General Legal Counsel

General Legal Counsel

Location: London, Bristol or Southampton (Hybrid - 2 to 3 days office-based)
Salary: Competitive + Bonus + Benefits
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced General Legal Counsel to join a forward-thinking, fintech business. This standalone position offers a unique chance to work closely with the executive team, shaping legal strategy and supporting strategic objectives across the UK and international markets.

The Role

As General Legal Counsel, you will be the company’s primary legal advisor, responsible for delivering clear, commercially focused legal guidance. You’ll oversee all legal and regulatory matters, draft and negotiate key agreements, ensure compliance, and mitigate legal risk while supporting innovation and business expansion.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise senior stakeholders on legal issues across corporate governance, regulatory compliance, contractual matters, data protection, and intellectual property.
• Draft, negotiate and execute a range of commercial agreements with clients, including SaaS agreements, software licensing, and partnership contracts.
• Ensure regulatory compliance across UK and international jurisdictions, including financial services and data protection regulations (e.g. GDPR).
• Oversee intellectual property matters such as trademarks, patents, and software licensing.
• Develop internal legal policies and processes, and deliver training on data privacy, contract management and intellectual property rights.
• Manage disputes and liaise with external legal counsel as required.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to enable business initiatives through sound legal insight to drive informed decision making.

The person

• UK-qualified solicitor or barrister with at least 8 years' post-qualification experience.
• Background in fintech, financial services, or technology sectors.
• In depth knowledge of UK financial regulations, data protection laws and international legal standards relevant to the fintech industry.
• Confident analytical, negotiating and communication skills and able to advise at all levels.
• Able to manage a variety of legal issues and proactive, collaborative and comfortable operating autonomously in a fast-paced environment.

Work Environment

This is a hybrid position requiring 2-3 days per week in the office. You may be based from one of the company’s hubs in London, Bristol or Southampton, depending on your preference.

Benefits

• Competitive salary + discretionary bonus
• Pension scheme, private health, life assurance
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Flexible working culture