Legal Advisor: London

Job Purpose

To support the Head of Legal, London in carrying out their responsibility for the management of legal risk and the provision of legal services in respect of Nedbank Limited and Nedbank Limited, London Branch (London Branch), by performing the Key Responsibilities applicable to London Branch as set out below.

The role resides within CIB. The role has a reporting line into the Head of Legal, London.

Job Responsibilities

Legal Services

To provide in-house legal advice, support and manage the legal risk for London Branch, which includes:

• Providing legal advice and support in the optimal structuring, negotiation and preparation of large and/or complex contract documents for all transactions entered into by London Branch, other offshore subsidiaries of Nedbank, other international transactions (including those originated in South Africa) entered into by London Branch and/or transactions which have an English law element.  This includes:
• Assessing the client's and Nedbank’s needs, as well as the proposed solution, and conducting a legal risk assessment;
• Advising relevant parties of results, and identifying solutions to address/mitigate the legal risks identified; and
• Being innovative and creative in finding solutions that are mutually beneficial, and that will be legally sound;
• Legal and regulatory compliance:
• Ensuring compliance by  London Branch to all relevant legislation and regulatory requirements at all times;  and
• Ensuring compliance of the relevant transacting business to all relevant legislation and regulatory requirements at all times, thereby minimising or avoiding financial risk for the business.
• Drafting and effective cost minimisation:
• Where possible and prudent, drafting documents in-house; and
• Where necessary, appointing, monitoring and assessing the external legal advice received to ensure it is financially viable and in the best interest of the relevant business area.
• Legal documentation:
• Identifying and drafting, or vetting externally drafted, (particularly English law governed) agreements required to document and implement transactions, so that all legal issues are addressed;
• Co-ordinating and driving the efforts of teams during the documentation stage (especially for large transactions or where the Bank has a documentation role);
• Ensuring documentation terms fall within the terms approved by the relevant internal committees and adhere to all relevant CIB policy requirements;
• Assessing what is commercially viable and beneficial without jeopardizing Nedbank’s legal position; and
• Liaising with external counsel and, when applicable, other members of the banking group.
• English corporate/company law services and transactional legal advice to N.B.S.A. Limited (including advice to the directors).

Job Responsibilities Continue

Effective business and cost management

• Ensure relevant Group and CIB legal policies and frameworks are complied therewith.
• Ensuring external legal costs are only incurred where necessary and prudent, and that these costs are incurred, managed and reported in accordance with London Branch’s, CIB’s and Group’s policies, frameworks and guidance.

Internal and External Committees and Forums

• Participate in relevant internal committees and forums as required in order to report on, and present London Branch legal risks and recommendations.
• Represent London Branch at applicable external legal related forums.

Collaboration

• Facilitate, foster, promote constructive and collective engagement between London Legal, CIB Legal and Group Legal to ensure an integrated cross-border legal service.
• Collaborate with internal leadership and other key stakeholders in overseeing and ensuring legal risk management across London Branch’s business by identifying and managing potential legal risk

Knowledge Sharing and training

• Where appropriate or necessary, assist other members of the CIB Legal team in providing legal services;
• Keep up to date with current developments in the law and inform other members of the CIB legal team and business units of changes in law, as well as the consequences of these changes, if relevant to them or their businesses; and
• Advise other members of the CIB legal team and business units on appropriate internal legal procedures to be followed in line with the CIB’s and London Branch’s legal and compliance policies

Litigation Matters

• Should litigation be necessary, source an appropriate external counsel on the merits of the case, interpret agreements to identify the Bank’s case, and perform all such acts necessary to protect the Bank’s interests in the course of litigation; and
• Monitor the litigation process to ensure all relevant Bank procedures are adhered to, including the negotiation of settlements.

General

Any other tasks and responsibilities as required.

Essential Qualifications-NQF Level

• A Bachelors or associated degree in law from a reputable university or equivalent qualification.
• Qualified as a Solicitor of England and Wales and holding a current practicing certificate issued by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
• At least 2 years post qualification experience in providing legal services in the financial services sector.
• Excellent understanding of English law, and the ability to draft and vet complex documentation under English law.

Minimum Experience Level

• 2 - 4 years post articles experience.
• Good knowledge of banking industry.
• Ability to network and build key relationships internally and externally.
• Interpersonal skills, communication and presentation skills experience to varied audience.

Technical / Professional Knowledge

Behavioural Competencies