At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal counsel on innovative payment technologies and collaborate with global teams.
- Company: Join Visa's dynamic CMS Legal Team at the forefront of fintech innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to work in a cutting-edge environment.
- Other info: 13-month contract with opportunities for growth in a fast-paced, collaborative setting.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the evolving fintech landscape while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Juris Doctorate and strong communication skills; experience in regulated businesses preferred.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
This role is within Visa’s growing and dynamic Commercial & Money Movement Solutions (CMS) Legal Team. The CMS Legal Team works at the cutting edge of new payment technologies, innovation and the fintech industry in an increasingly regulated environment, which brings unique and novel challenges and opportunities every day. This role is for a full‑time contractor for a 13‑month period, starting July 2026 to mid‑August 2027.
Responsibilities
- Provide counsel and legal advice to Visa’s CMS team, including Visa Direct and Visa Commercial Solutions, across a variety of legal areas related to commercial, product, regulatory, privacy, and IP, to help the CMS team achieve key business objectives.
- Lead review of product‑related marketing materials, public relations and corporate communications.
- Manage regulatory support and evaluate how shifts in regulatory landscapes may impact Visa and its partners.
- Draft, review, negotiate and advise on contracts, including pilot agreements, partner bank agreements, and developing forms.
- Work with other Visa departments across the globe to ensure contracts and advice accurately reflects business needs and policies.
- Apply strong collaboration and partnership skills to foster multiple strong relationships with various Visa business contacts across Visa products, services and function areas.
- Provide training to business teams on key legal issues, processes and policies.
- Identify the need for external legal advice and engage appropriate outside counsel on a range of legal issues across Visa’s European region and globally.
- Proactively contribute to the Legal and Regulatory Department’s planning, cohesion, consistency in advice and the general efficiency and effectiveness of the department as a whole.
Basic Qualifications
- Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
- Current member in good standing of a State Bar with the ability to become barred or registered as in‑house counsel in the state where this role is located.
Preferred Qualifications
- Qualified lawyer in England & Wales; consideration will also be given to candidates qualified in other jurisdictions.
- Previous experience working within a regulated business.
- Previous experience as in‑house counsel in a financial institution.
- Knowledge of the fintech and payments industry (and applicable regulation).
- Previous experience with cross‑border and multi‑jurisdictional contracts.
- Demonstrable experience at a recognized law firm and/or in‑house environment.
- Strong academics and training, including legal drafting and negotiating, and relationship management.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills along with a demonstrated ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
- Problem‑solving skills with proven experience in identifying emerging industry issues/trends and developing responses to help achieve business objectives.
- Demonstrated ability to drive execution in a team environment, integrating legal advice and business knowledge while providing balanced advice regarding risks and benefits.
- Positive attitude, high level of integrity and intellectual curiosity.
- Demonstrates a global mindset, and the ability to work well in a dynamic and deadline‑oriented environment.
- Willingness to approach difficult or complex issues to identify resolutions.
- Fluent in English.
Counsel (Fixed Term) in London employer: Visa
Visa is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that thrives on innovation and collaboration within the fintech industry. Employees benefit from a dynamic environment that encourages professional growth through diverse legal challenges and opportunities to engage with global teams. With a commitment to inclusivity and integrity, Visa fosters a supportive atmosphere where legal professionals can make a meaningful impact while navigating the evolving landscape of payment technologies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Counsel (Fixed Term) in London
✨Get Involved in Legal Networking Events
Jump into local or virtual legal networking events to meet industry pros and get your foot in the door! Use platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup to find gatherings, as these are great for making connections and hearing about temporary roles at firms like Visa.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a simple online portfolio to showcase your legal work, whether that's case briefs, research papers, or even blog posts on legal topics. This public display can really set you apart when looking for temp roles in law, especially if you can make it relevant to the work that Visa does!
✨Tap into Law School Resources
If you're near a law school, hit up their career services. They often have leads on temporary positions and can help connect you with alumni working at firms. Plus, they might host workshops or job fairs specific to the legal sector—great for scoring that temp position!
✨Stay Updated with Legal Job Boards
Regularly check specialised legal job boards like LawCareers.Net or TotallyLegal for temporary listings. Many firms post their openings directly there, and applying quickly can give you an edge over the competition when looking to join a prestigious firm like Visa.
We think you need these skills to ace Counsel (Fixed Term) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Know-How:In the legal services world, it's all about demonstrating your understanding of relevant laws and regulations. Make sure your CV highlights your legal training, internships, or any relevant projects you've worked on. If you've done any mooting or legal research, include those too - they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Application for the Temp Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should stress your adaptability and readiness to jump in right away. Highlight any previous temp roles where you quickly got up to speed, or any diverse experiences that show you can handle a variety of cases or tasks with ease.
Keep it Specific with Your Documents:Make sure your application includes essential legal documents, such as any relevant certifications or memberships in legal bodies. These can add credibility to your CV and show that you're serious about the profession – especially useful in a competitive field like law!
Express Your Enthusiasm in the Cover Letter:Your cover letter is a golden opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Let them know why you’re excited about this temporary position with Visa and how you're motivated to contribute to their success during your limited time with them!
How to prepare for a job interview at Visa
✨Show Off Your Legal Know-How
Prepare to discuss your understanding of legal terminology and concepts that might come up during the interview for the Counsel (Fixed Term) role at Visa. Brush up on relevant laws or recent cases that could be pertinent to the temporary position, as they'll likely appreciate candidates who can think on their feet and adapt to the fast-paced legal environment.
✨Talk About Your Flexibility
Since this is a temporary role, employers want to know you can hit the ground running. Be ready to highlight past experiences where you've had to quickly adapt to new tasks or work cultures. Flexibility is key in a short-term position like this, so share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage changing priorities efficiently.
✨Prepare for the Casework Challenge
You might face hypothetical scenarios where you'd have to advise on a legal issue or case. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, as interviewers in the legal sector often expect candidates to walk them through their reasoning step-by-step. This will not only showcase your legal acumen but also demonstrate your communication skills, which are crucial in law.
✨Pitch Your Legal Portfolio
If you have any relevant work samples, such as briefs, contracts, or legal research, this is your chance to shine! Be ready to discuss what you did, what challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This speaks volumes more than just listing your skills; it shows you're proactive and results-oriented, which is essential for a temporary role at Visa.
