Legal Counsel

Job Description

This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified legal professional to join a major British charity. This role reports to the Head of Legal (Investments) and is based in London.Client DetailsOur client is an innovative, major UK asset owner, responsible for managing the £10bn+ endowment fund of one of the UKs most recognisable charities. Our client is a registered charity and a global leader in responsible investment.DescriptionMAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Commercial Contract Advice

• Review and negotiation of non-investment commercial contracts with external service providers and vendors, including letters of engagement for consultants, software-as-a-service agreements, managing agent agreements and data licences (in liaison with theLegal Office, the Head of Investment Legal and the Vendor and Contracts Manager as appropriate).
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating non-disclosure agreements, reverse solicitation letters and powers or attorney in relation to investment and non-investment activity.
• Preparing legal agreements for execution and obtaining / collating of signatures within organisation as required.
• Analysis of existing legal agreements to summarise and / or extract key information and data for management information purposes.

Investment Process Support

• Arranging for and reviewing external legal reports of proposed investments and providing support on the preparation and negotiation of fund documentation, side letters and investment management agreements.
• Arranging for internal tax reviews of proposed investments and obtaining confirmation of the relevant organisation investing entity.
• Review of subscription documents and application forms prepared by the Investment Operations team for closed ended and open-ended investment funds across various asset classes.
• Supporting the Investment Operations team in their dealings with third party fund managers and administrators when confirming entity and individual AML and know-your-client requirements and ensure timely delivery of all documentation.
• Assist with regular and ad-hoc reporting of the outcome of investment legal reviews.

Other Legal Services

• Assisting with the management and oversight of external legal counsel.
• Collating and filing final legal documentation.
• Undertaking ad-hoc legal research on asset management, real estate and regulatory matters as required.

ProfileThe successful candidate will be a qualified lawyer licensed to practise in the UK. The following are essential skills and qualifications required to thrive in this position:Professional Qualifications and Experience

• The role will suit a newly qualified solicitor or a solicitor with up to two years post-qualification experience.
• Preferably admitted to practice in England and Wales and/or another common law jurisdiction.
• Knowledge or previous experience of commercial contracts either at a commercial law firm or in-house is preferred. Previous experience of financial services and / or asset management is desirable but not mandatory.

Skills/Aptitudes

• Approachable style with strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organisational skills, accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and show initiative.
• Ability to respond to and work through often changing and competing priorities and demonstrable experience of working to and meeting deadlines
• Ability to work with and manage large amounts of data and information.
• Good interpersonal skills.

Personal attributes

• Self-motivated and dedicated with a demonstrable drive to achieve objectives.
• Ability to quickly build effective working relationships with other team members and other teams.
• A demonstrable ability to prioritise, multi-task and work to tight deadlines.
• Operates with discretion and integrity.

Job OfferThis role offers a generous salary and a flexible working environment.For further information about the package on offer for this position, and in order to find out more about the role, please contact Rosie Gage of Michael Page Legal (London)