Job Description

What we will offer

If you require this document in an accessible format (e.g. large print), please contact hr.recruitment@shlegal.com or call 020 7809 2711

We will offer you a place where you can be yourself and where there are no limits on what you can achieve. With us, you can take ownership of your career and have honest conversations throughout. You would join an ambitious firm with a clear strategy for profitable growth where you can get early responsibility and early involvement in growing the business. Here you can expect a competitive and fair reward as well as recognition based on all round performance. This forms part of our internal promise to you, The Deal, between the firm and its employees.

Team Structure

Our regulatory investigations and litigation practice has been at the forefront of high-profile investigations and enforcement actions for many years. We act for corporates and individuals. Clients include senior executives, retail and investment banks, brokers, funds, and professional service firms. The global team includes former prosecutors and regulators.

In the regulatory sphere, the team acts on the full spectrum of regulatory work, from regulatory enquiries, expert/skilled person reviews, contested authorisation/approval applications and regulatory intervention, up to and including enforcement action. In the criminal arena, they represent suspects and witnesses in significant criminal investigations, usually with an international element. They also undertake internal investigations on behalf of clients in relation to a range of allegations or suspected misconduct or other failings including whistleblowing reports. In addition, the team advises on a broad range of regulatory issues including advice on policies and procedures, training and reporting obligations and other regulatory risk management issues. We liaise closely with other practice groups including our non-contentious regulatory, data-privacy, finance, corporate, finance litigation and employment practices.
Both Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 UK rank the team in the Top Tier for Financial Services: Contentious Regulatory (individuals) and as a leading firm in Financial Crime for both corporates and individuals. We have also been ranked in the Global Investigations Review top 100 firms for corporate investigations. We have Partners listed as Leading Individuals in those areas.

The regulatory and prosecutorial bodies with whom we interact include the following:

• FCA, PRA, SFO, NCA, CMA, and FRC.
• HM Revenue and Customs.
• the Health and Safety Executive, Food Standards Agency and related authorities.
• US authorities and regulators including the Department of Justice, the SEC and the CFTC.
• Other overseas law enforcement.

Main Responsibilities

• Draft and deliver complex and bespoke documents/advice, thinking creatively to propose and deliver innovative solutions.
• Understanding and advising upon the practical application of often complex regulatory requirements.
• Action complex instructions directly and effectively manage relationships with clients.
• Analyse and prioritise client needs to deliver commercially focused advice.
• Build relationships both externally and internally with existing and/or new contacts/clients.
• Lead on legal projects to deliver matters profitably.
• Able to work collaboratively with others including coaching, supervising, and developing junior colleagues.

Attributes/Skills Required

• Experience across regulatory investigations and advice, corporate investigations, high-value litigation, and advising on compliance programmes.
• A minimum of 3 years post-qualification experience in a leading regulatory investigations and litigation team.
• Experience in taking ownership of a case, particularly in relation to technical expertise and client service, in addition to project management and driving a matter forward.
• In-depth knowledge of respective practice area, global coverage and relevant sectors, including significant clients, market conditions and competitors.
• Being able to leverage existing network of contacts and having an internal and external profile.
• Demonstrate an aptitude and responsibility for aspects of financial management on matters, with a business savvy and commercial approach.

This job description is indicative only and does not represent an exhaustive list of responsibilities. The firm reserves the right to alter or change the responsibilities at any time, in line with the firm\'s strategy and business needs.

We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to having a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, culture or any other protected characteristics. We aim to create a culture where everyone can be themselves and is valued for their strengths and unique perspectives.

About the Firm

With 8 offices worldwide and with our headquarters based in London, Stephenson Harwood is a law firm where our people are committed to achieving the goals of our clients - listed and private companies, institutions, and individuals across the globe. Our mix of expertise and culture results in a combination of deep local insight and the capability to provide a seamless international service.

Our experience encompasses corporate, commercial litigation and arbitration, employment, pensions and private wealth, finance, marine and international trade, and real estate and projects.

We assemble teams of bright thinkers to match our clients\' needs and give the right advice from the right person at the right time. Dedicating the highest calibre of legal talent to overcome the most complex issues, we deliver pragmatic, expert advice that is set squarely in the real world.

We understand the power of diversity in delivering that high calibre advice to our clients. We want to attract diverse talent and we particularly encourage applications from underrepresented demographics.

Our values:

Individuality - We encourage creativity and develop talent

Commitment - To be the best and deliver the highest standard

Teamwork - We work together to build close, long-term relationships

Straight talking - We say what we mean and do what we say

These values express the personality of the individuals within our firm. They are the behaviours we encourage in our people and the standards which inform our decisions and actions.

Our vision into 2026

To be a successful firm where talented people work together in an entrepreneurial environment, building long term client relationships.

This vision is about who we want to be, as well as who we are. It is as much about our values as about our character \xe2\x80\x93 the attributes we want to see from all of our people. It also reflects the importance of remaining independent - a clear sign that we are confident in our own future. That\'s how we unlock our entrepreneurial spirit, advising our clients with top performing teams.

A key part of the 2026 strategy is to focus on five core sectors: decarbonisation, life sciences, private capital & funds, technology, and transportation & trade. These have been identified as crucial in the drive for accelerated profitable growth.

Stephenson Harwood