Legal Counsel (part-time considered)

We are looking for an exceptional candidate to be part of an outstanding team supporting a world class business.

Canopius is established as one of the largest managing agencies operating in the Lloyd’s of London insurance market. Our clients are dispersed globally and whilst headquartered in London, we have core operations in the US, Bermuda & Singapore.

Above all else, members of the Legal team are expected to know the Canopius business inside out. We strive to provide exemplary levels of service, advising and supporting all areas of Canopius’ rapidly expanding business. The Legal team works in close collaboration with the Company Secretariat, Risk, Compliance & Data Privacy teams, advising and supporting them in the management of legal and regulatory risk.

This business facing role will be tasked with providing commercially orientated legal and strategic advice. The role will suit a lawyer with corporate and commercial experience gained in a reputable law firm or in house role who is looking to gain greater exposure to a fast-paced environment. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to develop and progress their skills working as part of an in house insurance legal team.

The successful candidate will be expected to support and where necessary lead department initiatives and various project work on an ad hoc basis. This will involve working in close collaboration with other team members, other departments and key stakeholders. The successful candidate will also need to demonstrate aspiration with the opportunity to get involved in wider work undertaken by the team, including corporate transactions and ad hoc projects.

Main Responsibilities:

• To provide efficient, effective and high quality legal advice in a commercially focussed way to business stakeholders, with primary responsibility supporting teams in the finance and operation functions
• To handle a wide range of legal matters, projects and ad hoc queries. This must be done with aplomb, care and high standards of client service, tailoring technically accurate advice to the commercial situation
• To provide advice on and in connection with corporate matters including corporate finance, investment management and corporate transactions, including oversight of the same
• To review and negotiate a range of commercial agreements
• To lead and support complex strategic initiatives or special projects.
• To work collaboratively with other members of the team to support the delivery of business objectives
• To communicate effectively and provide a consistent high standard of service, acting as an ambassador of the Group Legal department internally and externally
• To contribute to a legal precedent bank and to assist with training for the business on new or ongoing legal issues
• To manage external counsel where necessary and help ensure responsive and cost effective commercial advice is delivered to the business
• To provide general support and assistance to the Group Managing Counsel and Group General Counsel as and when required

Skills and Experience:

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and experience:

• PQE lawyer (solicitor or barrister in England & Wales, US attorney or other overseas equivalent)
• Experience gained within a corporate insurance and/or financial services environment
• Proven commercial skills and a willingness to add value
• Highly organised and demonstrable time management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to operate and communicate at all levels

Experience gained in a reputable law firm of the following practice areas:

• Corporate
• Corporate Finance
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• General Commercial contracts (inc.IT contracts and licences)

Personal Qualities:

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following mindset and personal qualities:

• Consummate professional who is able to act as a role model for junior members of the team
• Proactive self-starter who shows initiative and is always willing to take on more
• Confident in liaising with stakeholders in a constructive way, giving commercially attuned advice
• Attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy in work product
• Collaborative team worker with a sense of humour
• Approachable, open minded and logical
• Willingness to help innovate and drive change where required
• Ability to work well under pressure and unphased by competing priorities, deadlines and volumes of work
• Loyal, dedicated, friendly and willing to go the extra mile