Interim Head of Legal - Asset Finance firm - 6 month contract

Interim Head of Legal

6 month contract

Asset Finance firm

London - Hybrid working

The role:

Sales & Commercial Support

• Act as the first point of contact for all customer and introducer-facing documentation amendments and new requests. Maintain and update the suite of approved customer and introducer documents to reflect changes in legislation and market practice and ensure they are fit for purpose.
• Visit customers and introducers where required, supporting Sales in documenting framework agreements to build relationships for future business.
• Where necessary, review and finalise European structures and paperwork supporting new products and framework agreements.
• Ensure the registration of charges at Companies House, maintain the outstanding documents list, and register the receipt of documents.

Legal Counsel & Security.

• Ensure legal security and participate in the prevention of legal operational risks
• Review, update, and ensure all local Legal Policies and Procedures are fit for purpose.
• Define and implement internal service agreements or contractual policies with main internal clients, especially the Sales department
• Define a mapping of local legal risks, establish an action plan to control these risks, and identify/deliver training needs.
• Provide regular training to the business to ensure contractual documentation is used in the right context and completed correctly.
• Ensure continuous legal watch; inform local management, business lines, support functions, and the Legal/Compliance teams of any draft or changes in laws, regulations, or case law, drawing appropriate conclusions and action plans.
• Maintain regular exchanges with other legal departments.

Litigation

• Handle and supervise all pre-litigation and litigation files
• Provide legal support in hard arrears cases, including processing statutory demands, preparing witness statements, and maintaining disclosure packs.
• Submit court forms, applications, and draft tailored letter templates for specific legal cases.
• Provide local Management and the General Counsel with legal opinions on risks of conviction in major litigation risks.

Management

• Recruit, manage, and coach the UK legal team
• Manage relationships with external legal firms, seeking specialist external advice when necessary, and act as the principal point of contact.
• Ensure the legal department is fully integrated into the crisis management teams and the business continuity plan

Requirements:

• Qualified Lawyer (UK law expertise is essential) with solid experience as a Senior Lawyer or Head of a Legal department.
• Experience in the equipment leasing/financing sector, banking, or financial services is highly preferred.