Group Legal Counsel

Role Summary

The Group Legal Counsel is a key position in the evolution of the next stage of the Aventum journey. We are seeking an experienced Legal professional, with sufficient experience and gravitas to operate at a senior level of the business. The ideal candidate will have solid experience working in the insurance sector across a range of legal issues

This is the first Legal hire for the Company, and an excellent opportunity to lead and build out the function. The role will be operational and ‘hands-on’ in nature, as we seek to build capability in this area. The role-holder will also take responsibility for Corporate structure and administration matters, including support for Company Secretary duties.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced Legal professional to build a key function in a growing business. The Company has grown quickly and has ambitious plans to further expand through a combination of both organic and acquisition of other companies.

Aided by a supporting, receptive environment, this is an important role that will assist with the next chapter of the Company’s evolution.

The Aventum Group (AGL) is an independent, privately owned, debt-free global (re)insurance group that operates across both the underwriting and broking sectors. We currently employ around c400 staff and have 15 offices across 4 continents.  Through our wholesale (Consilium) and MGA (Rokstone) platforms, AGL offers clients a range of specialist solutions in all lines of Property and Casualty (re)insurance and is writing more than $1.7n GWP.  

Role Responsibilities

• Product-related advice, drafting and review standards, manuscript and bespoke wordings and endorsement, drafting review/legal support of product development, product sign-off, consideration of coverage issues, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, adherence to TCF/Product Governance, adherence to Aventum Group policies and best practice, approval of marketing literature/promotions as appropriate.

• Distribution/agency: Drafting and review of distribution agreements and associated advice (including DUA, TOBA, Fee for Services, Portfolio Solutions Claims Handling Agreements inter alia) adherence to the legal and regulatory framework (such as FCA handbook), advice on agency / other distribution issues, remuneration structures and governance and associated areas of law (Agency, Competition, etc.)

• Multinational/Reinsurance: Advice relating to admitted/non-admitted/FOS, multinational program structures.

• Coordinate (acting as the first point of escalation and managing external counsel) all corporate legal matters, including shareholder matters (issue and cancellation of shares) and litigation matters.

• Review and drafting of key clauses and policy terms, reinsurance agreements/drafting and advice, and novation/commutation agreements.

• Supporting the development and review of precedent documents, know-how, and guidance.

• Attendance at client / legal counterparty meetings, as required, where legal agreements are to be reviewed.

• Responsibility for dealing with Corporate structural and company administration, including basic support for Company Secretarial activities.

• Escalation point for employment-related contractual issues.

• Advising on non-claims disputes as required.

• Managing external counsel and controlling legal spending, driving effective panel management and utilization, and proactively identifying opportunities for operational efficiencies.

• Use formal reporting mechanisms, as defined by Risk and Compliance or Internal Audit, to promptly notify relevant parties of any perceived new risks or failures of existing control measures.

• At all times, consider the effect of any actions taken on the customers of the Company, to improve their experience.

• All employees must endeavor to provide accurate, complete, and appropriate data, following the Company's data policy, as part of their roles and responsibilities at all times.

• As and when required you will undertake the role of Company Secretary and associated responsibilities

Role Responsibilities

• Qualified and experienced lawyer either in private practice or in-house. Previous in-house experience with insurer/reinsurer/broker preferred.

• Strong knowledge of insurance/reinsurance products, insurance/reinsurance law and regulation, agency, and distribution legal principles.

• Strong drafting, analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to understand, follow, and apply internal policies and procedures.

• Ability to work in a team environment but also to undertake legal work autonomously as required.

• Numerate and able to work with IT (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Understanding Lloyd's market processes is beneficial.

• Relevant law and regulations knowledge and experience.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment.

• Experience in building a new function.

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to effectively manage relationships with stakeholders across the business.

• Persuasive communication and strong collaborative skills. Willingness to challenge the status quo.

• Excellent verbal and written communication.

• Questioning and listening skills

• Ability to multi-task, manage conflicting priorities, and work well under pressure.

• Comfort with dealing with all levels of the Company.

• Able to build trust by operating with integrity and professionalism.

• Excellent attention to detail.

• Flexibility and willingness to take on additional responsibilities and work.

• Willingness to assist colleagues when needed.

• Organisation and planning skills.