Head of Legal

Chaucer; London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Lloyd's insurance group in London seeks a Legal Manager to oversee legal matters, manage a legal team, and ensure compliance with regulations. The role requires expertise in insurance law and risk management, aiming to create a supportive legal function for all business units.

Qualifications

• Legal expertise in insurance and regulatory matters.
• Experience managing teams in a global context.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the design and implementation of a legal framework.
• Provide legal advice on corporate and commercial law.
• Manage external legal advisors in litigation.

Skills

Market knowledge of the insurance industry

Risk management skills

Financial analysis skills

Governance and oversight capabilities

Strong commercial risk awareness

Education

Legal qualification

Minimum 2:1 degree or equivalent

Job description

Job Profile Summary

To oversee the effective identification and management of all legal matters affecting the Chaucer Group. To assist the Group General Counsel in building, establishing, and maintaining an effective in-house legal function designed to provide legal support and guidance to all business units within the Chaucer Group. To advise on legal matters proactively and reactively. To manage and develop all direct reports and team members.

Job Description

1. Oversee the design and implementation of a framework for monitoring and managing the legal environment, including UK, EU, and overseas jurisdictions as appropriate.
2. Identify current and emerging legal risks and assess the need for changes in practices.
3. Build and maintain an effective legal team and partnership model, balancing risk, cost, and quality of legal services.
4. Provide legal advice on insurance and non-insurance matters under English law, collaborating with external advisors when necessary, including:

• General corporate and commercial law (e.g., transactions, outsourcing, contracts, IP, real estate, employment).
• Insurance-related contracts and arrangements (delegations of authority, TOBAs, claims handling, broker agreements).

Oversee external legal advisors in managing litigation or disputes outside insurance matters.

Review Lloyd’s documentation and agreements related to syndicates.

Review proposed arrangements with brokers, third-party providers, and market agreements.

Advise on sanctions, endorsements, and insurance wordings.

Address other legal issues as required.

Skills and Competencies

• Market knowledge of the insurance industry and broader economic environment.
• Understanding of business strategy and models.
• Legal expertise in insurance and regulatory matters.
• Risk management skills to identify, assess, and mitigate risks.
• Financial analysis skills to interpret and control financial information.
• Governance and oversight capabilities.
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks, including PRA/FCA regimes.
• Significant insurance industry experience, preferably within Lloyd’s market.
• Experience managing teams in a global context.
• Strong commercial risk awareness and legal interpretation skills.
• Knowledge of Lloyd’s and international legal/regulatory regimes is advantageous.

Education

• Legal qualification.
• Minimum 2:1 degree or equivalent.

About Us

Chaucer is a leading Lloyd’s insurance group, providing coverage for industries worldwide, including airlines, energy, shipping, manufacturing, and property sectors. Our headquarters are in London, with international offices in Bermuda, Copenhagen, Dubai, and Singapore. We are committed to diversity, inclusion, and flexible working arrangements, aiming to create a respectful and merit-based workplace.