- Location
- London, United Kingdom
- Type
- Full-time
- Department
- Legal
- Closing date
- Today
- Source
- Workday
Description
Brooks Macdonald Group plc is one of the UK's leading wealth management firms, recognised for investment performance and client service. We offer leading multi-asset investment services to intermediaries, and high-quality financial planning advice to private clients, benefitting from a strong local presence across the UK.
We offer fulfilling careers in an inclusive culture that values diversity, ambition and rewards high performance.
Our values (we call them our guiding principles) underpin our culture and are at the heart of everything we do:
we do the right thing
we are connected
we care
we make a difference
We welcome talented people from all backgrounds who live our guiding principles and are focused on ensuring good outcomes for our clients.
Role Overview
Serving as a legal officer for BM, the Legal Counsel will further the mission of the BM Legal Function: to facilitate the strategic and operational activities of BM, working as a high performing team, delivering legal advice and solutions in an effective, efficient and ethical way, in accordance with BM’s resources, risk appetite and tolerance.
The Legal Counsel will help to ensure that the right legal risk management framework is in place so that BM can do what is possible, given its appetite and tolerance for risk, and its resources, to: (1) identify legal risks systematically; (2) avoid unnecessary legal risks; (3) control and mitigate residual legal risks taken on; and (4) monitor and report on legal risks.
Working closely with senior members of BM and reporting to the Head of Legal, the role will deal with all legal work relating to BM, as directed by the Head of Legal, with a focus on front office, regulatory and corporate matters. Based in London, but with travel as appropriate to other BM locations.
Role Responsibilities
Provide day-to-day legal support to the BM business, including advice and documentation regarding: client terms of business and ancillary documents; investment and distribution agreements; product provider documentation; custody and trading; financial planning; financial intermediary and unregulated business introducers; account opening and account management.
Provide legal and regulatory advice to support teams managing compliance advisory, financial crime, cross border and sanctions’ issues.
Contribute to strategic projects, business initiatives and transactions (M&A and reorganisations), by providing legal advice and documentation.
Assist in the review, drafting and negotiation of commercial contracts and legal documentation.
Support on disputes, complaints and investigations, regulatory/agency visits and formal requests, liaising with internal stakeholders and external advisers as appropriate.
Occasional legal advice support to the company secretarial function.
Produce and update legal templates, guidance and internal resources to ensure consistency and best practice.
Support the identification and management of legal risks, including horizon scanning and new product/service processes; ensuring appropriate escalation and oversight where required.
Contribute to maintaining and enhancing legal governance frameworks, including policies, standards and processes.
Assist in managing external legal counsel, ensuring efficient use of external support where required.
Ensure work is carried out in line with regulatory expectations and internal policies.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Knowledge of the legal and regulatory risks associated with retail investment management.
Knowledge of the legal and regulatory risks associated with introducers and intermediaries.
Knowledge of the legal and regulatory risks associated with commercial contracts, companies and corporate governance.
Knowledge of the commercial activities of retail financial services’ businesses and markets in the UK.
Core Skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present legal information clearly and concisely.
Good analytical skills and attention to detail.
Strong negotiation skills, commercial awareness and a pragmatic approach to problem-solving.
A good team member with strong interpersonal skills, including ability to build effective relationships across a range of stakeholders (including in person where required).
Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Flexible, positive, solution-oriented and proactive in relation to work requirements.
Relevant Experience
Qualified solicitor or barrister in England & Wales (or equivalent).
Strong private practice or in-house experience (or both) in the UK in financial services.
Experience within the wealth, investment management or retail financial services’ sector.
We value different ways of working and actively promote flexible working across our business. Collaboration is important to us as a firm, with employees required to be in the office 3 days a week, and each team having a core in-office day per week.
We’re committed to promoting equal employment opportunities and positively encourage applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, religion or belief, sexuality, age, disability, gender, gender identity, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.
