Legal Counsel

About Columbia Threadneedle Investments

Working at Columbia Threadneedle Investments you'll find growth and career opportunities across all of our businesses.

We're intentionally built to help you succeed. Our reach is expansive with a global team of 2,300 people working together. Our capability is diverse with more than 550 investment professionals sharing global perspectives across all major asset classes and markets. Our clients have access to a broad array of investment strategies, and we have the capability to create bespoke solutions matched to clients' specific requirements. Our unwavering focus on our clients and strong financial foundation connects each of our enterprise businesses — Ameriprise Financial, Columbia Threadneedle Investments and RiverSource Insurance and Annuities.

Job Description

How you'll spend your time...

• Draft, review, amend, negotiate and advise on Investment Management Agreements and other legal and commercial agreements in respect of new and existing clients -  both for standard segregated mandates and mandates geared towards the provision of Liability Driven Investment (‘LDI’).

• Provide legal support for Columbia Threadneedle Investments' institutional distribution activities across EMEA.

• Draft, review, amend and advise on intra-group agreements, working with key stakeholders including but not limited to internal Tax and Finance teams.

• Co-ordinate external legal advice and manage external lawyers where required.

• Assist with addressing general and ad-hoc queries from the respective business areas.

• Research and advise on developments in the law, regulation and practices relating to the institutional fund industry.

• From time to time advise the Institutional business in relation to both its UK and offshore institutional pooled product ranges including: the Luxembourg domiciled LDI Fund, the UK Investment Trusts and the unit-linked pooled product range (drafting insurance policies, reinsurance polices and endorsements). 

To be successful in this role you will have...

• Qualified solicitor in England & Wales (or equivalent) with 3-6 years of relevant post-qualification experience.

• Proven experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating Investment Management Agreements and related amendments

• Experience advising asset management or investment businesses gained through working in an in-house legal team within asset management or financial services, or at a reputable law firm.

• An understanding of the UK and wider EU regulatory environment.

• Exposure to and an understanding of a broad range of investment fund structures and strategies.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks independently in a fast-paced environment often to very tight deadlines, whilst knowing when to escalate any issues and risks to the Senior Institutional Business Lawyer.

• Ability to draft contracts with minimal supervision, particularly Investment Management Agreements.

• Attention to detail, critical thinking and an appreciation of investment concepts.

• Ability to balance business risk with business opportunity.

• Ability to provide practical and commercial advice.

• Ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with the business and global teams and within the General Counsel’s Organization.

In-Office Collaboration

We are a client-centric, relationship-based business. Working together, in-person, is foundational to how we achieve results. By fostering a culture of face-to-face collaboration, idea sharing, productivity and personal connection, we deliver for our stakeholders — clients, advisors, employees and shareholders. Our employees work in the office at least four (4) days per week, with flexibility to work from home one (1) day per week. Some roles may require additional in-office time or different in-office expectations, and specific requirements will be discussed during the hiring process.
 

Full-Time/Part-Time

Worker Sub Type

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Columbia Threadneedle is a people business, and we recognise that our success is due to our talented people, who bring diversity of thought, complementary skills and capabilities. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and performance-based culture where everyone can belong, grow, contribute and realise their potential.

We appreciate that work-life balance is an important factor for many when considering their next move so please discuss any flexible working requirements directly with your recruiter.

Columbia Threadneedle Investments is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to racial or ethnic background, religion or belief, sex or gender, nationality, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status, pregnancy or maternity or any other basis prohibited by law.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment process for individuals with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to aid your participation in the application or interview process, speak to your recruiter to discuss how we can support you.