Legal Counsel
London
OakNorth Bank – Legal /
Permanent - Full Time /
Hybrid
Since our launch in 2015, we’ve backed entrepreneurs with over £12.5bn in funding, helping create 56,000+ jobs and 34,000 + new homes across the UK and US – and we’re not about to stop there. We’re dedicated to helping trailblazing businesses thrive and our Legal team are integral to our growth.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a fast-paced, growing digital bank with a reputation for doing things differently. We don’t want another cog in the machine, we’re looking for self-starters and bold thinkers who want to pave their own career paths and are passionate about supporting the UK’s best and brightest businesspeople.
OakNorth is seeking an experienced commercially astute lawyer to support its strategic growth and transformation initiatives, reporting to the General Counsel and Company Secretary. The role involves working across corporate and commercial (including M&A), capital markets and finance matters and other areas which arise in the context of a dynamic, growing digital bank. The role will provide opportunities to interact with OakNorth’s leadership from an early stage.
Responsibilities:
- Lead the provision of end-to-end legal advice for a variety of matters as set out above, including with respect to advising on structuring transactions and transaction management.
- Draft, review and negotiate complex legal and commercial documentation.
- Support strategic initiatives such as joint ventures, integrations and business exits.
- Advise on corporate governance, compliance and risk management matters.
- Enhance legal function capabilities, including implementation of legaltech solutions and in particular, leverage GenAI tools to increase productivity and enhance decision-making processes within the role.
- Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Represent the group in external forums and industry networks.
- Supervise and develop junior team members.
Requirements:
- 5+ years’ post-qualification experience in a top-tier law firm or in-house in financial services.
- Broad experience in corporate, commercial and cross-border matters.
- Strong drafting, negotiation and transaction management skills.
- Commercial, pragmatic and risk-based legal advice delivery.
- Familiarity with the UK financial services sector and regulatory landscape.
- Proven ability to manage complex transactions with minimal supervision.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- High attention to detail, professionalism and strong academic background.
- Proactive, collaborative and adaptable approach in fast-paced environments.
- Commitment to continuous learning, development and mentoring junior colleagues.
Benefits & Perks:
- Equity. We want people to have a stake in the business so that all our interests are aligned.
- 25 days holiday
- Personalized benefits – opt-in to what matters to you
- Subsidised Private Medical Insurance with Bupa
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
- Wellbeing and social events
- In-house Barista Bar in London office
- Support causes that matter to you – Volunteering time off
- Salary sacrifice schemes (Cycle to Work, nursery, gym and electric car scheme)
Equal Opportunities
At OakNorth, we hire for the skills, experience and competencies that we believe will give you the greatest likelihood for success in a role. Equally, if not more importantly, we also look for people who demonstrate the attitudes and behaviours that align with our Values. If you don’t meet all of the listed criteria for the role but have determination, a growth mindset, and entrepreneurial spirit to achieve them, please do still apply.
OakNorth constantly strives to be an inclusive environment for everyone. Diversity in our team means great business outcomes and a culture that is open and welcoming for all. If you’re looking to join a company that’s focused on customers and ambitious outcomes, please do apply.
Data Privacy
By submitting your application, you agree that OakNorth may collect your personal data for recruiting and related purposes. Please refer to our Data Privacy notice: https://oaknorth.co.uk/legal/privacy-notice/employees-and-visitors/ for details on our data handling practices during your application.
