At a Glance
- Tasks: Support employment law matters and advise on regulatory issues in a dynamic banking environment.
- Company: Join Starling Bank, Britain's first digital bank, revolutionising the banking experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and generous family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; we welcome all applicants.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to reshape banking and solve real customer problems.
- Qualifications: 6-10 years PQE with strong employment law experience, preferably in financial services.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Banking was broken – so we decided to fix it.
Fast technology, fair service and honest values.
All at the tap of a phone, all the time.
We built Britain's first digital bank.
One hard-won banking licence later, we set about giving people a new way to spend, save and manage their money (and take better care of the planet, too).
We're changing banking for good.
Back then, we were obsessed with unravelling the knotty world of finance and solving people's problems rather than selling them stuff.
Over four million accounts (and four account types!).
Headquartered in London with offices in Cardiff, Dublin, Manchester and Southampton.
Recommended Provider and Britain's Best Banking Brand.
From our approach to working together and sustainability to how we build our products, our decisions need to make the world – and Starling – a better place to be.
Everyone at Starling is essential to our mission, which is really quite simple: to solve our customer's problems – and build the best bank in the world!
And now we're providing Starling to other banks, via a Software-as-a-Service (Saa S) proposition through our subsidiary Engine, using the proprietary technology platform that it uses to power our own bank.
We are looking for a senior employment lawyer to support the business on all contentious and non-contentious employment matters.
The role will report directly to the team's Group Head of Employment Legal.
Advising the People team and, sometimes, the wider business on all aspects of employment law, including on employment related regulatory issues such as the application of the SMCR and FCA's Code of Conduct; Delivering and managing legal support to the Group throughout the entire employee life cycle, including policy, hiring (including executive service agreements), dismissals, grievances and appeals, disciplinaries, settlement agreements and employment status matters; Delivering and managing legal support to the corporate and commercial legal functions, including on the application of TUPE; Advising on regulatory issues associated with financial services and banking; Managing international projects for Engine by Starling, either in EMEA or globally, including working with external counsel; Working with the Group's Reward team to advise on compensation arrangements, including on the operation of malus and clawback, deferred compensation arrangements and remunerat Ion policies; Managing multiple projects and supporting colleagues to ensure business and enterprise-wide initiatives are executed in a timely and accurate manner; Providing employment law training to the People team and wider business; Requirements Excellent legal training and 6-10 years' PQE gained at a law firm and/or in-house; Very strong technical employment law experience; Experience of banking and financial services; Experience handling regulatory issues in the context of the SMCR, conduct, remuneration matters, and regulatory inquiries; In-house experience in financial services would be preferred, but is not essential for the right candidate.
Benefits25 days holiday (plus take your public holiday allowance whenever works best for you)An extra day's holiday for your birthday Annual leave is increased with length of service, and you can choose to buy or sell up to five extra days off16 hours paid volunteering time a year Salary sacrifice, company enhanced pension scheme Life insurance at 4x your salary Private Medical Insurance with Vitality Health including mental health support and cancer care.
Partner benefits include discounts with Waitrose, Mr&Mrs Smith and Peloton Generous family-friendly policies Perkbox membership giving access to retail discounts, a wellness platform for physical and mental health, and weekly free and boosted perks Access to initiatives like Cycle to Work and Salary Sacrificed Gym partnerships About Us You may be put off applying for a role because you don't tick every box.
While we can't accommodate every flexible working request, we're always open to discussion.
We're on a mission to radically reshape banking – and that starts with our brilliant team.
Starling Bank is an equal opportunity employer, and we're proud of our ongoing efforts to foster diversity & inclusion in the workplace.
Individuals seeking employment at Starling Bank are considered without regard to race, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, ancestry, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
By submitting your application, you agree that Starling Bank may collect your personal data for recruiting and related purposes.
Job Summary ID: 7868014AFBDepartment: Corporate Functions, Legal
Senior Legal Counsel - Banking in London employer: Starling Bank
At Engine by Starling, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions innovation and collaboration within the banking technology sector. Our flexible working culture, generous benefits including 33 days of holiday and private medical insurance, and commitment to employee growth create a supportive environment where legal professionals can thrive. Located in a dynamic and rapidly growing company, you'll have the opportunity to work on impactful projects while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel - Banking 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 Starling Bank, 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 - Banking in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Starling Bank, 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 Starling Bank and the specific role of Senior Legal Counsel - Banking. 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 Starling Bank’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Starling Bank
✨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 Starling Bank.
✨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 Starling Bank.