Head of Private Clients Legal (100%)

At Vontobel, we aim to empower our clients and employees to realize their goals. As the Head of Legal – Private Clients, you will play a pivotal role in shaping strategic legal support within our Wealth Management business. We are seeking a seasoned legal leader who thrives in collaborative environments, with a forward-thinking approach to problem-solving and commitment to professional excellence.

What would your role be?

• Lead with impact: Oversee and mentor a dynamic team of two experienced lawyers, fostering growth, inclusivity, and strategic direction.

• Partner strategically: Build strong, trust-based relationships with key internal stakeholders such as Relationship Managers, Client Services, Risk Management, and Compliance to align with business goals and regulatory requirements.

• Be a trusted advisor: Provide top-tier legal counsel on regulations affecting financial services and wealth management, including areas such as licensing, inheritance law, lending, finance, and private client transactions.

• Navigate complexities: Oversee the drafting, review, and negotiation of contracts, agreements, internal policies, NDAs, and other vital documents to mitigate legal risks.

• Resolve disputes: Lead the handling of disputes, litigation, and arbitration matters with precision and confidence.

• Stay ahead of the curve: Monitor emerging laws and regulations, advising stakeholders on potential impacts and proactive measures.

• Educate and empower: Develop and deliver training programs that keep our teams informed about legal risks and evolving regulations.

• Manage partnerships: Liaise with and manage external legal counsel to ensure seamless collaboration and strategic alignment.

What are we looking for?

• Educational excellence: Law degree from a recognized university (LL.M. is a plus).

• Proven experience: Minimum 10 years in the financial services sector, focused on wealth management, with a successful track record of delivering strategic legal guidance in complex environments.

• Swiss expertise: Swiss Bar qualification preferred.

• Knowledge breadth: Familiarity with ESG regulatory requirements is advantageous.

• Problem solver: Strong analytical skills with a practical approach to navigating legal challenges.

• Effective communicator: Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to engage with diverse internal and external stakeholders.

• Adaptable and driven: Skilled at juggling multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting.

Your language skills:

• Fluent in German and French: Essential for this role.

• English proficiency: Required for effective communication.

What do we offer:

• Top Zurich location with collaboration spaces (including rooftop terraces) and free lunch.

• Friendly, diverse team in an open-office space with dancing walls.

• All the latest technology to help you excel and advance.

• Agile environment in how we think, the way we work and our trust for each other.

• Lots of special perks, including home office possibility up to 40%.

• Flat hierarchy with collaboration at all levels.

• Campus feeling and a collaborative spirit.

We are looking for talented people, not just a CV that ticks all the boxes. Even if you do not have absolutely everything we have asked for, if this role sounds like a good fit for you, we encourage you to apply.

At Vontobel, you are building better futures for our clients and society, as well as for yourself. By 2030, we want to be known as one of the leading and most trusted global investment firms. We have 2,300+ engaged professionals, based in over 25 locations globally and headquartered in Zurich.

We are both majority family-owned and publicly listed. Our capacity for long-term focus, on topics such as sustainability, is underpinned by the security of the family’s 100-year commitment. Driven by an ownership mindset, you can unlock your potential and translate insights into opportunities. We are hiring talented individuals who are determined to deliver in a changing world and who come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Do you want to be Vontobel?

Thank you for applying to Vontobel. We will carefully review your application and will respond to you in a timely manner.

At Vontobel, we are an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or gender identity.

We value the many voices within our teams and are committed to creating an environment where everyone who wants to be part of our performance culture can be themselves. It is based on mutual respect and zero tolerance for any form of discrimination.

If you have any questions you can contact us through our contact form.