Commercial Lawyer/Sole Counsel £125,000 plus!

My client is an international FCA regulated Financial services house based in London.

The Commercial Lawyer is responsible for providing legal expertise and guidance in the area of contracts to reflect the commercial needs of the business, ensure compliance, minimise risk, and protect the organization's interests. They will be involved in the drafting, negotiation, and review of a wide range of contracts, including but not limited to commercial contracts, vendor agreements, client agreements, and employment contracts.

You will also act as company secretary and will ensure that the company complies with all financial and legal requirements and will support with board papers and minutes,

The Commercial Lawyer will work closely with internal stakeholders, including finance, commercial, compliance, HR, technology and operations teams, to ensure contractual obligations are met and legal and regulatory compliance risks are appropriately managed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts: Prepare, analyse, and negotiate various types of contracts, ensuring they align with legal requirements, company policies, internal risk and business objectives. Identify and address potential legal risks, ensuring favourable terms and conditions for the organization in a practical and commercial manner.

• Legal advisory and risk assessment: Provide legal advice and guidance to internal stakeholders on contractual matters, including interpretation of contractual provisions, rights, and obligations. Conduct risk assessments and propose strategies to mitigate legal risks associated with contracts.

• Contract management and administration: Maintain a comprehensive contract database, track contract expiration dates, and ensure compliance with contract terms and conditions. Collaborate with relevant teams to monitor contract performance, amendments, extensions, and terminations.

• Framework Establishment: Establish a contract framework and adhere to the process ensuring relevant stakeholders are inputting to contracts.

• Financing documents: Work with external counsel to prepare conditions precedent and other corporate documents required to execute financing documents for the business and ongoing compliance with financing agreements.

• Compliance and regulatory adherence: Stay up to date with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards impacting contract management. Ensure contracts comply with legal and regulatory requirements, such as data protection, intellectual property, and competition laws.

• Dispute resolution and negotiation: Assist in the resolution of contract disputes, claims, and issues, working collaboratively with internal teams, external counsel, and other parties as necessary. Provide guidance on negotiation strategies and settlement agreements.

• Contract templates and standardization: Develop and maintain contract templates, clauses, and playbooks to streamline the contract creation and review process. Ensure contractual terms are consistent with legal standards and align with the organisation's risk appetite.

• Stakeholder collaboration: Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, including finance, commercial, compliance, HR, technology and operations teams, to understand their contractual needs, provide guidance, and ensure consistent contractual practices across the organisation.

• Training and knowledge sharing: Conduct training sessions and workshops to educate employees on contract-related legal matters, best practices, and changes in regulations. Share knowledge and expertise with the legal team and other relevant stakeholders.

• Corporate Secretarial Duties: Fulfilling statutory obligations related to company administration. This includes maintaining accurate company records, filing required documents with regulatory authorities, managing share capital and shareholder registers, and ensuring compliance with company constitution and bylaws

• Board Papers: Organising board meetings, preparing meeting agendas and materials, recording accurate minutes, and facilitating effective communication between the board and management.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Law degree from an accredited institution, with a strong academic record.

• Qualified lawyer with relevant professional certifications (e.g., solicitor or barrister).

• Proven experience as a commercial or contracts lawyer, with a focus on regulatory and compliance matters preferably in a corporate legal department or law firm.

• In-depth knowledge of UK financial services regulations, including FCA rules and directives.

• Direct experience in the drafting and negotiation of commercial agreements, including a general awareness of the sorts of legal issues affecting tech-based business.

• Solid understanding of contract law, commercial agreements, and related legal concepts.

• Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem solving skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex legal concepts in a clear and concise manner.

• Attention to detail and the ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.

• Sound judgment and the ability to assess legal risks and propose practical solutions.

• Proactive, solution-oriented attitude to resolving business issues.

• Proficiency in legal research and staying updated on relevant laws, regulations, and industry trends.

• Familiarity with contract management tools and technology is advantageous.

Please note.

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