Commercial Legal Counsel - 12 month FTC

We’re on a mission to back the UK’s small businesses like no one else 🚀 Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, and we’re here to help them win. We’ve built a platform that uses clever data to get them the funding they need in minutes, not weeks. At Funding Circle, we have the restless energy of a fintech start-up with the stability of a public company. It’s a unique mix that gives Circlers the autonomy to take ownership and the scale to make an impact that truly counts. We’re a high-performing team that chooses to lift each other up. We challenge, we champion, and we have each other’s backs - because we know that when we stand together, we move faster and build better. The impact is real: Last year alone, the businesses on our platform generated £7.2bn for the UK economy 📈 Come and join a mission that matters! [ Read our Impact Report ] | [ See our Trustpilot ] The role ⚡ 📍 London (Hybrid) | 🤝 3 days in the office | 💰 Competitive Salary + Benefits You’ll make a real difference for our customers and your team from day one. We believe the fastest way to grow is by doing, so we give you the ownership to run with things and see real-time results. We are looking for a Commercial Legal Counsel to join our in-house legal team on a 12 month fixed term contract. Reporting to the Head of Legal, you will be a hands-on business partner from day one. You won't just be reviewing contracts; you will be working with teams across Compliance, Product, Technology, Sales, Brand, and Marketing to launch products. Commercial Contracting: Partner with stakeholders to draft and negotiate a diverse range of commercial agreements. This includes technology service contracts, strategic partnerships, and agreements with marketing and brand affiliates. Product & Innovation: Work alongside commercial and product stakeholders to enable the launch of new products. You will advise on various legal requirements such as customer journey updates, terms and conditions, privacy implications, keeping stakeholders informed throughout. Data Protection & Privacy: Translate data protection requirements into practical advice including privacy by design, privacy impact assessments, reviewing and responding to requests from data subjects. Risk Radar: Act as a proactive problem solver. You will identify, evaluate, and advise on legal, regulatory, and operational risks that arise in day-to-day business. Legal Optimisation: You will take a hands-on role in optimising the legal function, identifying areas for greater efficiency through technology, automation, use of generative AI. You will offer guidance and training junior members of the team. What we’re looking for 🌱 You are a qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) with around 4 years’ post-qualified experience. In-house experience at a technology company is beneficial. You have strong drafting skills and can negotiate commercial contracts with minimal supervision. You have a working knowledge of data protection laws and are comfortable applying them to real-world product questions. You are a clear communicator: You can advise stakeholders confidently and succinctly. You are a "translator" who can explain complex legal risks to non-legal colleagues without jargon. You have a ‘can do’ attitude and are comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. You can prioritise a varied workload and meet deadlines. You are collaborative: You are a team player who contributes to team initiatives and supports colleagues—someone your teammates can depend on. We’re building a place where everyone truly feels they belong. Even if your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every requirement, we'd still love to hear from you. Why join us? 💜 We back you to build an incredible career and by joining us, you'll be part of one of The Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For 2026 ! As a flexible-first employer, we use a "best of both" approach. We’ll see you in our London office to collaborate – with barista co