Managing Associate - Digital, Data and Commercial - Payments

An opportunity has arisen for a Managing Associate or Legal Director to join a market-leading Digital, Data and Commercial practice, sitting within its dedicated Payments team. This is a hybrid role available across multiple UK offices.

The team advises banks, payment service providers, fintechs, retailers and technology businesses on the commercial arrangements that underpin payment products and services. Work includes payment processing arrangements, merchant acquiring and card issuing agreements, payment scheme arrangements, Open Banking propositions, strategic partnerships, outsourcing and wider technology and commercial contracts.

As a key member of the team, you will advise on a broad range of commercial and strategic matters, draft and negotiate payment services agreements, outsourcing arrangements, technology contracts, framework and strategic partnership agreements, and support clients on payment-related projects and product launches. You will collaborate closely with Financial Services Regulatory, Technology and Data colleagues and take an active role in business development, thought leadership and the development of junior lawyers.

• Qualified solicitor (SRA or Law Society registered) with at least six years' post-qualification experience in a commercial, technology or financial services practice, or a relevant in-house legal team.
• Strong drafting, negotiation and advisory skills, with experience advising clients in regulated sectors — particularly financial services, fintech or payments.
• Comfortable working alongside financial services regulatory specialists on matters involving both commercial and regulatory considerations.
• A pragmatic, commercially focused approach and effective communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience supervising, mentoring and developing junior lawyers.
• Interest in developing a payments specialism; prior payments experience is beneficial but not essential.