Legal Counsel / Senior Legal Counsel - Corporate & Group Central Functions

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Legal support on M&A and other corporate transactions (including intra-group matters), including structuring advice, heads of terms, non-disclosure agreements, due diligence, data-room processes, and transaction documentation (including working with, and oversight of, external counsel)
• Providing legal advice and support on a wide range of strategic, business, legal risk management and regulatory issues, working with colleagues across Group Central Functions and, where relevant, colleagues in the Group’s operating divisions (including Corporate Development, Investor Relations, Finance, HR / Reward, Company Secretariat, Facilities)
• Advising on the legal, regulatory, and corporate governance framework applicable to the Group as a listed entity, including Listing Rules, Disclosure Guidelines & Transparency Rules and Corporate Governance Code compliance
• Structuring, review and negotiation of a range of commercial / corporate contracts and engagements and advising on legal / risk ramifications, including engagement letters with external auditors and other advisers
• Providing legal / regulatory support to the Company Secretarial team across a range of areas, including with respect to the overall governance framework, subsidiary governance (e.g. articles of association, share issues, distributions, capital reductions, winding-ups), and on other governance matters that arise

Risk & Compliance:

Ensure that all relevant governance and compliance requirements are adhered to and all reporting and reviewing activities required by applicable regulatory bodies are carried out to the standards required

WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU IF:

• A broad legal experience to date including in the areas of corporate / M&A / company law, with an ability and willingness to provide generalist legal advice, including in areas where the candidate may not be a subject matter expert
• A well-rounded, broadly based and well-regarded lawyer with first rate academic credentials, demonstrable intellectual capabilities and an excellent career track record
• A solid understanding of the financial services industry and issues affecting Close Brothers
• A strong grasp and experience of the legal, regulatory and corporate governance framework within which Close Brothers operates (particularly listed company considerations)
• A technically strong, pragmatic, business-orientated lawyer with the breadth of experience covering corporate, commercial and other broad-based legal and regulatory risk issues
• Ability to think strategically and creatively, seeing legal issues in their wider context and advising accordingly
• Sound legal judgement with a strong appreciation of legal risk and an ability to communicate to all levels of the business
• An ability to provide incisive, pro-active advice
• Accustomed to operating with internal and external stakeholders in a high-paced environment and with a successful track record of aligning legal priorities to business goals

IT IS NOT ESSENTIAL BUT IT WOULD BE GREAT IF YOU:

• In house experience (whether through secondments or permanent roles) an advantage