At BNY, our culture allows us to run our company better and enables employees’ growth and success. As a leading global financial services company at the heart of the global financial system, we influence nearly 20% of the world’s investible assets. Every day, our teams harness cutting-edge AI and breakthrough technologies to collaborate with clients, driving transformative solutions that redefine industries and uplift communities worldwide.

Recognized as a top destination for innovators, BNY is where bold ideas meet advanced technology and exceptional talent. Together, we power the future of finance – and this is what #LifeAtBNY is all about. Join us and be part of something extraordinary.

We’re seeking a future team member for the role of Head of Legal Ireland to join our Legal team. This role is located in Dublin, Ireland.

The Head of Legal Ireland is the principal legal counsel and strategic legal advisor to the senior management of the legal entities (and associate businesses and business operations) in Ireland. The role primarily relates to advising on all custodial/trustee/fund administration matters as BNY is one of the largest custodian and fund administrator in Ireland. The Head of Legal Ireland leads a team of five lawyers and one paralegal. The role directly reports to the General Counsel of our European bank.

In this role, you’ll make an impact in the following ways:

Act as the senior lawyer responsible for legal coverage over BNY’s presence in Ireland, which comprises the Dublin Branch of our European bank headquartered in Brussels and our Irish fund administrator entity;
Acting as a trusted advisor to local Management in providing them with effective legal advice including, but not limited to, strategic, regulatory and (potential) contentious legal issues, revenue generating activity as well as on corporate law and corporate governance;
Attending Dublin Branch management committee meetings, Executive Committee and Board meetings of our Irish fund administrator entity and other senior management committee meetings in Ireland;
Advising on complex deals and transactions and negotiating contractual documentation (custody, fund administration and ancillary agreements), fund documentation (prospectuses, constitutional documentation) and structuring of specialist funds;
Advising on EU and Irish legislation and regulations impacting BNY activities;
Working closely with the Office of Regulatory Relations to prepare and/or review key communications to regulators;
Influencing the legal risk appetite of legal entities in Ireland and supporting effective management of legal risk in the legal entities (and associated businesses and business operations) in Ireland;
Ensuring frequent and timely reporting/escalation to the EMEA General Counsel and European Bank General Counsel, local management and other relevant stakeholders;
Leading and overseeing the resources and talent of the Dublin Legal team;
Overseeing outside counsel advice (including timeliness and quality) on major deliverables, as well as managing broader relationships with local law firms; and
Oversight of internal department finances as well as external law firm spend.

To be successful in this role, we’re seeking the following:

Qualified lawyer in Ireland with at least 15 years PQE with a legal background in an international financial services institution with extensive experience of custody/depositary, fund administration and fund accounting;
Broad range of substantive legal skills developed over an extended period of time, including relevant law firm and in-house experience;
Proven leadership qualities with extensive experience of direct team management;
Strong communicator, with gravitas to maintain credibility with different senior stakeholders in Ireland and internationally. Highly collaborative;
Adept problem-solving skills. Ability to work through issues autonomously to develop/identify practical, commercial solutions. Experience in balancing commercial flexibility and risk management;
Extensive experience in managing relationships with outside counsel, with focus on delivery of commercially focused, solution oriented legal advice as cost effectively as possible;
Intellectually curious, adaptable, and interested in learning new skills;
Familiarity with current legal, regulatory and market trends and initiatives impacting Ireland, EU and EMEA; and
Well networked with peers at global institutions and industry bodies.

At BNY, our culture speaks for itself, check out the latest BNY news at:

BNY Newsroom

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Here’s a few of our recent awards:

America’s Most Innovative Companies, Fortune, 2025
World’s Most Admired Companies, Fortune 2025
“Most Just Companies”, Just Capital and CNBC, 2025

Our Benefits and Rewards:

BNY offers highly competitive compensation, benefits, and wellbeing programs rooted in a strong culture of excellence and our pay-for-performance philosophy. We provide access to flexible global resources and tools for your life’s journey. Focus on your health, foster your personal resilience, and reach your financial goals as a valued member of our team, along with generous paid leaves, including paid volunteer time, that can support you and your family through moments that matter.

BNY is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer - Underrepresented racial and ethnic groups/Females/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans.

Senior Managing Counsel – Head of Legal Ireland

Benefits

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