Senior Legal Counsel

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Colonial First State is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to join its Sydney Legal division, focusing on the Superannuation Investments and Advice team. You will advise on product design, disclosure, regulatory compliance, investment management and documentation for unlisted assets, including side letters. The role requires strong PQE in financial services, ideally from private practice, and a proven ability to manage risk and influence governance while communicating in plain English. Benefits include employer super, wellbeing support and leave. To apply, tailor your CV to highlight relevant practice and in-house experience, give concrete examples of risk management and stakeholder collaboration, and ensure you have work rights in Australia and are prepared for background checks. Gadigal Land, Sydney.

Are you ready to be part of an organisation that values expertise, passion and diversity? At CFS we know that the foundation of our success lies in our exceptional people. We believe in celebrating individuality, have a passion for high performance and creating an environment where you can unleash your full potential. Our people enable us to make a difference and deliver exceptional experiences to help our customers achieve financial freedom.

 

Your Team

The CFS Legal division is the trusted adviser for CFS in the provision of financial products and services that help to enhance customers’ experiences and assist them in seeking to achieve financial freedom.

As a senior lawyer in the Superannuation, Investments, and Advice Legal team, you will be responsible for partnering with key business stakeholders to provide legal advice and guidance in the management and administration of CFS’ products and services for the benefit of customers.

Your Responsibilities

You will assist Management and the various corporate Boards by:

• Providing incisive, practical legal advice on a broad and diverse range of platforms, managed investments and managed accounts matters, including advice on product design matters, disclosure, regulatory compliance, investment management, distribution, negotiation of agreements and restructuring activities.
• Providing plain English, accurate, timely, advice through effective communication.
• Maintaining and enhance a strong culture of compliance and managing risk in terms of regulatory and legal obligations.
• Establishing and maintaining effective and positive working relationships with internal stakeholders and external contacts.
• Contributing to the achievement of the goals and targets for the legal team.

• Being an active and contributing team member especially in respect of enhancing the team’s shared expertise, simplifying processes and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.

   

Your Capability and Experience

• Strong experience PQE in financial services, ideally having spent time in private practice.

• Deep expertise in unlisted assets arrangements including private equity, infrastructure and other private markets strategies. 

• Demonstrated experience in reviewing and negotiating investment documents for a range of investment vehicles across jurisdictions, including trusts, limited partnerships, investment companies, joint ventures and co-investment structures. This includes developing  and negotiating bespoke side letters to address regulatory and commercial requirements.

• Strong capability to manage stakeholder relationships at all levels by being a valued and trusted adviser, exercising judgment and influencing key governance outcomes 

• Experience in managing legal risk in complex environments, including experience in providing practical and concise advice and guidance to management on legal and regulatory matters. 

• Strong understanding of relevant legislation, regulations, standards and corporate governance for a large financial services group. This includes understanding relevant superannuation requirements impacting investment options (Desirable)

What to Expect

At CFS, you'll be working among the very best in the wealth management industry. It's an inspiring environment that encourages development and celebrates success. Other things to look forward to:

• Access to CFS Employer Super, which offers an expansive investment menu and flexible insurance solutions
• Support with financial services, including discounts on home loans and daily bank accounts through our partnership with a leading financial institution
• Access to 24/7 confidential support covering safety, medical and mental health services
• Additional leave day to celebrate your birthday · Life Leave - 3 days per annum to focus on your wellbeing or celebrate a special event
• Exclusive discounts on retail, travel and entertainment

CFS Culture

At CFS we are committed to creating a thriving environment where individuals can flourish. We believe that success is built upon strong teams, and we are dedicated to celebrating uniqueness, championing individuality and supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce. We believe that when you can truly be yourself, you can unlock your full potential.

Apply today and join us in helping Australians to achieve their financial freedom.

Please note, CFS requires all candidates to have full work rights in Australia.

Where we have preferred candidates, background checks (including Police, Employment, Bankruptcy checks, ASIC banned and disqualified persons) will be completed prior to the final preferred candidate's employment being confirmed. The outcomes of the background checks do not preclude the preferred candidate, however, they will be assessed against the inherent requirements of the role.

This role is based on Gadigal Land (Sydney).