Legal Counsel

Somerset Bridge Group Ltd; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services company in Newcastle upon Tyne is looking for a Legal Counsel to join their team. This role involves collaborating on commercial contracts and providing legal advice while developing expertise in various legal areas. The position offers hybrid working options, a comprehensive benefits package including up to 30 days of annual leave, and a supportive environment that encourages personal and professional growth.

Benefits

Hybrid working

25 days annual leave, rising to 30

Discretionary annual bonus

Pension scheme

Flexible working options

Healthcare Cash Plan

Employee Referral Scheme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Qualifications

• 2-5 years PQE from an in-house or recognized commercial law firm.
• Experience in the Financial Services industry is desirable.
• Understanding of data protection law.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate on commercial contracts and project work.
• Responsible for own matters from initial instruction to completion.
• Develop understanding of various legal areas including commercial property and litigation.

Skills

Commercial experience of drafting and negotiating contracts

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to handle conflicting priorities

Ability to make commercial decisions quickly

Job description

Overview

The role of Legal Counsel is to support the Head of Legal Services and Senior Legal Counsel to provide legal advice and support to Somerset Bridge Group. The Legal Counsel will perform their role by using their legal and commercial knowledge to be a trusted advisor to support the business in achieving its strategic objectives whilst safeguarding the Groups interests, protecting customers and upholding our reputation.

Responsibilities

• You will work in collaboration with the other departments primarily on commercial contracts and project work.
• You will be responsible for your own matters from initial instruction through to completion.
• You will have the opportunity to develop your understanding of commercial property, litigation, intellectual property, employment and data protection law.
• Reporting into the Senior Legal Counsel.

What you'll need

Essential:

• Commercial experience of drafting and negotiating contracts.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle conflicting priorities, provide legal advice in an appropriate and timely manner and demonstrate a delivery focussed mindset.
• Ability to make commercial decisions quickly and confidently.

Desirable:

• Experience in the Financial Services industry or other regulated industry.
• An understanding of data protection law.
• We would encourage applications from candidates from 2 -5 years PQE, either from an in-house environment or recognised commercial law firm.

Our Benefits

• Hybrid working days in the office and 3 days working from home
• 25 days annual leave, rising to 27 days over 2 years service and 30 days after 5 years service. Plus bank holidays!
• Discretionary annual bonus
• Pension scheme % employee, 6% employer
• Flexible working we will always consider applications for those who require less than the advertised hours
• Flexi-time
• Healthcare Cash Plan claim cashback on a variety of everyday healthcare costs
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• 100s of exclusive retailer discounts
• Professional wellbeing, health & fitness app - Wrkit
• Enhanced parental leave, including time off for IVF appointments
• Religious bank holidays if you dont celebrate Christmas and Easter, you can use these annual leave days on other occasions throughout the year.
• Life Assurance - 4 times your salary
• 25% Car Insurance Discount
• 20% Travel Insurance Discount
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Employee Referral Scheme
• Community support day