Assistant Legal Counsel

The opportunity:
This role would suit a junior transactional lawyer looking to make their first move in-house. It will be an interesting and varied role with the ability to become involved and play an essential role in transactions at the forefront of social impact investing as well as supporting the growth and success of Big Society Capital as an organisation.

The role will give the successful candidate broad exposure to all areas of BSC’s work although the candidate will spend the majority of their time between supporting the investment team and working on internal corporate/commercial and regulatory matters alongside colleagues in the Legal & Compliance team.

What you will do:
Investment work
• Support the Investment Group with term sheet discussions and identifying and addressing initial legal issues in respect of a proposed investment
• Alongside colleagues in the legal team, assist with the negotiation of legal documentation, representing BSC and working with co-investors, and assist with the completion process for BSC’s investments
• Participate in the management of investments over their lifetime, including any amendments to legal documentation and any waivers that may be required
• Participate in the process to restructure or exit investments
• Support colleagues in the legal team with instructing and working with external counsel
• Maintain a knowledge of BSC’s legal obligations relating to the investments and make sure BSC has all necessary legal documentation in place and properly stored

Corporate legal and regulatory work
• Support colleagues across the office with legal and regulatory queries
• Support colleagues in the legal team with reviewing new legislation and implementing consequential changes to BSC’s processes and policies
• Support client investment initiatives, including through investments and the design and implementation of policies and processes
• Alongside colleagues in the legal team, draft and negotiate research contracts, non-disclosure agreements and other commercial contracts
• Work with colleagues in the legal team to build and share know-how and best practice across Big Society Capital and its portfolio companies, including training and templates
• Alongside colleagues in the legal team, maintain a knowledge of BSC’s legal obligations and make sure BSC has all necessary documentation in place and properly stored
• Any other duties as may be required from time to time by Head of Legal

What you will bring:

Skills, Abilities and Attributes

• Demonstrates a high level of proficiency in written and spoken
  English
  • Strong communication skills
  • Systematic approach to work with high attention to detail
  • Project management, research and analytical skills
  • Approachable and strong team player but able to work self-
  sufficiently
  • Flexible and willing to take on different tasks as required
  • Enthusiastic and proactive
  • Resilient and can cope with ambiguity and change
  • Well organised and able to prioritise
  • Looks to find innovative solutions to problems

Embody Big Society Capital core values:
• Purposeful –We are passionate and energetic in our work to
bring about our long-term vision of a thriving social investment
market that enables positive social impact.
• Pioneering Spirit - We give our team the autonomy and
flexibility to be entrepreneurial and creative. We have the
courage to push boundaries and a restless drive for change
• Openness - We listen, learn, experiment and collaborate. And
we are adaptive and flexible in responding to what we learn.
• Rigorous - We take a rigorous approach in all we do. We
expect the highest standards and continually strive for
excellence
• Respectful - We are genuine in both our approach and
aspiration. We value each member of our team and our
partners for what they bring.

Experience

Essential Experience
• English law qualified solicitor
• Knowledge and experience of transactions
Desirable Experience
• Knowledge and experience of investment funds
• Knowledge and experience of commercial contracts
• Engagement with the third sector in some capacity

Other terms
• Location: We are a UK-based business with an office in the Chancery Lane area of London, accessible to a number of public transport links. Our current approach allows colleagues to spend 40% - 60% of their working hours in the office, and the remainder from home. We hope
that this working pattern encourages Big Society Capital employees to achieve a healthy balance between work and personal life, as we continue to adapt to the changing needs of our diverse workforce.

• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Big Society Capital is committed to being a diverse organisation that is truly representative of the communities we serve. We therefore welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, particularly those under-represented in the social impact investment sector (e.g. people from LGBTQIA+; racialised; disabled; under-served communities)

We are an equal opportunities employer with an inclusive environment where all employees can contribute to their fullest potential. We want every colleague to be able to
deliver their work with dignity, equality, comfort and independence. Our office is fully accessible with step-free access and an open-plan set up. We are open to accommodation requests regarding assistive technologies, accessibility tools, flexible working or any other
reasonable adjustments that will make working or visiting here more accessible for you. If you have a disability or other access needs and require any support to assist you through the recruitment process, please get in touch with Ruth Davidson (People and Talent Manager) at rdavidson@bigsocietycapital.com