Trainee Legal Counsel

SOCIETE GENERALE; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution in Singapore is seeking a Junior Lawyer to provide legal advice and support within its Global Banking and Advisory team. The candidate will draft legal documents, manage transactions, and liaise with relevant stakeholders. The ideal candidate should hold a degree in law, preferably from Singapore or a Commonwealth country, and possess strong communication and analytical skills. This role offers exposure to the dynamic finance sector and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Degree in law is essential, preferably from Singapore or a Commonwealth country.
• Experience with capital markets and/or lending activities is an advantage.
• Fluent spoken and written English is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice to the Global Banking and Advisory team.
• Manage transaction documentation and liaise with external counsel.
• Ensure compliance with internal guidelines and assist in updates.

Skills

Good communication skills

Problem-solving and analytical skills

Attention to detail

Ability to work independently

Education

Degree in law (Singapore or Commonwealth qualification preferred)

Job description

Responsibilities

• Providing legal advice and support to SG’s Global Banking and Advisory (GLBA) team and other departments of the bank in the Asia‑Pacific region, including transaction management of debt capital markets, third party note issuance, loan financing and securitisation and drafting other supplemental legal documentation.
• Liaising with external counsel and regulatory bodies, stock exchanges, clearing systems, paying settlement and listing agents, distributors, registrars, common depositaries and other authorities.
• Reporting and escalating relevant matters to line managers on an ongoing basis and liaising with other members of the legal department as necessary.
• Compliance with internal guidelines and procedures and assisting in updating guidelines related to the above activities.

It is an opportunity for a Junior Lawyer to be trained and exposed to finance activities in a dynamic environment. The candidate will gain hands‑on experience drafting and reviewing legal documentation in debt/note issuance, loan financing and securitisation and exposure to contract law. The candidate will gain a solid understanding of the investment banking setup and acquire valuable interpersonal soft skills.

Required Profile

• Degree in law (Singapore or Commonwealth law qualification preferred).
• Experience with capital markets and/or lending activities an advantage.
• Good communication skills and command of spoken and written English.
• Problem‑solving and analytical skills; attention to detail.
• Motivated and able to work independently, while respecting reporting procedures.

Operational Skills

• Basic post‑graduate knowledge of fundamental legal principles within area of coverage.
• Drafts core legal documents/memos/emails succinctly, thoroughly and in plain language.
• Responds effectively to routine legal questions or issues raised by business partners or management.
• Identifies and analyzes core legal issues within area of coverage.
• Identifies legal risks associated with a file.
• Stays on top of regulatory changes and case law.
• Researches points effectively.

Behavioral Skills

• Team spirit focus on synergies within the Group.
• Innovation – include technological breakthroughs in strategies implemented.
• Responsibility – risk and performance focus on group security and outstanding performance.
• Commitment – listen and demonstrate emotional intelligence to engage others.
• Collective mindset – favor the company’s best interest over team results.

Department Description

The Asia‑Pacific Legal division has a local presence in China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Australia, Taiwan and Singapore.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

We are an equal opportunities employer and committed to recognising and promoting all talents regardless of any characteristic that could be subject to discrimination.