Senior Associate (2602)

The Financial Services Regulatory (FSR) team is looking for an Associate or Senior Associate to join the London team and assist in driving the national Retail Investment / Wealth Management practice (non-funds). This is a strategic growth hire to manage some of the existing caseload and to develop regulatory project work for our key clients and targets.
This role involves a mix of contentious (enhanced supervisory, regulatory intervention and FCA investigations) and non-contentious (advisory, regulatory structures and contractual) work. From time to time, you will need to deal with general FSR queries (outside of the retail investments sub-sector), for example, corporate support or SM&CR projects in other FS sub-sectors.
The FSR team already has a number of established clients in the retail investments space and a rare specialism and expertise in the wealth management sub-sector. Our current clients include DFMs, investment / custodial / trading platforms, SIPP providers, AR networks, national IFAs, brokers and private banks, robo-advisers, 'online discretionary investment managers' and insolvency practitioners.
The ideal candidate will likely be a 3 to 7 years PQE lawyer, with experience in MiFID, COBS, PROD, SYSC and SUP and dealing with enhanced/contentious supervisory instructions (s.166, VREQs, OIREQs). There is no fixed view on what that experience will include and we are open to considering a range of different (but relevant) experiences and backgrounds.
This would be an ideal role for someone from a MiFID infrastructure and broking background who wants to expand into the retail investment sector and use their existing knowledge to help expand our offering higher up the distribution chain.
Main function of role:
The day to day work includes advising on new business propositions and distribution models, including drafting the accompanying agreements like DFM intermediary agreements ('Reliance on Others' and 'Agent as Client' models); advising on compliance, regulatory breaches, reporting and potential systemic liability; advising on implementation (and post implementation) of regulatory change projects and conduct regulation, senior management responsibility and product governance.
We are also regularly instructed by firms facing enhanced supervision from or intervention by the FCA, including s.166s, VREQs and OIREQs and internal investigations. Finally, we are instructed to advise on the regulatory aspects of insolvencies in the wealth management sector, including Special Administrations (alongside our Restructuring & Insolvency team).,

• Provide a high quality service to clients in a commercial and professional manner managing a caseload of predominantly complex and/or high value cases on both contentious and non-contentious matters, working with other partners or senior consultants and/or with assistance from more junior fee earners;


• Maintain an understanding of the latest developments in financial services regulation and wider regulatory law and to regularly seek to update skills in addition to and outside of the CPD process, sharing learning across the team;


• Be accountable for individual and team financial management ensuring a pro-active approach is taken to meeting individual and team targets;


• Raise individual profile and that of DWF through coverage in the trade, legal and/or national press, via social media and DWF promotional material, assisting to maximise own revenue with existing clients through the introduction of clients to other practice areas/groups where applicable;


• Play a proactive role in business development including writing articles and blogs, delivering presentations and facilitating seminars;


• Support others to perform to their potential, delegating work, providing technical and strategic advice to more junior fee earners, supervising cases and giving relevant guidance to support the development and progression of others as appropriate;


• Look outside of the Firm for new ways of working and seek continually to challenge and improve internal working practices through the professional application of skills and knowledge;


• Develop strong internal and external working relationships based on trust and respect, ensuring there is regular communication within the practice area/group and with the external clients;


• Understand the relevant marketplace and identify what opportunities and risks exist and how DWF can exploit or prepare for them;


• Maintain visibility and accessibility across the team / firm and manage client relationships during delivery of high quality service.
  
  Qualified lawyer with financial services technical expertise and an ability to apply it in a practical, commercial and professional way on large / complex projects / cases and a varied caseload of smaller matters.


• The successful candidate will have a significant interest in and some knowledge of or experience in advising clients on the retail investments sub-sector including applying the FCA Handbook (COBS) and MiFID II and/or advising IFAs, SIPP providers, investment platforms, wealth managers etc.


• Wider experience of general regulatory advice, for example, advising on business models, systemic liability, complaint handling and/or SM&CR is desirable.


• Over time, able to develop the business in terms of both existing and new clients.


• Proven track record of working with a high level of autonomy and responsibility.


• Effective team player with collaborative and supportive approach.


• Experience of effectively supervising and developing Trainees and/or Paralegals.


• Proactive in developing own expertise and skills and in sharing learning with others.
  
  DWF is a global legal business providing high quality legal services across legal advice and managed services. We empower people to be themselves within an inclusive and supportive environment, enabling everyone to achieve their full potential in line with their abilities and career aspirations.
  
  We offer a positive, friendly, supportive and collegiate approach to working with others. At our core is a belief that an inclusive, supportive working environment allows people to more easily be themselves, develop much more quickly and be happier at work. Everyone in the team supports this ethos.

We want you to feel valued and rewarded.
We understand the importance of offering you a reward package that goes beyond just salary. When you join DWF you'll be given a choice. You can pick from a range of benefits, allowing you to build a package that suits your and your family's needs and lifestyle.
Our standard benefits cover medical insurance, life insurance, pension and 25 days annual leave. Our other flexible benefits include season ticket loans, gym memberships, health assessments, cycle to work scheme, retail vouchers and a buy as you earn share scheme. You will also have access to additional wellbeing programs such as an online GP and an Employee Assistance Programme.
DWF has adopted a hybrid working model, so our people enjoy a mix of home and office working.
We would love to hear from you and discuss your career at DWF.