Division and Department

Division: Legal Division

Department: Law, Policy & International (LPI)

Position

Title: Senior Associate, Practising Legal

Salary: National (Edinburgh and Leeds): £60,900 – £76,000; London: £66,900 – £83,500 (salary offered based on skills and experience)

Recruitment contact: Raimonda Stankute – Raimonda.stankute@fca.org.uk

About the FCA and the Team

The Financial Conduct Authority regulates financial services firms in the UK, ensuring markets are fair, thriving and effective. The Legal Division provides advice and legal services across the full spectrum of FCA activities, particularly in Enforcement Legal where we ensure policies and rules can be effectively enforced and we possess the necessary investigation and enforcement powers.

Role Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the FCA’s enforcement policies (e.g., Enforcement Guide, Decision Procedure and Penalties Manual) and use this framework to guide actions across authorisations, supervision and interventions.
• Provide legal and policy advice on enforcement and the exercise of the FCA’s powers, collaborating across the Legal Division and other FCA teams.
• Support Technical Specialists/Lead Associates in delivering team projects through proactive project management, coordinating multiple stakeholders and guiding junior Associates, trainees, or paralegals.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including senior colleagues and external bodies.
• Prepare and present updates on projects, legal, or policy issues to EMO Directors and other internal committees (e.g., ExCo, ERPC).

Minimum Requirements

• Qualified lawyer, eligible to practise in the UK.
• Post‑qualification experience in one or more of the following areas: financial services regulation, investigations, complex litigation, fraud, public law or policy‑making.

Essential Skills

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to quickly assess information and identify key issues.
• Advanced legal expertise, capable of conducting complex legal research and providing practical, imaginative and legally sound solutions in novel situations.
• Excellent communication skills, able to convey complex legal and policy matters clearly and concisely to a variety of audiences, including senior stakeholders.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with peers, management, internal teams and external agencies at a senior level.
• Self‑motivated, able to manage deadlines under pressure.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Hybrid model with up to 60% remote work.
• Non‑contributory pension (8–12% depending on age) and life assurance at eight times your salary.
• Private healthcare with Bupa, income protection and 24/7 Employee Assistance.
• 35 hours of paid volunteering annually.
• A flexible benefits scheme designed around your lifestyle.

Timeline

• Advert Closing Date: 28th December 2025
• CV Review/Shortlist: 30th December 2025
• First Interview: week commencing 5th January 2026
• Additional notes: Candidates will be informed of availability requirements during screening.
• Potential consideration for future vacancies within the Legal Division.

Seniority Level, Employment Type & Job Function

• Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
• Employment type: Full‑time
• Job function: Legal

Location

Leeds, England, United Kingdom

Application Process

Applications must be submitted through our online portal. Applications sent via social media or email will not be accepted.