Legal Counsel

Key Responsibilities:

Legal Advisory & Risk Management

• Provide comprehensive legal advice under German law to various business departments.
• Review and advise on lending documentation, product-related questions, and day-to-day requests from stakeholders.
• Analyze and interpret German/EU regulatory requirements, ensuring contracts and business practices comply with applicable laws and regulations.
• Advise on civil law and banking supervisory law matters.
• Keep abreast of legislative changes impacting banking and finance, proactively informing internal stakeholders.
• Identify legal and regulatory developments and assess their impact on the organization.

Contract Management

• Review, draft, and negotiate supplier agreements and other commercial contracts.
• Ensure contractual terms align with regulatory requirements and internal risk policies.

Compliance & Policy Implementation

• Implement medium to high-materiality/high-risk-exposure policies and perform allocated controls.
• Raise internal awareness on regulatory risks and deliver relevant training programs.
• Develop and maintain compliance frameworks to mitigate legal and operational risks.

Stakeholder Management

• Communicate independently with colleagues at all levels, including Management Board and senior leadership.
• Provide clear explanations and justifications for compliance controls and their outcomes.
• Influence and drive behavioral change where necessary to ensure adherence to compliance standards.

Project & Change Management

• Lead projects and/or manage the Legal & Compliance workstream within broader organizational initiatives.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external counsel to ensure timely and effective project delivery.

Skills & Experience Required:

• Qualifications: 1st and 2nd Legal State Examination or equivalent legal qualification.
• Experience: Several years of relevant experience in an international law firm or in-house legal role within banking or financial services.
• Expertise:
  • Strong knowledge of German civil law and banking supervisory law.
  • In-depth understanding of regulatory frameworks affecting banking and finance.
  • Familiarity with risk management processes and compliance tools.
• Competencies:
  • Ability to interpret complex cases and provide practical solutions.
  • Proven ability to assimilate complex information and support strategic decision-making.
  • Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) in German and English.
  • Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
  • Project leadership and change management experience.

• Work in a dynamic, international environment with exposure to complex legal and regulatory challenges.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders and make a tangible impact on compliance and risk management strategies.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development within a global organization.