Paralegal

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 Paralegal 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 Paralegal 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 internal infrastructure: contracts, IP, data protection, IT and property. 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: intra-group agreements, professional services engagements, non-material commercial contracts, NDAs and other preliminary agreements.

• Provide legal advice and documentation regarding IP / brand inc. trademarks, sponsorship, events, RFPs, marketing and comms’ issues and market data.

• Provide legal advice and documentation regarding IT issues inc. BM website, email ‘disclaimers’ and app.

• Provide legal advice and documentation regarding material outsourcing/critical supplier arrangements.

• Provide legal advice and documentation regarding data protection and privacy, to support the DPO.

• Provide legal advice and documentation regarding property and FM matters. .

• Contribute to strategic projects, business initiatives and transactions (M&A and reorganisations) by providing legal advice and documentation.

• Support on disputes and investigations, liaising with internal stakeholders and external advisers as appropriate.

• 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

Requisite Knowledge

• Knowledge of the legal and regulatory risks associated with commercial contracts, companies, data protection, privacy, information technology, intellectual property and property law for commercial tenants.

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

• Law degree and appropriate vocational qualification.

• Private practice or in-house experience (or both) in the UK in: commercial contracts, data protection and IP/IT is required; property matters, is desirable.

• Experience within the wealth, investment management or retail financial services’ sector is desirable but not essential.