We’re First Central Insurance & Technology Group (First Central for short), an innovative, market-leading insurance company. We protect the things customers love so they can get on with what matters to them in life.
Data drives us. It fuels our outstanding distribution, finance, technology and legal services. Our underwriting skills are built on data expertise; it creates the insights we need to give the right cover to the right customers at the right price. But, it’s the people inside and outside our business that power us. They make us stand out, help us succeed. We’re ambitious. We’re growing. We’ve won awards.
Are you a talented and qualified Lawyer with 1-3 years PQE? If so, we need you!
We’re currently seeking a Legal Counsel to join our team, based either in our Haywards Heath, West Sussex office or in our offices in Salford Quays, Manchester.
This role will support the smooth day-to-day running of the Group Legal function. You’ll be assisting the Group General Counsel and will work in collaboration with other legal colleagues. Travel to other companies within the Group or other Group business sites in Guernsey, Gibraltar, may occasionally be required.
This hybrid position offers flexible work arrangements, allowing you to split your time between working from home and our offices in either Haywards Heath, West Sussex, or Salford Quays, Manchester - If you prefer spending more time in the office, that good for us too.
Core skills you’ll need to succeed in the role:
* Legal Qualification: You’ll need to be a Qualified Solicitor or Barrister (or equivalent) in England and Wales.
* Legal Proficiency: You’ll possess a strong understanding of commercial contracts and corporate law.
* Professional Experience (1-3 Years PQE): You’ll need to be able to demonstrate expertise gained through practical legal work, including handling cases, advising clients, and contributing to legal projects.
* Attention to Detail: Legal work requires precision; we're looking for meticulousness in drafting contracts, reviewing documents, and conducting legal research.
* Project Management: You’ll need to showcase your ability to manage complex legal projects efficiently.
What’s involved:
* Primary responsibility for advising all levels of stakeholders Group-wide on legal and quasi-legal matters and taking ownership of driving Group and team level strategy and particular projects.
* Oversee the maintenance of the Group’s Intellectual Property, Litigation and Legal Issues Register and day-to-day transaction records.
* Complete thorough research and support Horizon Scanning, including drafting advice notes to the Group and its subsidiary companies.
* Conduct legal research and provide advice to the Group on a range of legal matters as and when requested by subsidiary companies and departments.
* Advise on regulatory issues, particularly, FCA, Gibraltar Financial Services and Guernsey Financial Services matters.
* Review, draft, and negotiate a range of commercial contracts, including Material Outsource agreements and non-disclosure agreements.
* Advise upon matters of general company law and broader corporate/strategic matters.
* Assist in drafting company policies and procedures and complete legal research to ensure these are in line with legislation from the relevant jurisdictions.
* Liaise with external and internal stakeholders for relevant documentation and maintain an accessible filing system for these documents.
* Manage and maintain the Group’s County Court decisions log, liaise with the Courts for updates and information and ensure the relevant documentation/filings are completed in respect of any litigation.
* Engage with the relevant departments to manage risks related to CCJs and work to reduce impact to credit rating reports.
* Handle bailiffs, following established procedure, and communicate accordingly with relevant departments.
* Ensure personal compliance with corporate policies and rules, and other relevant standards/regulations at all times.
* Be fully aware of the Company’s Health and Safety Policy.
Experience:
* Experience of working as a lawyer in an in-house and/or private practice capacity, ideally with corporate/commercial experience between 1-3 years PQE.
* England and Wales qualified Lawyer (Solicitor or Barrister) or equivalent.
* Good knowledge of legal and/or corporate governance processes.
Skills:
* Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
* Ability to ‘manage up’ and deliver to stakeholders at the most senior levels.
* Problem-solving skills with the ability to translate problems and find resolutions.
* Good organisational skills with the ability to meet tight deadlines.
* Good numeracy and literacy skills.
* Good IT and software skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
* Demonstrable legal research skills.
* Resilient to challenge from senior levels whilst building and maintaining relationships.
* Ability to assess and advise upon legal risks.
Knowledge:
* Overview knowledge of relevant legislation (i.e. Companies Act, Data Protection Act, GDPR, FCA rules).
* Some knowledge of risk management techniques.
Behaviours:
* Emphasis on attention to detail and accuracy.
* Self-motivated and enthusiastic.
* Embrace, embed and incorporate the Company Values.
* An organised and proactive approach.
* Takes initiative to make decisions.
* A flexible approach and positive attitude.
* Approachable and keen to help others.
* Confident in presenting complex information in a clear and concise manner.
* Strives to deliver performance targets and drive business improvements to contribute to the success of the business.
* Ability to handle information in a confidential manner.
Ambitious team players can make their mark here. Sound like you? You’ll fit right in.
What can we do for you?
People first. Always. We’re passionate about our colleagues and know the best people deserve an extraordinary working environment. We owe it to them so that’s what we offer. Our workplaces are energetic, inspirational, supportive.
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