Legal Counsel | S2 | Legal & Corporate Governance, Treasury & Structured Finance Legal | London TSQ

Job Title: Legal Counsel | S2

Location: London, United Kingdom

Overview

Santander (www.santander.com) is evolving from a global, high-impact brand into a technology-driven organisation, and our people are at the heart of this journey. Together, we are driving a customer-centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what’s possible.

This is more than a strategic shift. It’s a chance for driven professionals to grow, learn, and make a real difference.

Our mission is to help more people and businesses prosper. We embrace a strong risk culture, and all professionals are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management. We’re also shaping the way we work through innovation, cutting-edge technology, collaboration, and the freedom to explore new ideas.

The Difference You Make

The Treasury & Structured Finance Legal team is looking for a Trainee Solicitor/Paralegal based in London. This role is a 12-month secondment. The successful candidate will become part of the Treasury & Structured Finance Legal team and will assist with providing legal support to the CFO and CCB Divisions of Santander UK and other business divisions of the Santander UK Group in relation to a broad range of matters, including:

Responsibilities

• Assisting with the Santander UK group unsecured wholesale funding programmes and issuances, including regular issuance of regulatory capital, MREL, Eurobonds, SEC-registered notes, commercial paper and certificates of deposit
• Assisting with the execution of securitisation and structured finance transactions across asset classes (including retail mortgage loans, unsecured personal loans and commercial banking assets)
• Drafting, negotiating and executing derivatives and securities lending transactions
• Drafting, negotiating and executing documentation relating to secured loan linked hedging transactions across asset classes (including commercial lending, real estate finance, social housing, project finance and private credit)
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating documentation for the issuance and distribution of structured notes

The successful candidate will also spend time developing knowledge and understanding of the legal and regulatory framework applicable to the above financial products.

What You’ll Bring

Our people are our greatest strength. We value diverse perspectives and empower what each person brings. The following requirements represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for success in this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Practising trainee solicitor or paralegal (required)
• An understanding of/exposure to capital markets transactions, including one or more of the following: EMTN programmes, covered bonds, securitisations or structured notes. Some exposure to/experience of derivatives and/or securities lending/repo transactions (required)
• Some experience of secured lending, including facility agreements and intercreditor agreements (preferred)
• Experience working as part of a transactional environment (either in private practice or in house) (required)
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills (required)
• Proactive and enthusiastic approach to learning and undertaking tasks to support colleagues (required)
• Ability and willingness to manage a varied workload (required)
• Numeracy skills with good experience of Excel and PowerPoint (preferred)
• Experience of / aptitude for working with AI in a professional / legal environment (preferred)

We Value Your Impact

At Santander, your contribution matters. We recognise the difference you make every day, and we ensure you feel valued, supported, and rewarded in return. Recognition goes beyond pay — it’s about the pride you feel in your work, the impact on customers and communities, and opportunities to grow and thrive both personally and professionally.

Salary & Benefits

Salary Range: £52,181.00 – £78,271.00 per annum (depending on experience)

This salary range represents the expected remuneration for the role. Annual salary is based on a standard 35-hour working week. Actual salary offered will depend on skills, experience, qualifications and location.

• £500 annual cash allowance to spend on benefits
• 27 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, increasing to 28 days after 5 years’ service, with option to purchase up to 5 contractual days per year
• Voluntary healthcare benefits at discounted rates (medical, dental, health assessments)
• 8% of salary contributed to pension, with potential to contribute more for higher total contributions
• Company-funded death-in-service benefit, income protection insurance, and discounted life assurance/critical illness cover
• Share in Santander’s success via share plans
• Staff versions of products (e.g., Edge Current Accounts and Credit Cards) with no fees, plus access to deals and discounts
• Competitive rewards reflecting impact and value
• Wellbeing programs across physical, mental, social, and financial wellbeing
• Enhanced family leave, childcare options, and tailored wellbeing support
• Volunteering opportunities to contribute to communities
• Global growth opportunities across Santander’s international network

Ready to be recognised? It starts with you.

Local Compliance & Equal Opportunity

At Santander, we are an inclusive organisation offering equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of age, gender, disability, civil status, race, religion, or sexual orientation. We are committed to accessible, fair, and welcoming recruitment for all candidates.

Roles are site-based with a hybrid working pattern, requiring attendance at the office at least 12 days per month (pro-rata for part-time roles). When applying, consider travel distance, time, and cost to your chosen office location.

Right to Work

• All candidates must have the right to work in the UK to commence employment with Santander.

What to Do Next

If this sounds like a role you are interested in, please apply. If you need any assistance during the recruitment process (e.g., an application form in another format or additional support), contact us at resourcing@santander.co.uk.