Corporate Counsel
Overview:
We are a highly successful, award-winning Wealth and Investment Management business on an exciting growth path seeking additional support within our in-house Legal & Governance team.
This is a position that can offer the elusive work-life balance a role in practice simply cannot offer, while providing opportunities to be heavily involved in our ongoing M&A activity, including corporate structuring and integration, along with ongoing support to the business across BAU activities (general corporate governance issues, share capital and entity rationalisation matters).
A hands-on role with direct reporting line to the General Counsel you will have a direct exposure to the impact a Legal team makes within a successful, growing business.
About the Company:
With over £25 billion in assets under management (AUM), a team of c.400 professionals across 5 global offices, W1M specialises in working with high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families, charities, and institutions. Beyond our direct client relationships, we also maintain a longstanding partnership with Independent Financial Advisers, providing access to our market-leading investment solutions.
We are continuing to expand with ambitious plans to double our AUM by 2030 based on the foundation of the quality of advice and services we provide to our clients, alongside peer-leading investment performance.
Internally we are a highly collaborative organisation free from the politics and bureaucracy of larger firms that gives everyone the opportunity to make a real difference and enhance the way we work. We have a sociable culture with sporting and cultural events throughout the year and a welcoming and supportive environment.
Key Responsibilities:
M&A and Corporate Transactions
- Support and, where appropriate, lead legal workstreams on acquisitions, disposals and other corporate transactions, including:
- Legal due diligence
- Drafting and reviewing transaction documentation (including SPAs and ancillary agreements)
- Managing disclosure processes
- Advising on completion mechanics and post‑completion obligations
- Prepare and review board and committee papers and minutes in connection with M&A transactions and related approvals.
- Coordinate with and manage external legal advisers, ensuring advice is commercially focused and cost‑effective.
- Support the General Counsel in managing transaction timetables and stakeholder requirements.
Corporate Structuring, Share Capital and Governance
- Advise on corporate structuring and restructuring across the Group, including intra‑group arrangements and reorganisations.
- Provide advice on share capital matters, including:
- Share issuances and transfers
- Group equity arrangements
- Corporate approvals and filings
- Assist with corporate governance matters, including preparation of board materials and implementation of board decisions.
Entity Rationalisation, Wind‑Down and Liquidation
- Support the Group’s entity rationalisation programme, including:
- Advising on the wind‑down of dormant or non‑core entities
- Assisting with solvent liquidations and related documentation
- Liaising with external advisers (legal, tax, insolvency practitioners) as required
- Ensure legal matters are handled in an orderly and risk‑appropriate manner in line with regulatory and governance expectations.
Post‑Acquisition Integration
- Provide legal input into post‑acquisition integration activities, including:
- Contract novation and assignment
- Alignment of contractual frameworks
- Identification and mitigation of legal risks identified during the relevant transaction and subsequent integration
- Work closely with Compliance, Risk, Finance and Operations to support seamless integration of acquired businesses.
Business‑as‑Usual Legal Support
- Draft, review and negotiate business‑as‑usual commercial contracts, including supplier, outsourcing and professional services agreements.
- Provide clear, pragmatic legal advice to business stakeholders on contractual interpretation and risk.
- Support wider business and strategic projects as they arise, providing legal input from early stage through to delivery.
Regulatory Context
- Operate within a UK‑regulated financial services environment, working closely with Compliance and Risk to ensure legal advice takes account of FCA and wider regulatory considerations.
Support regulatory‑driven legal work where required, particularly in the context of acquisitions and structural change.
Background / Experience and Competencies Required
- Qualified solicitor in England & Wales, or qualified lawyer in another recognised jurisdiction in good standing
- 2-5 years PQE with evidence working in corporate and M&A transactions
- Familiarity with post-merger integration and group restructuring work
- Strong technical grounding in corporate law, including share transactions, governance and transactional documentation
- Commercially minded, with ability to balance legal risk with business objectives
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
- Exposure to working in, or advising PE-backed business is an advantage, as is experience within a Financial Services environment
Equal Opportunity Statement
W1M is an equal opportunities employer and in accordance with the rules regarding discrimination in the Equality Act 2010, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.