Legal Counsel; Commercial

Overview

An established organisation operating within a regulated environment is seeking a Legal Counsel to join a small and supportive in-house legal team on a fixed term basis.

The role will involve drafting, reviewing and negotiating a broad range of commercial agreements, both clinical and non-clinical in nature. The majority of the role will focus on commercial contracts, alongside providing pragmatic legal advice and guidance to colleagues across the organisation on commercial and regulatory matters.

This role offers a high degree of autonomy and would suit a candidate who enjoys working across a varied workload within a fast-paced environment. Flexible working is supported, with a combination of home and office-based working.

Applicants will ideally be UK qualified solicitors with approximately two to three years post qualification experience, although candidates outside of this range will be considered. Strong drafting skills are essential and candidates with previous in house experience are particularly encouraged to apply.

Given the breadth of work, experience across a wide range of commercial contracts is important, as is the ability to manage matters independently while knowing when to escalate appropriately.

• Draft, review, negotiate and finalise a wide range of commercial agreements, including but not limited to supply of goods and services, consultancy agreements, IT and technology contracts, data sharing and data transfer agreements, framework agreements, confidentiality agreements, equipment purchase and maintenance contracts, marketing agreements and international partnership arrangements
• Advise on risk management and support the resolution of contractual disputes
• Build strong working relationships across the organisation to ensure timely, consistent and practical legal advice is provided
• Work collaboratively with teams including information security, IT, estates, people services and operational teams
• Manage relationships with external stakeholders including suppliers, external legal advisers and relevant regulators
• Monitor and advise on legislative and regulatory changes impacting the organisation and its activities
• Support procurement activity, including tenders and tender responses
• Assist and deputise for senior members of the legal team as required
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, including contract approval and procurement procedures
• Draft, maintain and review internal policies relating to compliance, regulation and best practice
• Develop and maintain template contracts
• Provide ad hoc legal advice on matters such as competition law, intellectual property, contract termination, regulatory compliance and property related issues
• Contribute positively to the wider legal team and support delivery of organisational objectives
• Some in house legal experience, either through a permanent role or secondment
• Demonstrable experience drafting, reviewing, negotiating and advising on a broad range of commercial contracts
• Comfortable working with a high level of responsibility and autonomy across varied contractual matters
• A genuine interest in working within a regulated and public facing environment
• Experience gained within a regulated sector, such as healthcare, life sciences, education or the wider public or charity sector, would be advantageous
• An understanding of the commercial and operational considerations that affect complex service organisations
• Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to work
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Confident user of IT systems and standard office software
• Able to build effective working relationships with internal colleagues and external advisers
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage competing deadlines
• Sound drafting skills, with the ability to produce clear, practical and proportionate legal documentation