Head of Legal Department

Our client is seeking a Swiss qualified lawyer to assume responsibility for delivering legal advice to the Bank. The role will be based in Geneva and the incumbent will be responsible for providing authoritative and comprehensive advice on legal, regulatory and related risk issues. The role involves handling high quality work, working closely with business partners in a dynamic sector.

Main responsibilities

• Take the lead role in advising management, support functions and risk partners on laws and regulations that will impact on the operations and the position of the Bank in the EMEA, Latin America and Asia Pacific regions
• Work with wealth management business and other support functions to assess the vulnerability of products and services and help devise mitigation strategies
• Provide assistance and advice to the Bank’s wealth management investment advisory and discretionary investment management business, including advising on general conduct of business matters and account opening requirements
• Review and draft standard agreements
• Review, draft and negotiate tailored agreements with clients and third party service providers
• Give advice in relation to the development of new products and services
• Assist Compliance and Risk with the development of policies and processes
• Assist with the review of local consumer legislation and with analysis of current best practice, competitor behaviour and all relevant legal and regulatory requirements
• Assist on jurisdictional reviews of legal and business issues arising out of client contact in various countries in the EMEA, Latin American and Asia Pacific regions
• Instruct Swiss and foreign external counsel and review external counsel work product
• Work with other support functions with respect to information requests from regulatory and judicial authorities
• Work with Compliance to investigate and resolve client complaints and working with external counsel on litigation matters
• Prepare for and attend board meetings and provide advice to the Board

Profile

• Swiss qualified lawyer
• Experience gained with a top law firm and/or in the legal department of a top tier financial institution (preferably a private client or asset management business)
• Business awareness and ability to provide practical advice and solutions to meet business needs
• Proven track record of complex problem-solving, exercising a high level of judgement and taking calculated risks
• Ability to prioritise and manage projects effectively
Familiarity with international financial services regulatory issues
Fluent English and French (written and spoken)
First class drafting and negotiating skills
Strong management and interpersonal skills (ability to work successfully in a team and to develop strong relationships with the business and fellow Legal and support professionals)