Principal Legal Counsel (12-Month FTC)

Opportunity Overview: Principal Legal Counsel at Hargreaves Lansdown

Hargreaves Lansdown, the UK's leading investment platform for private investors, is inviting applications for the position of Principal Legal Counsel on a 12-month Fixed Term Contract (FTC). Based at their head office in Bristol, this role offers a hybrid flexible working pattern. The successful candidate will join the Disputes and Contentious Risk team, providing expert legal advice, managing litigation risks, and supporting the group in achieving its strategic objectives while maintaining regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

As Principal Legal Counsel, your primary duties will include:

• Providing expert, pragmatic litigation services and managing contentious legal and litigation risks across the HL Group.
• Supporting the business and the wider legal team in managing complex litigation workstreams, including disclosure, expert evidence, and witness evidence.
• Liaising with external legal counsel and solicitors to ensure effective case management.
• Assisting in developing the legal team's training and knowledge functions, including delivering specialized litigation training.
• Collaborating with the Director of Disputes and Contentious Risk to shape and execute the legal team's long-term strategy.
• Keeping abreast of developments in relevant financial laws and regulations, maintaining strong internal and external professional networks.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates applying for this senior-level position must meet the following requirements:

• Qualification: Qualified Solicitor with 10+ years Post-Qualified Experience (PQE).
• Domain Expertise: Proven experience in financial services litigation and contentious matters, preferably within a retail financial services context. Prior in-house experience is highly desirable.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of UK financial service laws, FCA regulations, and the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).
• Skills: Exceptional technical drafting, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to translate complex legal issues into actionable business advice.

Compensation & Benefits

Hargreaves Lansdown offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes:

• Discretionary annual bonus and annual pay review.
• 25 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays and an additional Christmas closure day), with an option to purchase up to 5 additional days.
• Pension scheme with up to an 11% employer contribution.
• Private medical insurance, income protection, and life insurance.
• Access to wellness programs, including Wellhub and Help@hand remote GP services.
• Two paid volunteering days per year.

Application & Selection Process

The selection process is structured into two stages: a competency-based interview followed by a practical case study. Please note that Hargreaves Lansdown is unable to provide employment visa sponsorship for this role.