Legal Director - UK & Ireland

About the role

Iq Eq is seeking a Legal Director to lead legal operations across the United Kingdom and Ireland. This senior position oversees legal strategy, compliance, and governance for the region. The role reports directly to senior leadership and manages a team of legal professionals distributed across multiple offices. The director ensures that all legal matters align with the company's operational goals and regulatory obligations while supporting the broader business strategy. Iq Eq provides corporate, fund, and regulatory services to a global client base, and the Legal Director plays a critical role in safeguarding the company's legal standing.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead the legal function for UK and Ireland operations across all business units
• Manage and develop a team of legal advisors and paralegals in the region
• Oversee contract drafting, review, and negotiation for corporate and fund services
• Ensure compliance with UK and Irish regulatory frameworks and reporting obligations
• Advise senior management on legal risks, regulatory changes, and governance matters
• Coordinate with global legal teams on cross-border transactions and matters
• Monitor legislative developments and assess their impact on business operations
• Drive legal process improvements and efficiency across the UK and Ireland offices
• Represent the company in dealings with external legal counsel and regulatory bodies
• Develop and maintain legal policies, procedures, and training programs for the region
• Support the integration of legal best practices across all UK and Ireland offices
• Oversee litigation management and coordinate with external counsel when necessary
• Provide guidance on data protection, privacy, and information security legal requirements
• Contribute to the development of the company's overall legal and compliance strategy
• Ensure the legal department operates within budget and meets performance targets
• Foster a culture of legal excellence and continuous improvement within the team

Requirements

• Substantial experience in legal leadership within a corporate services or financial services environment
• Deep knowledge of UK and Irish legal and regulatory frameworks
• Proven track record of managing legal teams and complex matters
• Strong understanding of corporate governance, fund administration, and regulatory compliance
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to advise senior stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting
• A law degree or equivalent professional qualification
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives across multiple jurisdictions
• Familiarity with fund formation, alternative investment structures, and regulatory filings
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external partners
• Track record of delivering legal projects on time and within budget
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment in complex situations
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy
• Experience managing relationships with regulatory authorities and external legal advisors

Nice to have

• Familiarity with fund formation, alternative investment structures, and regulatory filings
• Prior experience working within a global corporate services or financial services provider
• Knowledge of anti-money laundering regulations, know-your-customer requirements, and sanctions compliance
• Experience with legal technology platforms, document management systems, and automation tools
• Background in advising on data protection and privacy regulations
• Experience advising on intellectual property matters or technology-related legal issues

Skills & tools

• UK and Irish legal system expertise
• Corporate governance and compliance frameworks
• Contract management and negotiation proficiency
• Team leadership and talent development
• Regulatory risk assessment and mitigation
• Legal research and policy development
• Cross-jurisdictional legal coordination and management
• Stakeholder management and advisory communication
• Strategic planning and legal operations oversight
• Document review and legal drafting capabilities
• Knowledge of financial services regulation and licensing requirements

Practical notes

• The role is based in the London office with potential for regional travel across the UK and Ireland
• This is a full-time position reporting to the global legal leadership team at Iq Eq
• Candidates should expect to work within standard business hours with occasional flexibility for urgent matters
• Iq Eq offers a professional and collaborative work environment with opportunities for career growth
• The position requires regular interaction with senior leadership and cross-functional business partners
• The company values diversity and inclusion across all levels of the organization