Legal Counsel

Hays; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Legal Counsel for a 12-month contract to provide essential legal support in a government-owned economic development bank. This role focuses on non-transactional legal support, addressing regulatory issues such as Freedom of Information and data sharing. The successful candidate will collaborate with various teams, manage external advisers, and support the Procurement function. With a commitment to diversity and sustainability, this organization offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the growth of small businesses in the UK while enjoying a hybrid working model and generous benefits. If you're a dedicated legal professional looking to make a meaningful impact, this role is for you.

Benefits

30 annual leave days + bank holidays

15% employer pension contribution

Cycle to work scheme

Paid volunteer days

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years PQE with knowledge in corporate and commercial law.
• Experience in public sector law and managing external counsel is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal support for marketing, communications, and data matters.
• Assist with compliance advice, brand protection, and handling complaints.

Skills

Corporate Law

Commercial Law

Financial Regulation

Public Law

Data Protection

Judicial Review

Procurement Law

Education

Qualified Lawyer (4+ years PQE)

Job description

1 day ago Be among the first 25 applicants

This range is provided by Hays. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Managing Consultant, Legal Public Sector

Your New Company

Our client, is a government-owned economic development bank established to support small and medium-sized enterprises in the UK. They play a crucial role in providing financial access to small businesses, supporting their growth, and aiding the transition to a net-zero economy. As an independently operating government-owned development bank, the client collaborates with numerous delivery partners, including high street, digital, specialist, and challenger banks, venture capital and private debt funds, and fintech platforms. The bank strives to reflect the diversity of the communities it serves, believing that varied perspectives strengthen the business.

Your New Role

Our client is seeking a Legal Counsel to join their team on a 12-month fixed-term contract, focusing on non-transactional legal support and risk oversight for the Bank and its teams. Key areas include regulatory issues such as Freedom of Information, data sharing, and policy advice. This role also supports the broader Legal and Governance team.

Responsibilities:

• Provide legal support for marketing, communications, and data matters.
• Assist with reviewing marketing collateral, compliance advice, brand protection, and handling complaints.
• Support operations and projects, including Start Up Loans and supplier relationships.
• Offer general legal support across various functions, manage external advisers, and handle regulatory matters and litigation responses.
• Support the Procurement function and matters escalated from the Commercial & Procurement function.
• Develop the Bank’s legal knowledge management and horizon-scanning capabilities.
• Assist with the Bank’s response to litigation or any potential legal challenges and customer and supplier complaints.

Requirements:

• Minimum 4 years PQE, with some flexibility.
• Knowledge and experience in corporate, commercial, financial regulation/funds, or finance.
• Strong technical skills and willingness to learn about products, issues, and risks in a state-owned financial services organization.
• Expertise in one or more areas: Subsidy Control, State aid, financial regulation, public law, freedom of information, data protection, judicial review, or procurement law.
• Experience in public sector law, managing external counsel, and handling legal challenges and complaints is advantageous.

What You'll Get in Return:

• Locations: Sheffield or London, hybrid working with 2 days in the office.
• Benefits: 30 annual leave days + bank holidays, 15% employer pension contribution, cycle to work scheme, paid volunteer days, and other benefits.

Seniority level

Not Applicable

Employment type

Contract

Job function

Legal

Industries

Government Administration