In-House Corporate Counsel in London

In-House Corporate Counsel in London

London Full-Time 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
W1M Wealth & Investment Management

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support M&A activities and provide legal advice on corporate governance and transactions.
  • Company: Award-winning Wealth and Investment Management firm with a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Work-life balance, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Join a sociable team with exciting events and a focus on career development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing business while enjoying a supportive work environment.
  • Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 2-5 years of experience in corporate and M&A transactions.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.

We are a highly successful, award-winning Wealth and Investment Management business on an exciting growth path seeking additional support within our in-house Legal & Governance team. This is a position that can offer the elusive work-life balance a role in practice simply cannot offer, while providing opportunities to be heavily involved in our ongoing M&A activity, including corporate structuring and integration, along with ongoing support to the business across BAU activities (general corporate governance issues, share capital and entity rationalisation matters).

A hands-on role with direct reporting line to the General Counsel you will have a direct exposure to the impact a Legal team makes within a successful, growing business.

About the Company: With over ÂŁ25 billion in assets under management (AUM), a team of c.400 professionals across 5 global offices, W1M specialises in working with high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families, charities, and institutions. Beyond our direct client relationships, we also maintain a longstanding partnership with Independent Financial Advisers, providing access to our market-leading investment solutions. We are continuing to expand with ambitious plans to double our AUM by 2030 based on the foundation of the quality of advice and services we provide to our clients, alongside peer-leading investment performance. Internally we are a highly collaborative organisation free from the politics and bureaucracy of larger firms that gives everyone the opportunity to make a real difference and enhance the way we work. We have a sociable culture with sporting and cultural events throughout the year and a welcoming and supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities:

  • M&A and Corporate Transactions
    • Support and, where appropriate, lead legal workstreams on acquisitions, disposals and other corporate transactions, including:
    • Legal due diligence
    • Drafting and reviewing transaction documentation (including SPAs and ancillary agreements)
    • Managing disclosure processes
    • Advising on completion mechanics and post‑completion obligations
    • Prepare and review board and committee papers and minutes in connection with M&A transactions and related approvals.
    • Coordinate with and manage external legal advisers, ensuring advice is commercially focused and cost‑effective.
    • Support the General Counsel in managing transaction timetables and stakeholder requirements.
  • Corporate Structuring, Share Capital and Governance
    • Advise on corporate structuring and restructuring across the Group, including intra‑group arrangements and reorganisations.
    • Provide advice on share capital matters, including:
    • Share issuances and transfers
    • Group equity arrangements
    • Corporate approvals and filings
  • Assist with corporate governance matters, including preparation of board materials and implementation of board decisions.
  • Entity Rationalisation, Wind‑Down and Liquidation
    • Support the Group’s entity rationalisation programme, including:
    • Advising on the wind‑down of dormant or non‑core entities
    • Assisting with solvent liquidations and related documentation
    • Liaising with external advisers (legal, tax, insolvency practitioners) as required
  • Ensure legal matters are handled in an orderly and risk‑appropriate manner in line with regulatory and governance expectations.
  • Post‑Acquisition Integration
    • Provide legal input into post‑acquisition integration activities, including:
    • Contract novation and assignment
    • Alignment of contractual frameworks
    • Identification and mitigation of legal risks identified during the relevant transaction and subsequent integration
    • Work closely with Compliance, Risk, Finance and Operations to support seamless integration of acquired businesses.
  • Business‑as‑Usual Legal Support
    • Draft, review and negotiate business‑as‑usual commercial contracts, including supplier, outsourcing and professional services agreements.
    • Provide clear, pragmatic legal advice to business stakeholders on contractual interpretation and risk.
    • Support wider business and strategic projects as they arise, providing legal input from early stage through to delivery.
  • Regulatory Context
    • Operate within a UK‑regulated financial services environment, working closely with Compliance and Risk to ensure legal advice takes account of FCA and wider regulatory considerations.
    • Support regulatory‑driven legal work where required, particularly in the context of acquisitions and structural change.
  • Background / Experience and Competencies Required:

    • Qualified solicitor in England & Wales, or qualified lawyer in another recognised jurisdiction in good standing
    • 2-5 years PQE with evidence working in corporate and M&A transactions
    • Familiarity with post-merger integration and group restructuring work
    • Strong technical grounding in corporate law, including share transactions, governance and transactional documentation
    • Commercially minded, with ability to balance legal risk with business objectives
    • Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
    • Exposure to working in, or advising PE-backed business is an advantage, as is experience within a Financial Services environment

    Equal Opportunity Statement: W1M is an equal opportunities employer and in accordance with the rules regarding discrimination in the Equality Act 2010, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.

    In-House Corporate Counsel in London employer: W1M Wealth & Investment Management

    W1M is an exceptional employer, offering a unique blend of work-life balance and professional growth opportunities within the dynamic Wealth and Investment Management sector. Our collaborative culture fosters innovation and inclusivity, allowing employees to make a tangible impact while enjoying a supportive environment enriched with social events. With ambitious plans for expansion and a commitment to employee development, W1M stands out as a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
    W1M Wealth & Investment Management

    Contact Detail:

    W1M Wealth & Investment Management Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land In-House Corporate Counsel in London

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the legal field, especially those who work in corporate law or M&A. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of corporate governance and M&A processes. We want you to showcase your expertise and how it aligns with the role at W1M. Practice common interview questions and have your own ready!

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind and show your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for their team.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our collaborative and supportive culture at W1M.

    We think you need these skills to ace In-House Corporate Counsel in London

    Legal Due Diligence
    Drafting and Reviewing Transaction Documentation
    Corporate Governance
    M&A Transactions
    Corporate Structuring
    Share Capital Matters
    Entity Rationalisation
    Post-Acquisition Integration
    Commercial Contracts Negotiation
    Regulatory Compliance
    Risk Management
    Attention to Detail
    Organisational Skills
    Stakeholder Management
    Commercial Awareness

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in corporate law and M&A transactions. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant achievements!

    Show Your Personality: While we appreciate professionalism, we also love a bit of personality! Let your unique voice shine through in your application. This helps us get a sense of who you are beyond just your qualifications.

    Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We’re busy folks, so make it easy for us to see why you’re the right fit. Use bullet points where possible to break down your experience and skills.

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!

    How to prepare for a job interview at W1M Wealth & Investment Management

    ✨Know Your Corporate Law

    Brush up on your corporate law knowledge, especially around M&A transactions and governance issues. Be ready to discuss specific cases or examples from your experience that demonstrate your understanding of these areas.

    ✨Showcase Your Commercial Mindset

    Prepare to explain how you balance legal risks with business objectives. Think of scenarios where you've had to make tough decisions and how those decisions benefited the business while staying compliant.

    ✨Be Ready for Technical Questions

    Expect questions that test your technical grounding in corporate law. Review key concepts like share capital matters and corporate structuring, and be prepared to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in past roles.

    ✨Demonstrate Your Collaborative Spirit

    Since the role involves working closely with various teams, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous positions. Highlight your ability to work in a sociable and supportive environment.

    In-House Corporate Counsel in London
    W1M Wealth & Investment Management
    Location: London

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