: Starting from £75,000 doe plus an indicative bonus range of 16-32%, private medical cover, 38 days annual leave, excellent pension, 12x salary life assurance, career breaks, income protection, 3x volunteering days and much more.
The role: This is an excellent opportunity for a lawyer to join as a Legal Counsel on a permanent basis primarily supporting the Standard Life Asset Management team, which has responsibility for overseeing the management of the Group’s assets which are in excess of £290 billion. This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly motivated legal team. This role demands high energy and self-confidence as well as pragmatism and curiosity to learn. It offers the opportunity to develop your knowledge and legal skills alongside a creative and growing function that is seeking to build a best in class in‑house asset management team, which includes expanding its internal team’s capacity for sourcing and managing direct illiquid asset origination as a complement to mandates with external investment managers.
What are we looking for?
- Excellent legal document drafting and negotiation skills.
- Experience of advising on and negotiating on investment services agreements such as investment management agreements, custody agreements, fund link agreements and ancillary services agreements.
- Experience of advising on and negotiating investment related commercial contracts such as IT agreements and market data licences.
- Ability to manage external counsel to ensure cost‑effective, business‑aligned support.
- Excellent relationship‑building skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues across the General Counsel function, senior stakeholders and external suppliers.
We want to hire the whole version of you. We are committed to ensuring that everyone feels accepted and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If your experience looks different from what we’ve advertised and you believe that you can bring value to the role, we’d love to hear from you. If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please let us know so we can help you to be at your best. We’re reviewing applications as they come in, so apply early to avoid missing out.
Find out more about working at Standard Life.
Legal Counsel employer: Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group)
Standard Life is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment across its Birmingham, Edinburgh, and London offices. With a strong commitment to flexible working arrangements, generous benefits including 38 days of annual leave, private medical cover, and opportunities for career growth, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. Join a motivated legal team that values collaboration and innovation, where your contributions will directly impact the management of over £290 billion in assets.
Contact Details:
Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 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 Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group), 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
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group), 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 Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group) 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 Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group)’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group)
✨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 Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group).
✨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 Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group).
