Legal Counsel

Brightwater Recruitment; Dublin; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Brightwater Recruitment in Dublin seeks a qualified solicitor with Irish PQE to join a collaborative legal team. The role offers exposure to insurance and financial services regulation and global cross-border work across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

You will draft, negotiate, and advise on complex agreements, while coordinating with external counsel and regulators. A strong, commercial mindset and team-oriented approach are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor in Ireland with at least 3 years post-qualification experience.
• Ideally experience in Insurance or Financial Services.
• Strong drafting, negotiation and interpersonal skills; commercial awareness.

Responsibilities

• Contract Management: draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts and master agreements.
• Advisory Role: provide proactive legal advice to Board and senior management.
• External Coordination: coordinate with external counsel and manage budget spend.
• Legal Regulatory Responsibilities: lead interactions with regulators and EU developments.
• Risk Management: collaborate with Risk and Compliance to mitigate legal risks.
• Stakeholder Management: prepare and present clear legal reports to the Board.

Skills

Drafting

Negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Commercial awareness

Proactive learning

Team collaboration

Education

Solicitor qualification (Ireland)

Job description

Elevate Your Legal Career: Legal Counsel, Irish Insurance Market – Dublin

Are you a legal professional with a background in the Irish insurance market, ready for a role that offers significant impact and global exposure? This isn't just another legal job; it's an opportunity to become a key contributor within a collaborative legal team, gaining unparalleled exposure to diverse legal challenges and opportunities across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

What This Role Offers YOU:

This is a unique opportunity for a qualified Solicitor in Ireland with at least 5 years of post-qualification experience, ideally from the Insurance or Financial Services sector. We are particularly interested in candidates with sound European cross-border insurance experience or life assurance product knowledge.

Here’s how this role will benefit your career:

• Broaden Your Expertise: Dive into a diverse range of responsibilities, from drafting and negotiating distribution agreements with international counterparties to navigating complex regulatory frameworks for Luxembourg and Irish-domiciled funds. You'll gain continuous learning and professional growth through this variety.
• Global Reach & Collaboration: Forge connections and work alongside legal professionals across diverse jurisdictions. This international interaction will enhance your understanding of global legal practices and build a valuable network.
• Make a Tangible Impact: Your work will directly support the efficient and compliant distribution of innovative investment products. You'll be a trusted advisor to Sales, Distribution, Product Development, and Investment teams, contributing directly to the company's success.
• Develop Your Regulatory Acumen: Stay at the forefront of EU and global regulatory developments impacting asset management. You'll be involved in implementing crucial changes and participating in industry working groups, positioning you as a knowledgeable expert in the field.
• Hone Your Commercial Skills: This role demands a practical and commercial approach to legal challenges. You'll refine your ability to identify key issues, communicate effectively with non-legal colleagues, and contribute to strategic decision-making.
• Accelerated Career Growth: Join a company that genuinely prioritizes talent development. You'll benefit from mentorship, cross-functional mobility opportunities, and a range of programs designed to help you reach your full potential within a global organization.
• Exceptional Work-Life Balance and Culture: Experience a positive and inclusive work environment right here in Dublin. The company is committed to providing tools and resources to help you balance your professional and personal life, including access to employee networks and flexible work options, alongside a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that recognizes your valuable contribution.

Your Contributions Will Include:

As Legal Counsel, you will:

• Contract Management: Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contract agreements (asset management, custody, intermediary, vendor), along with outsourcing master agreements and other legal documents.
• Advisory Role: Provide proactive legal advice to the Board and senior management on a wide range of issues, including regulatory compliance, corporate governance, litigation, and legal risk management.
• External Coordination: Coordinate with external legal counsel as needed and manage and oversee budget spend.
• Legal Regulatory Responsibilities: Lead interactions with key regulatory stakeholders (i.e., Financial Services & Pensions Ombudsman) and in relevant cross-border life insurance industry forums. You'll remain current on legal and regulatory developments within the EU.
• Risk Management: Collaborate closely with key stakeholders within the Risk and Compliance teams to ensure the firm’s compliance with applicable legal and regulatory matters. You'll proactively identify and mitigate legal risks associated with company operations and transactions.
• Stakeholder Management: Prepare and present clear, concise legal reports to the Board and senior management as required, showcasing your excellence in report writing and communication.

What We're Looking For in You:

• You are a qualified Solicitor in Ireland with at least 3 years of post-qualification experience, ideally within the financial services or asset management sector.
• Your strong drafting, negotiation, and interpersonal skills are matched by your commercial awareness and proactive approach to learning.
• Experience with Insurance or Financial Services regulations and fluency in English are essential; proficiency in another EU language is a plus.
• You thrive in a collaborative team environment and are eager to take on new challenges.

Ready to unlock your full potential and make a significant impact on a global stage from Dublin? This is your opportunity to truly elevate your legal career.