Legal Consultant - Payments (4+ PQE)

Progressive legal careers Peerpoint is A&O Shearman's global platform for self-directed consultant lawyers who want to access the best work, clients, resources and bespoke support, whilst undertaking assignments of typically six months or more, either within A&O Shearman practice groups or directly with clients. To find out more, please visit www.peerpoint.com. Join us We are currently looking for lawyers with 4+ years' top-tier post-qualification payments experience, including payment services regulation (including the Payment Services Directive), e-money, consumer credit, open banking, consumer duty or regulation related to digital assets.

Examples of recent opportunities A role in a bank working closely with retail, commercial and corporate banking teams in the UK and across the EU on payments law and regulation with a focus on payments, regulatory change and digital innovation and providing support on matters related to payment architecture change, including industry initiatives such as Open Banking, Confirmation of Payee and New Payments Architecture. A role working within a multi-jurisdictional Money Services Business, delivering strategic commercial agreements with partners (including banks and payment processors) and providing legal advice and support for global projects, as well as advising on payment services and related regulatory issues including the support of cross border expansion initiatives and supporting and advising the government relations and compliance teams on regulatory engagement matters. Experienced lawyer providing support and advice to Open Banking and Open API at a global technology company in the payments industry, including handling product development, commercial contracting with customers, suppliers and partners and general legal support matters for the business on a day-to-day basis, identifying and analysing relevant issues and helping the business effectively navigate legal and regulatory risks and implement appropriate controls, policies and processes. Supporting the UK & EU credit legal team of a financial technology company on geo-expansion activities, rolling out ‘buy now, pay later’ products in new markets, further developing revolving consumer credit products, supporting existing and launching new merchant financing activities in the UK and European markets and adjusting existing products based on changing legislation.

Our criteria Successful applicants will: have a minimum of two years' post-qualification experience at a firm ranked as top tier for payment services or digital assets work; ideally have recent in-house legal experience at a leading financial services institution (directly or as a secondee); have a desire to take ownership of their career and be responsible for their own professional development and network, proactively making use of any support and resources available; have researched the personal and financial factors that you need to consider when commencing a career as a legal consultant and be comfortable with the ways in which it differs from permanent employment; be committed to building a positive and productive relationship with Peerpoint, including having a transparent, open and responsive style of communication; have a consultant mindset, including a highly professional, flexible and adaptable outlook and approach; have an ability to make effective transitions into new environments and be motivated to deliver an excellent standard of service to each client; have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to professionally deal with stakeholders at all levels, building strong relationships internally and externally; be resilient, autonomous and highly credible, with exemplary commercial/business acumen and client service ethic; have proven project management skills; and have a practising certificate (or equivalent) which entitles them to practise as a lawyer in the UK.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the relationship between Peerpoint and our legal consultants, we are not able to sponsor visas. Applicants are therefore required to have a right to reside and work in the UK. As a result of the high volume of applications we receive, it is our policy not to provide individual feedback at the application stage.

What makes consulting with Peerpoint different? A career with Peerpoint is unmatched in the market. Over the last decade, we’ve helped lead the transformation of legal consulting as a truly credible option alongside private practice and in-house legal careers. We also have one of the most supportive offerings around, all with the full backing of A&O Shearman. Empowering your development – you’ll be fully supported by our experienced team and will have access to A&O Shearman’s training, development and networking events, including opportunities to grow your skillset with A&O Shearman’s Advanced Delivery & Solutions businesses. On assignment, you’ll have access to an A&O Shearman partner and professional support lawyers as well as extensive knowledge resources. Variety you control – steer your legal career in whichever direction you choose. Whether you’re looking for more control, choice or variety, as a Peerpoint consultant you’ll have the pick of the best challenges from across a range of sectors. Let your priorities lead – it’s never been more important to find the right balance. That could mean more flexibility over the time you spend between your personal and professional life, whether that's to pursue a passion, spend time with family or take breaks to travel the world. Futureproof your career – if you need coaching or mentoring, our team can guide you on the range of diverse paths to help you grow your experience. By understanding your needs and supporting you at every step, we’ll help you succeed so you can flourish both today and tomorrow.