Specialist Legal Counsel

We’re First Central Insurance & Technology Group (First Central for short), an innovative, market-leading insurance company. We protect the things customers love so they can get on with what matters to them in life.

Data drives us. It fuels our outstanding distribution, finance, technology and legal services. Our underwriting skills are built on data expertise; it creates the insights we need to give the right cover to the right customers at the right price. But, it’s the people inside and outside our business that power us. They make us stand out, help us succeed. We’re ambitious. We’re growing. We’ve won awards.

Want to join our Legal Team as a Specialist Legal Counsel / Senior Insurance Lawyer? Are you passionate about providing expert advice in the fast-paced world of insurance distribution? Do you thrive in a collaborative environment where you can make a real impact? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you

First Central is committed to excellence in the insurance industry; we pride ourselves on delivering top-notch legal support and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. We’re now seeking a talented individual to join our team as a Specialist Legal Counsel / Senior Insurance Lawyer.

You’ll play a crucial part in providing expert Insurance Distribution advice across the Group. Working closely with senior stakeholders and the Head of Legal, you’ll collaborate with legal colleagues to deliver high-quality legal support. Occasional travel to our sites in Guernsey, Gibraltar, and Manchester may be required.

With office locations in Salford Quays, Manchester and Haywards Heath, West Sussex, we work flexibly. You'll spend most of your time working from home, with a day a week in the office - it's good to collaborate, right? But of course, it’s your choice - if you prefer to be in the office more, that's good with us too.

We’d love to have you on the Team if you’ve:

• a strong background in Insurance Distribution, with specific expertise in both broker and insurer contexts.
• proven experience in providing expert legal advice and support in the insurance industry.
• excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with senior stakeholders.
• strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen attention to detail.
• Legal qualification and relevant experience in insurance law.

What's involved:

• To be primarily responsible for advising all levels of stakeholders Group-wide on legal and quasi-legal matters.
• Specific depth and breadth of expertise in Insurance Distribution in the context of both broker and insurer, including:
• Advising on delegated insurance arrangements and distribution deals.
• Working closely with key business stakeholders including Underwriting, Finance, Tax and Claims teams.
• Providing end-to-end legal support in relation to the distribution of the Group’s insurance products through a variety of delegated and distribution arrangements and policies. Advising on highly complex claims queries as required, including work to design and evaluate new underwriting products and distribution opportunities, supporting broker and distribution ancillary activities including consumer lending.
• Managing all legal issues arising out of and providing expert advice on product distribution, reinsurance relationships, IDD and related governance, TOBAs, profit commissions, Quota Share and Solvency II/Regulatory Capital management.
• Drafting a wide variety of insurance-based agreements (both regulated and non-regulated).
• Primarily responsible for and managing the progress of and provision of advice in respect of challenges from regulatory or quasi-regulatory bodies such as HMRC and any non-UK financial services regulatory body.
• Oversee and assist in the maintenance of the Group’s Contracts Register, Intellectual Property, Litigation Register and support with the production of an annual Legal Status Report for Group Audit Committee.
• To deputise for the Head of Legal by attending meetings from time to time as required.
• Conducting thorough research and support the production of the quarterly “Legal Bulletin” and Claims Briefing and providing advice for Group companies.
• Provide guidance and support to the Group in corporate legal matters, structuring and corporate projects.
• Advise and provide expertise on insurance distribution activities, supporting broker and distribution ancillary activities including Consumer lending and CCJs.
• Conduct legal research and provide advice to the Group in a range of legal matters.
• Maintain the Legal Calendar and the Legal Issues Register.
• Advise on regulatory issues, particularly on FCA (and PRA so far as is required), Gibraltar Financial Services Commission and Guernsey Financial Services Commission matters.
• Review and draft a range of commercial contracts including Material Outsource agreements.
• Advise upon matters of Company law and broader corporate matters.
• Draft insurance policy wordings for motor and ancillary policies.
• Draft company policies and procedures, and complete legal research to ensure they are in line with legislation from the relevant jurisdictions.
• Run contract checks for required contract updates, renewals or redrafting and implications following company change and development and assist in actioning those requirements.
• Liaise with the stakeholders for relevant documentation and completed internal documentation and maintain an accessible filing system for these documents.
• Manage and maintain the companies’ County Court decisions log, liaise with the Courts for updates and information and ensure the relevant documentation / filings are completed for any litigation.
• Engage with the relevant departments to manage risks related to County Court Judgments, and work to reduce impact to credit rating reports.
• Work in conjunction with the Head(s) of Legal in dealing with legal and regulatory issues as required.
• To ensure personal compliance with corporate policies and rules, and other relevant standards/ regulations at all times.
• To supervise, support and mentor more junior team members and work collaboratively across the business.
• To be fully aware of the Company’s Health & Safety Policy.

What’ll you need in experience, skills and knowledge:

• Qualified Lawyer (Solicitor or Barrister) or equivalent with extensive PQE and / or significant experience of working as a lawyer in an in-house and / or private practice capacity with demonstrable legal research skills.
• Experience of working in the general insurance / financial services sector or in another relevant commercial setting with specific insurance distribution experience.
• Good knowledge of legal and corporate governance processes, together with working in a regulatory environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written - resilient to challenge from senior levels whilst developing strong internal relationships at all levels.
• Ability to ‘manage up’ and deliver to stakeholders at the most senior levels.
• Problem-solving skills with the ability to translate problems and find solutions.
• Good organisational skills with the ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Good numeracy and literacy skills and IT and software skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Business acumen, People Management & Mentoring aptitude / experience.
• Understanding of risk management techniques and knowledge of relevant legislation and regulation and ability to assess and advise upon legal risks.

Your behaviours:

• Emphasis on attention to detail and accuracy.
• Self-motivated and enthusiastic.
• Embrace, embed and incorporate the Company Values.
• An organised and proactive approach.
• Takes initiative to make decisions.
• A flexible approach and positive attitude.
• Approachable and keen to help others.
• Confident in presenting complex information in a clear and concise manner.
• Strives to deliver performance targets and drive business improvements to contribute to the success of the business.
• Ability to handle information in a confidential manner.
• Continuous Improvement / Growth Mindset.

Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to join our team and make a difference in the world of insurance distribution If you're ready to take your legal career to the next level and be part of a collaborative and dynamic environment, apply now. We can't wait to welcome you aboard

What can we do for you?

People first. Always. We’re passionate about our colleagues and know the best people deserve an extraordinary working environment. We owe it to them so that’s what we offer. Our workplaces are energetic, inspirational, supportive. To get a taste of the advantages you’ll enjoy, take a look at all our perks in full here.

Intrigued? Our Talent team can tell you everything you need to know about what we want and what we’re offering, so feel free to get in touch.