Associate Legal Counsel

As an Associate Legal Counsel at GoCardless, you will support and advise multiple teams on negotiating deals with Payment Service Providers and partners, manage high-value contracts, oversee junior lawyers, and contribute to process improvement initiatives. You’ll have a heavy focus on collaboration, ensuring that you understand and address legal needs effectively.

To qualify for the Associate Legal Counsel position at GoCardless, candidates should possess around 4 to 6 years of post-qualification experience. Previous private practice training or relevant in-house experience in fast-paced environments is vital. Familiarity with tech-related legal issues and a proactive approach to problem-solving are also highly regarded.

GoCardless seeks an Associate Legal Counsel who is a self-starter, capable of adapting quickly to new legal concepts. You should possess excellent communication skills, be comfortable challenging existing processes, and have a keen interest in technology that enhances efficiency. Teamwork and a positive ‘can-do’ attitude are essential.

At GoCardless, promoting a culture of diversity and inclusion is paramount. As an Associate Legal Counsel, you will be part of an organization that values different perspectives and backgrounds. GoCardless strives to build a diverse team that reflects the world around us, ensuring that all voices are heard and represented in decision-making processes.

GoCardless offers a competitive benefits package for the Associate Legal Counsel role, including comprehensive medical cover, a work away scheme allowing you to work remotely from other countries for up to 90 days, equity options, generous leave policies, and a hybrid working environment that provides flexibility for collaboration.

When negotiating a contract with a Payment Service Provider, it’s crucial to identify the key objectives and potential risks for both parties. Start with thorough research into the PSP's offerings and past agreements. Maintain open communication, focusing on collaboration rather than confrontation, and aim for a win-win outcome that addresses the needs of GoCardless while ensuring a fair deal.

Discuss specific instances where you've managed high-value contracts, focusing on your role in negotiations and outcomes achieved. Highlight your strategies for risk assessment, ensuring compliance, and maintaining relationships with external partners. Emphasize your ability to simplify complex contractual language into actionable provisions.

Mention specific legal tech tools you've utilized, such as contract automation software or document management systems. Discuss how you implemented these tools to streamline workflows, enhance collaboration, or improve contract turnaround times, showing your commitment to leveraging technology for efficiency.

In handling tight deadlines, prioritization is key. Describe your approach, such as breaking down tasks into manageable parts, delegating when appropriate, and utilizing project management tools. Ensure you communicate with your team to keep everyone aligned and informed throughout the process.

Provide a specific example where you identified inefficiencies within a legal process. Explain how you approached the situation, your rationale for suggesting changes, and the outcome of your efforts. Highlight your ability to embrace change and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Discuss how you keep yourself updated on legal regulations, such as subscribing to legal journals, participating in webinars, or engaging in professional networks. Emphasize your proactive approach in understanding the implications of regulatory changes for your organization.

Explain your strategy for deciphering legal jargon into layman’s terms, ensuring that non-legal teams understand their roles and responsibilities. Share examples of successful collaborations with other departments where clear communication was crucial to the project's success.

Identify key challenges such as compliance with data protection laws, navigating complex regulatory landscapes, or addressing intellectual property concerns. Discuss how you would approach these issues from a legal counsel perspective, focusing on risk mitigation and strategic solutions.

Share your experiences mentoring junior lawyers, focusing on your approach to guidance and support. Explain how you facilitate their learning by providing constructive feedback, sharing knowledge, and involving them in negotiations or key projects to foster their growth.

Articulate your genuine interest in GoCardless' mission and values, emphasizing your alignment with their focus on innovative legal solutions and customer experience. Express enthusiasm about contributing to an organization that is shaping the future of bank payments and enhancing business operations globally.