Legal Counsel

At Oak, we're building the next generation of private wealth and private capital services, powered by people and enabled by technology. With more than 25 years of expertise, over 200 colleagues across Guernsey, Jersey, the Isle of Man, Mauritius and The Bahamas and more than $19 billion in assets under administration, we're trusted by internationally connected families, entrepreneurs, family offices, founders, fund managers, investors and institutions around the world. As part of Opera, a privately owned financial services group, we're investing in our people, data, digital platforms and responsible use of AI to improve how work gets done, strengthen the client experience and give talented people more time to focus on judgement, relationships and higher-value work. We are building a business where people can develop specialist expertise, contribute to meaningful change and build rewarding careers. Find out more at www.operalimited.com.

An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced Legal Counsel to join Oak Bahamas, to provide legal analysis and drafting support to senior management within the Bahamas office.

Legal Counsel will be responsible for overseeing all legal matters, including but not limited to providing expert legal advice on Bahamian trust law, fiduciary duties, structuring, corporate governance, estate planning matters, reviewing contracts and drafting.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with clients, financial advisors, and other professionals to develop customized trust solutions.

• Plan and lead regular meetings with settlors, beneficiaries, investment professionals, lawyers and accountants for portfolios.

• Interpret complex trust and company structures and contribute innovative, value-adding solutions that achieve family objectives.

• Ensure compliance with relevant legal regulations and industry best practices.

• Draft and review commercial documentation for Oak Bahamas and the family trusts and companies administered by Oak Bahamas, including transactional documentation, company reorganizational documentation, minutes, resolutions, trust instruments, deeds, contracts, and other legal documents.

• Monitor legal developments and regulatory changes affecting trusts and corporate administration.

• Collaborate with internal departments to support business operations and strategic initiatives

• Manage legal proceedings and external teams related to trusts and fiduciary matters.

• Conduct legal research and stay updated on changes in trust and company laws.

• Provide training for the team on relevant topics.

• Contribute to efforts in attracting new clients and developing new initiatives.

• Devise, design and facilitate the creation of sophisticated and complex private client structures, private trust companies, family office arrangements and other trust arrangements.

• Initiate and monitor periodic fiduciary file reviews and implement recommended actions. Assist with internal projects as may be required to support senior management.

Key Competencies & Skills

• Law degree from an accredited law school. Admission to the Bahamas bar; and another law jurisdiction bar is desirable.

• Minimum 6 years’ post-qualification experience, to include experience practicing in trusts, private client law or trust litigation either in practice or in house.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

• Experience in managing large-scale projects. Excellent communication and relationship management skills.

• High ethical standards, detail-oriented and able to manage complex legal matters. Ability to work under the pressure of deadlines.

• Highly motivated, proactive, well organized team player who contributes to the continuous improvement of the Trust company and their families.

• TEP designation is desirable though not essential.