Legal Counsel

Intro

We have an incredible opportunity for a Legal Counsel to join our Legal team on a permanent basis based in the London office (hybrid based).  

Who we are

Railpen is responsible for the safekeeping and investment of around £34 billion in assets and the administration of several pension schemes, including the Railways Pension Scheme, one of the UK's largest and longest established pension funds.

Our heritage of looking after the pension needs of the rail industry and its employees gives us our name and our unique outlook on how we serve our members. Railpen takes a holistic view, focusing on how we serve members today and how we can positively impact the communities and the world they will retire into.

To learn more about Railpen including our values, culture and purpose, visit our LinkedIn Life page here.   

The role

This role will look to provide pragmatic legal support to the business, primarily in connection with property and alternative real asset investments, in a way that enables the business to achieve its investment objectives whilst minimising legal risk.

This role will be responsible for negotiating legal documentation focusing on property and alternative real estate assets (e.g., care homes, student accommodation, data centres and more). The successful candidate will advise on remediation schemes in the ground rent portfolio, ensuring compliance with the Building Safety Act and  support on major development projects, including reviewing development management agreements and consultant appointments. Additional to this the Legal Counsel will collaborate with investment and property management teams to align with Railpen’s operating strategy.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.

The person

We are looking for a UK qualified Lawyer who has significant experience and knowledge in property law including development and alternative assets. You will support the wider legal team with all of their initiatives and therefore be very comfortable in working across practice areas (with full support from the legal team). To be successful in this role you will look to keep abreast of legislation and regulatory changes, and advising on their implementation within the business. In house legal experience would be a distinct advantage, however this isn’t essential.

We are looking for a person who has effective communication skills both verbally and written. You will be able to collaborate effectively with different stakeholders, including investment and property management teams, to ensure alignment with Railpen’s operating strategy. You will have good relationship management and influencing skills, where you are able to build rapport and be seen as a trusted and respected partner to all colleagues. A proactive and versatile approach to delivering high quality work in a fast paced environment is key to this role.

Our values of integrity, community and alignment are the guiding principles that influence our behaviour. They help us make decisions and shape our relationships with others. They’re what we stand for. You will actively demonstrate our values, helping to create a safe environment, to place the needs of the community above oneself and, through a culture of ‘fair challenge’, align to the best interests of our members. 

What we can offer you

Rewarding you

• A competitive salary

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

• Generous annual bonus plan

• We provide membership of the Railways Pension Scheme, a Defined Benefit arrangement under which you get a pension for life and a lump sum when you retire, based on your length of service and pay

• 4x Life Assurance cover

• Colleague referral scheme

Heath & Wellbeing

• Employee assistance programme

• Heath cash plan

• Eye care vouchers

• Flu vaccination

Lifestyle

• We support hybrid and flexible working along with very generous family leave including 12 months full pay maternity leave and 6 months full pay paternity leave

• Buy and sell holidays

• Give as you earn scheme

• Paid volunteering days

• Electric vehicle leasing

• Cycle to work scheme

Next Steps

Please apply for the apply button or visit Careers Page by 5pm on Monday 21st April 2025.

Railpen is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment, we value diversity and welcome people from all backgrounds and walks of life