Legal Counsel | Sharegain

Navigating the Fintech Frontier: The Strategic Value of the Legal Counsel Role at Sharegain

In the rapidly evolving landscape of global capital markets, the intersection of technology and finance—often termed 'Fintech'—has become the primary battleground for legal innovation. Sharegain, a pioneering force in the Securities Lending as a Service (SLaaS) sector, is currently seeking a high-caliber Legal Counsel to join their London-based team. This role is not merely a standard in-house position; it is a strategic gateway for legal professionals looking to pivot into the heart of financial technology, where regulatory agility meets product-led growth.

Why This Role Represents the Future of Legal Practice

The traditional legal career trajectory often involves a binary choice: the rigid, high-stakes environment of a Magic Circle firm or the specialized, often siloed, world of corporate in-house counsel. Sharegain offers a third path. By operating at the intersection of capital markets and digital transformation, the company requires a legal professional who can bridge the gap between complex ISLA-standard trading agreements and the agile, iterative nature of a product-led startup.

"The more we share, the more we all gain." This corporate ethos at Sharegain is not just a marketing slogan; it defines the legal function's role in democratizing access to capital markets.

For a solicitor with 4–6 years of Post-Qualification Experience (PQE), this position offers an unparalleled opportunity to influence the legal architecture of a platform that is actively disrupting how securities are lent. You will not be reviewing static contracts; you will be helping to build the legal framework for a digital-first, automated financial ecosystem.

Strategic Preparation for the Modern Fintech Counsel

Securing a position at a firm like Sharegain requires more than just a solid grasp of English and Wales law. Candidates must demonstrate a 'commercial-first' mindset. When preparing your application, consider the following strategic pillars:

• Mastering the Regulatory Nuance: While technical legal skill is a given, your ability to interpret UK financial services regulations within the context of automated, AI-driven platforms will set you apart.
• The Art of the Pivot: If your background is strictly in private practice, emphasize your ability to translate complex legal jargon into actionable business advice for Sales, Strategy, and Product teams.
• Tech-Fluency as a Core Competency: The job description explicitly mentions the 'responsible use of AI tools.' Demonstrating that you are not just a user of technology, but a legal strategist who understands the risks and benefits of AI in contract lifecycle management, is essential.

Building Your Trajectory: From Solicitor to Strategic Partner

The role reports directly to the General Counsel, providing a direct line of sight into the strategic decision-making processes of a high-growth fintech firm. This is a rare opportunity to gain mentorship while simultaneously taking ownership of product agreements and vendor negotiations. As you grow into this role, you will find yourself managing a diverse portfolio of responsibilities, ranging from intellectual property and data protection to complex collateral structures.

Furthermore, the environment at Sharegain is designed to be inclusive and agile. The company actively encourages candidates who may not 'tick every box' to apply, signaling a culture that values potential and intellectual curiosity over a rigid checklist of credentials. This is a testament to the firm's commitment to building a diverse, high-performing legal function that reflects the global nature of the markets they serve.

The Competitive Edge: Why Capital Markets Experience Matters

While the role is generalist in nature, the core of Sharegain’s business is securities lending. Having a working familiarity with ISLA (International Securities Lending Association) standards is a significant advantage. If you have spent your early career navigating the complexities of collateral management or financial product documentation, you are uniquely positioned to hit the ground running. This role allows you to leverage that niche expertise while expanding your scope into the broader legal operations of a technology-driven enterprise.

In conclusion, the Legal Counsel position at Sharegain is a career-defining opportunity for a mid-senior level solicitor. It offers the perfect blend of high-level legal responsibility, exposure to cutting-edge financial technology, and a seat at the table in a company that is fundamentally changing the way capital markets operate. If you are prepared to move beyond the traditional legal silo and embrace the challenges of the fintech revolution, this is your next step.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is prior fintech experience mandatory for this role?
A: While fintech or financial services experience is highly desirable, the firm is looking for a qualified solicitor with a strong general corporate and commercial background. If you have a solid foundation in contract negotiation and a genuine interest in technology, you are encouraged to apply.

Q: What is the primary focus of the legal work at Sharegain?
A: The role is broad, covering product agreements, commercial contracts, IP, data protection, and employment law. A significant portion of the work involves supporting the business in negotiating trading and lending agreements based on industry standards.

Q: How does the role utilize AI in the legal function?
A: Sharegain encourages the responsible use of AI tools for research and drafting. Candidates are expected to be comfortable working in a digital-first environment where technology is leveraged to increase efficiency and maintain high-quality legal output.

Q: What is the reporting structure for this position?
A: The Legal Counsel will report directly to the General Counsel based in London, providing an excellent environment for professional development and direct mentorship.