WTW is a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company that helps clients around the world turn risk into a path for growth. With roots dating to 1828, WTW has over 45,000 employees serving more than 140 countries. We design and deliver solutions that manage risk, optimize benefits, cultivate talent, and expand the power of capital to protect and strengthen institutions and individuals. Our unique perspective allows us to see the critical intersections between talent, assets and ideas – the dynamic formula that drives business performance.
WTW's Insurance Consulting and Technology business (ICT) helps clients improve business performance. We use our deep analytical skills to solve practical business problems, applying the latest techniques and software solutions to help clients measure and manage risk and capital, grow revenue and create competitive advantage. As part of that offering, WTW has developed a marketing leading suite of software products to support its actuarial risk consultancy business.
Legal Counsel within the Insurance Technology Contracting Team
An interesting, transactional role where the successful candidate will be given real responsibility assisting and advising the business on complex legal issues concerning its software licencing and technology solutions arrangements as well as the procurement of third party services and all related legal issues. Not only does this role enable the candidate to work closely with senior members of the business but it also provides the opportunity to work with global internal and external clients (including the world’s largest insurers).
The candidate’s main responsibilities will include:
• Working with the business and team members on a wide range of software; SaaS; IPR and related legal matters;
• Advising on and negotiating contracts for the provision of third-party services to the business and working with stakeholders to the business to achieve the same;
• Advising on, drafting and negotiating complex and bespoke software and technology agreements, with the need to drive those negotiations forward efficiently and effectively;
• Explaining our legal position to internal and external clients and providing workaround solutions to issues that are encountered during contract negotiations;
• Taking responsibility for contractual negotiations and providing timely, commercially focussed legal advice;
• Instructing and liaising with external counsel where necessary;
• Working closely with the business in assisting and advising internal teams on a range of legal documents and ensuring all levels of drafting reflect the agreed commercial position;
• Establishing strong working relationships with all members of the ICT and wider WTW community;
• Assisting with know-how management and knowledge sharing with the other members of the Insurance Technology Contracting Team;
• Demonstrating natural ease and effectiveness when dealing and liaising with clients/colleagues at all levels
The Requirements
• Qualified Solicitor with substantial experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts is essential;
• Experience with a strong software/technology/insurance industry bias from private practice or in-house highly preferable, with some intellectual property rights experience desirable;
• Experience in negotiating third party service provision contracts highly desirable;
• Proven ability to handle competing, urgent matters and manage client expectations and meet deadlines;
• Proven ability to independently undertake complex, client facing meetings or conference calls;
• Demonstrate natural ease communicating with people at various levels of seniority within the organisation and based in different territories. To include an ability to present to senior management, if requested, in a clear and confident manner;
• Confidence to work independently with minimal supervision;
• To be proactive and happy to take responsibility for own work;
• Ability to thrive in a busy, full ranging and hands on environment;
• Must have the judgement to be able to recognise when it is appropriate to push back on legal points which involve unacceptable business risks and when to refer back to the business on commercial issues;
• Highly organised, yet flexible, adaptable and a good team player with excellent people skills;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; and
• Comfortable following WTW’s systems and processes.
At WTW, we believe difference makes us stronger. We want our workforce to reflect the different and varied markets we operate in and to build a culture of inclusivity that makes colleagues feel welcome, valued and empowered to bring their whole selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive work environment throughout our organisation. We embrace all types of diversity.
We’re committed to equal employment opportunity and provide application, interview and workplace adjustments and accommodations to all applicants. If you foresee any barriers, from the application process through to joining WTW, please email candidate.helpdesk@willistowerswatson.com.