Job Description
The Associate General Counsel will deputise for, and support, the Deputy General Counsel and GCCS, respectively, acting effectively as the third in commend of the Legal & Co Sec Function.
The postholder will provide strategic leadership and oversight of the Legal & Co Sec Function within the Bank ensuring delivery of high-quality legal advice and support across the Bank.
The position requires strong legal expertise, business acumen, gravitas, line management experience and the ability to manage complex legal and regulatory issues (such as SMCR, MiFID and EMIR). The postholder will work closely with all levels across the Bank.
The Bank is a small business operating in an increasingly regulated and complex international environment with at times ambiguity in, and little consistency in and between the laws and regulations of the different jurisdictions in which the Bank operates.
It is the role of the AGC to assist the GCCS and DGC in ensuring that the interests of the Bank are protected against legal risk. This will include being alive to the political, legal, regulatory and reputational implications of proposed decisions and courses of action at all levels, and the development of appropriate strategies and mitigation to manage risk effectively.
Key Responsibilities
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o The focus of the role will primarily be to support the delivery of legal advice and support in connection with (i) the Retail and Business Banking business unit, (ii) Commercial Contracts, (iii) Marketing and Brand protection; and (iv) Corporate Governance and Company Secretariat support.
o Notwithstanding the above, the AGC will also be expected to support with other matters, notably, Trade Finance, Corporate & Institutional Banking, Property, Data Protection, HR support, the operations of the International Foundation, and other areas as and when required, ensuring they have a clear view of all work of the Department and are able to step up/deputise as needed.
o Partner with business/functional line management in recommending, developing and executing business initiatives within applicable statutory and regulatory frameworks.
o Manage day-to-day legal activities as a subject matter expert in areas of responsibility and provide senior advisory services to business partners.
o Lead or support the negotiation, coordination, monitoring and management of complex legal issues and if appropriate, make key decisions and provide strategic vision.
o Manage and undertake day-to-day legal activities for areas of responsibility.
o Appropriately assess risk when business decisions are made, demonstrating particular consideration for the bank’s reputation and safeguarding the Bank, its clients and assets, by driving compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, adhering to policy, applying sound ethical judgment regarding personal behaviour, conduct and business practices, and escalating, managing and reporting control issues with transparency, as well as effectively supervising the activity of others and creating accountability with those who fail to maintain these standards.
o Participate in strategic planning and development and contribute to business objectives by using knowledge of industry, laws and regulations.
o Support on Co Sec and data protection matters where the need arises.
Supporting Legal Operations
This includes, and is not limited to:
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o Developing and reviewing Legal & Co Sec’s Vision & Mission.
o Developing Legal & Co Sec’s Strategy, in addition to setting objectives and plans to deliver the Strategy.
o Developing the Team's goal setting and key performance indicators (KPIs).
o Training of Team members.
o Supporting the development of Management Information to enhance Legal & Co Sec governance reporting.
o Reviewing the Bank’s Legal Firm Panel and developing guidelines and policy for the management of the Panel.
o Enhancing knowledge management, document management and other operational processes and procedures.
Line Management Responsibilities
These include and are not limited to:
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o Setting half yearly objectives and drafting and overseeing development plans.
o Holding regular check-in meetings.
o Addressing performance and other issues.
o Keeping the GCCS and DGC appropriately informed of the performance of the team’s in-house counsel and other team members.
Skills / Experience Required
* Experienced banking lawyer with a proven excellent track record.
* Good understanding of the bank's business and the markets in which it operates.
* Subject matter expert with a good knowledge of the UK regulatory regime.
* Strong knowledge of LMA template loan documentation.
* Experience of a broad range of lending and security products, documents and structures, including various types of borrowers.
* Experience of advising on projects.
* Excellent written and spoken communication and negotiation skills, with experience of adapting style and approach to the audience and message to be delivered.
* Ability to think laterally and offer solutions to business problems.
* Ability to prioritise and work directly with the business.
* Strong leadership and line management skills.
* High ethical standards and sound judgment.