- Broad generalist in-house role within a regulated banking environment
- High level of autonomy in a small, senior legal team
- Exposure to Bank work with development into Group matters
Heartland Bank Limited is strengthening its in-house legal function and is appointing a Legal Counsel as part of building depth, capability and resilience in the team.
This role is suited to a commercially minded lawyer who wants meaningful exposure, autonomy and the opportunity to be embedded in the business. Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer, you’ll work closely with teams across the bank and be expected to apply judgement, not just follow process.
This is a visible, hands-on in-house role, supporting real commercial decisions in a fast-moving, regulated environment.
Why this role exists now
- Heartland continues to grow and evolve its product offering and digital capability, increasing the volume and complexity of legal matters across the business
- The legal team is being strengthened to ensure legal advice is embedded earlier in decision-making and day-to-day operations
- Increased regulatory requirements and customer expectations require consistent, high-quality in-house legal support
- This role provides additional capacity and depth, enabling the legal team to operate proactively as the business scales
What you’ll be doing
- Provide practical legal advice across contracts, marketing, disputes, collections and asset management
- Support product development and regulatory change initiatives from early stages
- Advise on compliance with key legislative and regulatory frameworks, including banking, consumer credit and financial markets legislation
- Manage and work with external legal providers on specific matters
- Support responses to customer complaints, incidents and regulatory enquiries
- Partner with business stakeholders to provide clear, solutions-focused legal advice
- Contribute to the identification of emerging legal issues and continuous improvement within the legal function
What we’re looking for
- 6 to 8 years’ PQE in corporate or commercial law
- Banking or financial services experience strongly preferred
- Private practice and or in-house experience
- Strong drafting skills and sound commercial judgement
- Confidence working directly with senior stakeholders
- A pragmatic, low-ego approach and comfort operating with ambiguity
This role offers genuine scope to broaden your experience, sharpen your commercial judgement and be part of a legal team that is trusted, visible and closely aligned to the business.
For a copy of the candidate pack, or for a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Richard Gray-Smith at INSIDE Recruitment.
