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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to draft and negotiate commercial contracts in the sports sector.
- Company: Work with leading organisations in the sports industry, offering diverse legal challenges.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus, and hybrid working model for work-life balance.
- Why this job: This role offers hands-on experience and exposure to high-profile legal work in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: 1-3 years PQE with strong commercial contracts experience; open to various practice backgrounds.
- Other info: Perfect for junior lawyers looking to transition in-house and explore the exciting sports sector.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Are you a junior lawyer looking to move in-house or transition into the sports sector? Do you have experience drafting and negotiating commercial contracts? Interested in joining a dynamic team with a broad, hands-on legal remit?
The Client
We’re working with leading organisations in the sports sector currently seeking a Legal Counsel (1–3 PQE) to support across a range of commercial, contractual, and regulatory work. This is an excellent opportunity for a junior lawyer with strong commercial training who is considering a move in-house — especially within the sports or media space. That said, the client is open to candidates from other practice areas who have demonstrable experience in commercial contracts.
The Role
This is a broad in-house role offering exposure to commercial agreements, regulatory matters, and general legal advisory work. Key responsibilities include:
- Drafting and negotiating a variety of commercial contracts, including licensing, sponsorship, streaming, and media rights agreements.
- Advising on regulatory and compliance issues as they arise.
- Partnering with stakeholders across the business to support day-to-day legal needs.
- Getting involved in a bit of everything — this is a genuinely varied and hands-on opportunity.
About You
The ideal candidate will have:
- 1–3 years’ post-qualification experience, ideally gained at a recognised City or international law firm.
- Strong commercial contracts experience or qualified into a commercial practice.
- A solid grounding in key commercial legal concepts — the client is open to candidates outside of the sports sector or those with a broader practice background, provided they’ve worked on contracts.
- A genuine interest in moving in-house and working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
What’s on Offer?
- Competitive salary plus bonus
- Hybrid working model
- Exposure to a wide range of legal work within a high-profile organisation
If you’re a junior lawyer exploring your first in-house move, let’s chat. Apply below or email me.
Contact Detail:
The Stephen James Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel – General Commercial Lawyer (Sports) 1–3 PQE
✨Tip Number 1
Network within the sports industry by attending relevant events, conferences, or seminars. Engaging with professionals in the field can help you gain insights and potentially lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and regulations in sports law. This knowledge will not only enhance your understanding but also demonstrate your commitment and passion for the sector during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider reaching out to current or former employees of the organisation you're applying to. They can provide valuable information about the company culture and the specific skills that are highly valued in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by practising common legal scenarios related to commercial contracts in the sports sector. Being able to discuss real-life examples will showcase your expertise and readiness for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel – General Commercial Lawyer (Sports) 1–3 PQE
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with drafting and negotiating commercial contracts. Emphasise any relevant work in the sports or media sectors, even if it's from a different practice area.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your genuine interest in transitioning to an in-house role within the sports sector. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your understanding of commercial legal concepts and your ability to work collaboratively.
Showcase Relevant Experience: If you have worked on licensing, sponsorship, or media rights agreements, be sure to include these examples in your application. Highlight any regulatory or compliance issues you've dealt with to show your readiness for the role.
Research the Organisation: Familiarise yourself with the organisation's work in the sports sector. Understanding their legal needs and challenges will help you tailor your application and prepare for potential interview questions.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Stephen James Partnership
✨Show Your Passion for Sports Law
Make sure to express your genuine interest in the sports sector during the interview. Research recent developments in sports law and be prepared to discuss how they relate to the role. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the field.
✨Highlight Your Contract Experience
Be ready to discuss specific examples of commercial contracts you have drafted or negotiated. Focus on the skills you've developed in this area, as the role heavily involves contract work. Use clear examples to illustrate your expertise and problem-solving abilities.
✨Understand Regulatory Issues
Familiarise yourself with common regulatory and compliance issues in the sports industry. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach these matters and provide insights into how you can support the organisation in navigating legal challenges.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves partnering with various stakeholders, highlight your experience working in teams. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others to achieve legal objectives, showcasing your ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
