Legal Counsel

Clearbank Limited; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A financial services institution in Greater London seeks a qualified Legal Counsel to support corporate initiatives and ensure compliance with laws. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years PQE in corporate law, with experience in financial services preferred. Responsibilities include drafting contracts, advising on governance matters, and working collaboratively across departments. This position offers a flexible work culture, competitive benefits, and a chance to contribute to the institution's growth in payments and banking products.

Benefits

Flexible working culture

27 days of annual leave

Mobile phone allowance

Generous pension contribution

Personal development budgets

Work-abroad flexibility

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor or barrister with at least 5 years PQE advising on corporate law.
• Experience in financial services is preferred.
• A breadth of experience to complement the broad nature of work.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on corporate and commercial matters.
• Support in managing and protecting the IP portfolio.
• Advise on corporate governance and compliance.
• Draft agreements and manage projects involving legal implications.

Skills

Qualified solicitor or barrister in England and Wales

Advising on corporate law and governance matters

Proven ability to work independently

Strategic thinker with problem-solving abilities

Education

Qualified solicitor or barrister

At least 5 years PQE

Job description

You’ll be a key member of the Group Legal Team as Legal Counsel reporting to the Head of Legal – Group. You’ll play a pivotal role in supporting strategic corporate initiatives, advising on corporate organisational structures, and our expansion into new jurisdictions to develop and promote our capabilities in payments, clearing, agency and embedded banking and digital asset products. You’ll help with implementation of Group standards across the ClearBank Group which currently comprises UK and EU subsidiaries.

Responsibilities

• Provide accurate, practical and timely legal advice on a broad range of general corporate and commercial matters, including drafting and negotiating material contracts and collaboration and strategic partnership agreements.
• Support the business in managing and protecting its intellectual property (IP) portfolio and lead legal support for IP matters including software licensing, trademarks, and brand protection.
• Advise senior management, Group Board and functional partners on corporate governance matters, compliance with shareholder and funding agreements and ensure that organisational activities align with relevant law.
• Draft and agree intra‑group services and outsourcing agreements, and agreements covering use of Group IP and Group‑level data, and privacy protection agreements.
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders across all departments to help shape and deliver on ClearBank corporate strategy and provide legal and regulatory advice from an early stage or when requested, in Group‑level projects and programmes.
• Assist teams in understanding the legal implications of their activities and empower them to manage risks effectively.
• Develop and maintain corporate legal resources, including templates and guidance documents, to improve efficiency and support the wider organisation.
• Support with M&A, restructuring, fundraising rounds, and investor matters.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor or barrister in England and Wales with at least 5 years PQE advising on corporate law, commercial contracts and governance matters in a financial services institution. A breadth of experience will complement the broad nature of work in this role. Direct experience of the areas highlighted above is preferred. A working knowledge of UK and other payment systems is beneficial but not necessary.

Bonus Attributes

• Experience in a high‑growth or scale‑up environment.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strategic thinker with strong problem‑solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Comfortable with reprioritising and adapting to change.
• Experience in reviewing legal business processes and providing recommendations.
• Experience advising on prudential matters such as leverage ratio and large exposure considerations.

What Makes a Great ClearBank Team Member

• Focus on solutions and positive outcomes, thinking radically and responsibly to find the best result for customers, colleagues and the bank.
• Actively seek feedback from others to drive growth and development, always assuming positive intent and building strong, trusting relationships with colleagues and customers.
• Strive for the highest quality while knowing that done is better than perfect; welcome challenges, learn as you go, and iterate along the way.

Benefits

• Flexible working culture allowing a strong work‑life balance.
• Option to work from any ClearBank office, remotely or in a hybrid model.
• 27 days of annual leave per year, plus public holidays.
• Work‑abroad flexibility – up to 30 days per year outside the Netherlands within a rolling 12‑month period.
• Regular social events open to all.
• Holiday swap option.
• Long‑term disability cover and accident cover.
• Generous pension contribution without mandatory employee contribution.
• Mobile phone allowance and travel cost reimbursement.
• Enhanced family‑friendly leave.
• Personal development budgets, role‑related training opportunities, and unlimited LinkedIn Learning.
• Optional time off per year to pursue personal initiatives that matter.

Equal Opportunity

Equal Opportunities: ClearBank is committed to ensuring equal opportunities throughout every stage of the recruitment process. ClearBank recognises that diversity is vital to the long‑term success of the business and is a firm believer that an inclusive culture fosters greater employee engagement and collaboration. We provide reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process to candidates with disabilities.

Interview Process

First Interview: You’ll spend one hour with a member of our hiring team focusing on your skills, competencies and ways of working; we will also give you time to ask questions about the role, team and culture via Teams.

Second Interview: Competency‑based interview with one or more members of our team.

Final Stage: Final meeting with the Head of Department, approximately 45–60 minutes.

Offer: We will respond within seven days of your interview, whether successful or not, and provide feedback where possible.