Investec – Where Out of the Ordinary Happens

At Investec, we do things differently. We're a leading international bank and wealth manager built on a culture of curiosity, entrepreneurial spirit and human connection. Ideas are heard, ambition is celebrated, and impact is encouraged. As part of a team that challenges convention and strives for outperformance, you'll help shape bold solutions for clients who expect something more than the ordinary.

About the team: 

The GC Office currently comprises a small team including 3 contentious lawyers, an employment lawyer, and the General Counsel.  The team is part of the broader Legal Community including specialist lawyers that support specific business areas and a group legal team.

What will I be doing?

Reporting to the General Counsel, this role at Investec is a strategically relevant position within the General Counsel office, responsible for providing expert advice and representation on complex contentious matters. This role offers a unique opportunity for a talented, strong and ambitious litigator to showcase their skills, make a difference and build strong relationships with senior/executive stakeholders/the board with the potential for future growth and advancement in the department.  The role spans a wide spectrum of legal topics/areas for a FTSE 250 Bank and requires a person who embraces the challenge and complexity of diverse matters.

• Litigation/Dispute Strategy: Develop, manage and implement litigation strategies to protect Investec's interests and achieve favorable outcomes in high-stakes contentious matters. Managing all matters in litigation portfolio, including theme and strategy development.
• Case Management: Oversee and advise on a diverse portfolio of complex contentious matters to IBP.
• Legal Research: Conduct in-depth legal research and analysis to support the development of compelling legal arguments and strategies.
• Drafting (together with External counsel), Reviewing: Prepare, and negotiate legal documents, including pleadings, motions, settlement agreements, and other legal correspondence, ensuring accuracy and adherence to legal standards and overall strategy.
• Consulting & Risk Management: Identify and assess potential legal risks associated with contentious matters, providing proactive advice and guidance to mitigate risks and safeguard Investec's reputation and business.
• Collaboration: Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, including business units, risk management, compliance, and other legal teams in London and in other jurisdictions, to ensure alignment and effective resolution of contentious issues.
• External Counsel Management: Where required, engage and manage external counsel effectively, ensuring the quality of top-tier legal partner firms and optimal utilisation of resources.
• Legal Compliance: Stay abreast of relevant legal developments and regulatory changes impacting Investec's business, providing guidance to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

What do I need to bring?

• Qualified lawyer/barrister with a minimum of 4 years of post-qualification experience in disputes and contentious matters, gained within a reputable law firm or at the bar.
• Prior experience in banking and financial services, preferably with PLC experience.
• Extensive experience in handling complex contentious cases, including a track record of successful outcomes.
• Sound knowledge of UK contentious procedures, regulations, and industry best practices.
• Ability to think strategically to see the bigger picture, while making effective decisions considering potential risks and benefits.
• Excellent legal research, analytical, and critical thinking skills
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex legal concepts clearly and persuasively to people at all levels.
• Strong negotiation and advocacy skills, with the ability to consult, influence and persuade at senior/executive levels.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.
• Commercial acumen and a good understanding of the financial services industry.
• Membership in professional legal bodies, such as the Law Society or Bar Association.
• Alignment with Investec's culture, values and purpose.
• Ability to effectively leverage appropriate bank specific (legal) AI tools to enhance efficiency, strengthen legal analysis, and amplify professional judgement while maintaining accuracy, confidentiality, and ethical standards.

Personal attributes:

• Robust in complex situations and able to be agile and respond in the moment with good legal insights and commercial strategy.
• Ability to make swift, considered, informed and justified decisions/recommendations and have the necessary EQ and strategy of thought in the context of the wider business strategy.
• Taking ownership of cases, initiating and managing.
• Understanding for sensitive and highly complex situations, holding one's calm under pressure.
• Strong attention to detail and a meticulous approach to work.
• Curious and open-minded relationship builder with a spirit of generosity - understanding the value of internal networks and of collaboration.
• Strength in translating risk into plain language. High ethical standards and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
• Resilience and the ability to handle challenging situations with professionalism and composure.
• Refreshingly human with a high degree of integrity and client focus.
• Continuous learning mindset, reaching beyond the need for staying updated with legal developments and industry trends.

What's in it for me?

At Investec, you'll be empowered to bring your authentic self, contribute new ideas, and grow alongside colleagues who share your drive for excellence. You will be part of a collaborative and creative culture where we encourage and are committed to sustainability across our global business. You will share in our purpose of creating enduring worth and together, we'll achieve things tomorrow that hardly seem possible today.

As part of our collaborative & agile culture, our working week is 4 days in the office and one day remote. We believe that being together enables us to live our values and support our clients and communities in an extraordinary way.

Investec offers a range of wellbeing benefits to make our people feel healthier, balanced and more fulfilled in their lives inside and outside of work. You can find a list of our benefits here

Embedded in our culture is a sense of belonging and inclusion. At Investec we want everyone to find it easy to be themselves, and to feel they belong. It's a responsibility we all share and is integral to our purpose and values as an organisation. We believe that innovation thrives when everyone feels respected, included, and empowered to contribute.

We actively seek out diverse talent and foster an inclusive environment, encouraging applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. Here, you'll find networks, benefits, and development opportunities designed to support your career journey, wherever it may lead.

If this role excites you but you don't meet every requirement, we'd still love to hear from you. Your unique perspective and experience could be exactly what we are looking for.  Get in touch!

At Investec, we're deeply invested in our clients, our colleagues, and our communities. It's more than a mindset; it's how we show up every day.

Be part of something Out of the Ordinary.

Recite Me

We commit to ensure that everyone is fairly assessed during our recruitment process. To assist candidates in completing their application form, Recite Me assistive technology is available on our Careers pages. This can be accessed by clicking on the ‘Accessibility Options' link at the top of the page.

The Recite Me tool includes a screen reader, styling and customisation options, a series of reading aids, a translator and more.

If you have any form of disability or neurodivergent need and require further assistance in completing your application, please contact the Careers team at [email protected] who will be happy to assist.