Legal Counsel - Investment Management

A really unusual opportunity has arisen for a Legal Counsel to join a leading international securities finance firm in St James to play a pivotal role in their legal and regulatory operations.

As the sole Legal Counsel, you will be instrumental in managing and centralising the firm’s commercial contracts, ensuring compliance with global regulatory requirements, and providing vital support to the board. You will work closely with internal stakeholders and external counsel to uphold the firm's commitment to excellence and regulatory compliance. The firm is small, with offices in New York and London, and they have an excellent work/life balance, typically working until 3:30 or 4pm daily.

The firm has worked closely with Magic Circle firms as their external counsel since their inception 20 years ago. These relationships will continue, and you would be their first in-house legal hire. As such, the successful Legal Counsel can look forward to a high level of responsibility and autonomy from the off.

Key Responsibilities

1. Handling regulatory filings with SEC, FCA, and authorities in the Cayman Islands and Ireland.
2. Negotiating standard form GMRA, GMSLA, and ISDA off of rating agency approved templates.
3. Drafting a variety of commercial contracts and agreements.
4. Attending board meetings and drafting minutes.
5. Monitoring and interpreting new regulations to ensure compliance.
6. Collaborating with external counsel to resolve legal matters effectively.
7. Creating and managing an effective and centralised system for commercial contracts.
8. Maintaining and updating compliance monitoring programmes and AML/sanctions policies and procedures for group and funds.
9. Managing ad hoc NDA and consultancy agreements.

About you:

The ideal Legal Counsel will have experience on the buy side, in particular:

1. Familiarity with regulatory filings and compliance requirements in multiple jurisdictions.
2. Extensive experience with GMRAs, ISDAs, and NDAs.
3. A proven track record of drafting and negotiating commercial contracts.
4. Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
5. Excellent communication skills for liaising with board members, external counsel, and internal stakeholders.

In return, the successful Contract Manager will receive:

1. A competitive salary.
2. Hybrid working arrangement (3 days in-office, 2 days remote).
3. An outstanding work/life balance within a supportive and professional environment.
4. The opportunity to be part of a small, extremely successful and collegiate company at the forefront of the securities finance industry.

This role would really suit a senior Legal Advisor or Legal Counsel with FS Regulatory experience, looking to step into a broader role in a smaller organisation. Please apply today to find out more!

As part of EJ Legal’s candidate registration and care process, all successful applications are responded to within 14 working days. If you have not been contacted within this timescale, your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. We may keep your details on our system on a confidential basis for future opportunities. If you would prefer us not to do this, please let us know.