Corporate Legal Counsel

About Crédit Agricole CIB

Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank (Crédit Agricole CIB) is the corporate and investment banking arm of the Crédit Agricole Group, one of Europe's largest banking groups. We offer a comprehensive range of products and services in capital markets, investment banking, structured finance, and international trade finance to corporates, financial institutions, and public sector clients worldwide.

With a presence in over 30 countries and a strong commitment to sustainable finance, Crédit Agricole CIB combines global reach with deep local expertise. Our London office is a key hub for our European and global operations, housing a diverse team of professionals dedicated to delivering innovative financial solutions.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Legal Counsel to join our London Legal team. Reporting to the Head of Corporate, Governance, M&A, Regulatory and Legal Watch, this is a broad and varied role offering the opportunity to work across commercial and digital law, corporate governance, M&A advisory, and regulatory matters within a leading international investment bank.

This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified lawyer with strong banking and commercial experience who is looking to develop their career in a dynamic, fast-paced in-house environment.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial, Digital & Procurement Legal Support

You will be the primary legal adviser for the bank's commercial, digital, and procurement activities, including:

• Supporting digital infrastructure and development, including cloud services, artificial intelligence, and digital ledger technology
• Advising on outsourcing arrangements and commercial/professional services contracts
• Managing intellectual property matters and coordinating external legal advice
• Handling operational and commercial banking matters, including nostro accounts and CLS accounts
• Supporting property and corporate services matters
• Managing intra-group services for CACIB London
• Handling dormant assets and liabilities
• Supporting team administration and reporting, including monthly KPI commentary and procurement activity tracking

Corporate Governance & M&A Advisory

You will provide expert legal support on corporate governance and M&A transactions, including:

• Providing M&A advisory mandates for CACIB, supporting Global Investment Banking teams in London and Paris
• Advising on equity and asset disposals, acquisitions, and equity investments
• Providing company secretarial assistance for CACIB and its UK subsidiaries
• Supporting delegations of authority and related governance policies

Projects

You will lead and contribute to strategic legal and technology projects, including:

• Leading digital and commercial transversal projects
• Managing legal technology and innovation initiatives
• Supporting information governance and data preservation programmes

Regulatory & Legal Watch

You will contribute to the bank's regulatory monitoring and legal intelligence activities, including:

• Contributing legal and regulatory developments to the Corporate Legal team
• Contributing to the Quarterly London Legal Insights publication
• Coordinating the London Legal Watch Working Group
• Assisting with English Law Master Regulatory Reporting Agreements
• Supporting CACIB London Terms of Business
• Addressing CPL regulatory issues as required

Legal & Regulatory Responsibilities

All employees of Crédit Agricole CIB are required to:

• Comply with all applicable legal, regulatory, and internal compliance requirements
• Maintain knowledge and competence through mandatory training programmes
• Actively prevent financial crime and fraud, and report concerns to the Money Laundering Reporting Officer as required

Key Stakeholders

Internal: General Management, Global Investment Banking, Global Markets, International Trade and Commercial Banking, Finance, IT and Operations, HR, Compliance, and Distressed Assets

External: External law firms

What We're Looking For

Essential Requirements

• LLB or equivalent legal qualification
• Current professional practising certificate permitting practice in the United Kingdom
• Minimum 4 years' post-qualified experience gained in a law firm, financial services organisation, or in-house banking environment
• Direct and in-depth knowledge of banking practice
• Strong legal and commercial risk assessment skills, with the ability to present complex issues clearly
• Strong legal analysis and contract drafting skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously while maintaining professionalism in complex and high-pressure situations
• Self-motivated, collaborative team player with strong organisational skills and a results-driven approach
• Ability to build and maintain strong professional relationships across all levels of the organisation

Desirable Requirements

• French language skills

Why Join Crédit Agricole CIB?

• Work within a prestigious, internationally recognised corporate and investment bank
• Broad and intellectually stimulating role spanning commercial, digital, governance, and regulatory law
• Collaborative and supportive team culture with strong senior leadership
• Commitment to professional development and continuous learning
• Competitive compensation and benefits package
• Central London location