Legal Counsel

Munich Re; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in insurance seeks a Legal Counsel to provide high-quality legal support across various teams. The role involves drafting contracts, advising on compliance, and collaborating with internal and external clients. Ideal candidates will have a solid background in commercial law and strong negotiation skills. The position offers a competitive compensation package, including benefits like private medical insurance and generous leave policies.

Benefits

Private Medical Insurance

25 Days Annual Leave

Contributory Pension of 10%

Paid 6 Months Family Leave

Qualifications

• Draft and advise on various legal documents including contracts and agreements.
• Provide legal advice on compliance and regulatory issues.

Responsibilities

• Support the UK Shared Legal Team with legal documentation.
• Advise on English law and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Legal Research

Contract Drafting

Negotiation

Communication

Education

Qualified Solicitor

2 years PQE

Job description

Together, we engage with everything we have and are, to help humankind act braver and better.

Shared Services:

A Shared Service Provider to UK Life Branch (Life Reinsurance provider) and Great Lakes Insurance SE (specialty provider of primary insurance services in the UK) and to various other Munich Re UK teams and businesses, including MRS-NA and the UK IT hub.

Key services that are provided include: Accounting/Finance/Tax; HR; Facilities Management; Procurement; Internal Audit: Legal and Data Protection.

About the role:

Provide high quality in-house legal support and help with the work of Munich Re UK Branch, Munich Re UK Services, the Munich Re UK IT hub and various other insurance and insurance intermediary companies within the UK group (both life and non-life business) where input or legal advice is required.

Key Responsibilities:

In each case, supporting colleagues within the UK Shared Legal Team or (as appropriate) acting independently:

To draft and to advise on the drafting of all types of contractual or other legal documentation.

This will include: supplier and outsourcing contracts (in support of Procurement); IT/IP agreements; software licences; confidentiality agreements; various intra-group and external agreements; and review and comment on correspondence or other documentation where a legal view is required.

Depending on experience, opportunities to help draft a range of insurance and reinsurance documentation (including in respect of UK longevity business).

To advise on aspects of the law of England and Wales,, and to respond to queries of a legal and regulatory nature, including carrying out legal research.

To partner with Munich Re internal and external clients (and with external lawyers) on legal matters, as required.

To advise generally on issues of legislative and regulatory compliance, as required.

To advise on changes in law or regulation (including participation in government or regulatory consultations).

To assist with company secretarial work of the Munich companies in the UK, as required.

Working with the UK shared Data Protection team, to ensure compliance with privacy laws.

Plus any additional duties and responsibilities that may reasonably be expected to be undertaken in accordance with this role.

Drives results (we think big) – you consistently achieve results even under tough circumstances, with the organisation’s performance in the front of your mind. You make good and timely decisions to keep things moving, using analysis, experience and judgement.

Business insight (we think big) – you can apply your knowledge of the business and the market to advance your business’ and wider organisation’s goals.

Collaboration (we lead the ‘we’) – you identify opportunities and bring the right people together to work on a common goal, encouraging diversity of opinion, whilst maintaining clarity and unity of direction.

Client focus (we grow with our clients) – you build and maintain strong client relationships (internal and external), listening to their needs and working with them to ensure value is created.

Cultivates innovation (we grow with our clients) – you create new and better ways for Munich Re to be successful e.g., generating ideas, creating efficiencies, harnessing new technology etc.

Courage (we care and dare) – you are willing to challenge the status quo and address difficult issues, saying what you believe needs to be said. You also continue to operate effectively even when things are uncertain and the way forward is unclear.

Persuades (we are clear and authentic) – you use clear and compelling arguments to gain the support, enthusiasm and commitment of others, whilst ensuring you take time to actively listen to the diversity of views and opinions.

Key Skills & Experience:

Competence in drafting and negotiating many commercial contracts (e.g. insurance agreements; supplier and outsourcing agreements; NDAs; software licences).

Good general knowledge of business and commercial law issues.

Some knowledge of the insurance and/or the financial institutions sector (note that internal clients include both life and non-life reinsurers and insurers/MGAs within the Munich Re Group and that all work is in an “insurance context”).

You would need to make a real contribution, within a short time, to the work of a small but busy team which deals with a very wide range of legal matters.

Excellent legal research skills some knowledge of company law.

Able to communicate information and ideas clearly and articulately both in oral and written form. Uses appropriate language, style and methods depending on audience and the purpose of communication. Anticipates the information that others will need.

Some prior “in-house” experience (e.g. with an insurance/reinsurance company).

Desired Qualifications and Educational Background:

• Qualified Solicitor / holder of current certificate to practice English law.
• At least 2 years PQE practising as a solicitor in a relevant field of law (whether in-house or within a law firm).

Thought Leaders:

You are seen as an expert in your field and will be a ‘go to’ person for your area of specialism within Munich Re. You will be seen as a role model/mentor to others – identifying opportunities to share your knowledge with others.

You will demonstrate and role model inclusive behaviour and encourage your colleagues to play an active role in creating an inclusive culture as well.

You will treat your colleagues and sales and business partners fairly and with respect.

Regulatory & Conduct Requirements:

In addition to the responsibilities set out above, the Legal Counsel role/function will also be responsible for complying with Munich Re’s Code of Conduct and the FCA Conduct Rules.

You will be rewarded with a great compensation package, on target bonus, 25 days annual leave with the option to purchase more along with private medical insurance and employers' contributory pension of 10%. We are one of the few employers to offer fully paid 6months family leave for times when you need it the most.

About Us:

You will work in an environment where we think big: Change and culture are continuously role-modelled. We create and articulate a compelling and ambitious shared purpose, vision and direction. We pave the way towards success and see failure as learning

You are going to experience that we care & dare: We are empathetic. We know when to lead and know when to let others lead. We attract, grow and coach future leaders

We communicate in a clear & authentic way: We interact with a positive and humble spirit. We solicit feedback, ask and listen, learn and unlearn

You will grow with your clients: Whatever our role, we support business, in an efficient and effective way, to create value for our clients. We embrace new ways of working using digitalisation to deliver solutions

We lead the We: We have a passion for winning and growing as a team. We inspire people to be capable of joint performance. We create an inclusive environment where different thoughts, generations, cultures and experiences are valued and encouraged

Diversity Equity & Inclusion

At Munich Re, embracing the power of differences is at the core of who we are. We believe diversity fosters resilience and innovation and enables us to act on our purpose of helping humankind act braver and better. We recognise diversity can be multi-dimensional, intersectional, and complex, so we want to build a diverse workforce that includes a wide range of racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender identities; economic and geographic backgrounds; physical abilities; ages; life, school, and career experiences; and political, religious, and personal beliefs. Additionally, we are committed to building an equitable and inclusive work environment where this diversity is celebrated, valued, and has equitable opportunities to succeed.

If you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly with everything outlined, or you don’t meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might just be the candidate we are looking for!

All candidates in consideration for any role can request a reasonable adjustment at any point in our recruitment process. You can request an adjustment by speaking to your Talent Acquisition contact.