At a Glance
- Tasks: Support exciting tech and commercial projects in the pet care industry.
- Company: Join Pets at Home, the UK's leading pet care business.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days' holiday, private healthcare, and a competitive salary.
- Other info: Hybrid working model and a supportive, high-performing legal team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative projects that improve pets' lives.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with strong experience in technology and commercial contracting.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Help shape the future of pet care, supporting everything from day-to-day commercial and technology matters to some of the most exciting technology and commercial projects in UK retail! At Pets at Home, we're united by one purpose, to improve the lives of pets and the people who love them. As the UK's leading pet care business, we're investing heavily in digital innovation, technology transformation and new ways to serve our customers. We're now looking for a talented Legal Counsel or Senior Legal Counsel to join our highly regarded in-house Legal team on a fixed-term basis (minimum six months).
This is a fantastic opportunity for a commercially minded lawyer who enjoys partnering with stakeholders, navigating complex challenges and providing practical legal solutions that help a business thrive. The role offers hybrid working (two office days per week) from our Support Office in Handforth, Cheshire.
About the Role
Reporting to one of our Heads of Legal, you'll play a key role supporting technology and commercial activity across the Group, advising colleagues across Digital, Technology, Procurement, Information Security and Data Privacy. Your work will include:
- Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a wide range of technology and commercial contracts, including SaaS, software licensing, outsourcing, technology services and supply agreements
- Supporting strategic technology, cybersecurity, AI, data and digital transformation initiatives
- Providing pragmatic commercial advice across areas such as IP, brand protection, marketing, consumer law, data protection and insurance
- Delivering legal guidance, training and compliance support across the business
- Monitoring legal and regulatory developments and helping stakeholders respond confidently to change
This role offers excellent exposure to senior stakeholders and high-profile, business-critical projects.
About You
We're looking for a qualified solicitor (or equivalent) with strong experience in technology and commercial contracting, gained in private practice and/or in-house. You'll bring:
- Around 5+ years' PQE (or equivalent experience)
- Strong drafting and negotiation skills across IT and commercial agreements
- Commercial awareness, sound judgement and a pragmatic approach to risk
- The ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly and concisely
- Excellent relationship building and stakeholder management skills
- A proactive, collaborative mindset and a genuine desire to make a difference
In-house experience would be beneficial, but is not essential.
Why Join Pets at Home?
- Work for a market-leading, values-led business with pets at the heart of everything we do
- Gain exposure to innovative technology, digital and strategic projects
- Join a supportive, high-performing legal team where your contribution is valued
- Competitive salary and benefits package, including; 28 days' holiday (plus bank holidays), private healthcare, life assurance and a range of additional colleague benefits
Whether you're an experienced Legal Counsel or ready to step into a Senior Legal Counsel role, this is an opportunity to make a genuine impact within a business that's ambitious, growing and passionate about doing the right thing. Apply today and help us improve the life of every pet in the UK!
Pets just see people. They aren't biased and they don't discriminate. We take our inspiration from pets, and we value and respect difference in all its forms. Our aim is to reflect the diversity of the communities we operate in, and every colleague can help us achieve this. We encourage our people to be themselves so even if your skills and experience don't perfectly align, if you think you can make a unique contribution through your values and behaviours, we want to hear from you!
Legal Counsel - IT & Commercial in Wilmslow employer: All The Top Bananas
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel - IT & Commercial in Wilmslow
✨Get Involved in Legal Networking Events
Jump into local or virtual legal networking events to meet industry pros and get your foot in the door! Use platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup to find gatherings, as these are great for making connections and hearing about temporary roles at firms like All The Top Bananas.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a simple online portfolio to showcase your legal work, whether that's case briefs, research papers, or even blog posts on legal topics. This public display can really set you apart when looking for temp roles in law, especially if you can make it relevant to the work that All The Top Bananas does!
✨Tap into Law School Resources
If you're near a law school, hit up their career services. They often have leads on temporary positions and can help connect you with alumni working at firms. Plus, they might host workshops or job fairs specific to the legal sector—great for scoring that temp position!
✨Stay Updated with Legal Job Boards
Regularly check specialised legal job boards like LawCareers.Net or TotallyLegal for temporary listings. Many firms post their openings directly there, and applying quickly can give you an edge over the competition when looking to join a prestigious firm like All The Top Bananas.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel - IT & Commercial in Wilmslow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Know-How:In the legal services world, it's all about demonstrating your understanding of relevant laws and regulations. Make sure your CV highlights your legal training, internships, or any relevant projects you've worked on. If you've done any mooting or legal research, include those too - they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Application for the Temp Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should stress your adaptability and readiness to jump in right away. Highlight any previous temp roles where you quickly got up to speed, or any diverse experiences that show you can handle a variety of cases or tasks with ease.
Keep it Specific with Your Documents:Make sure your application includes essential legal documents, such as any relevant certifications or memberships in legal bodies. These can add credibility to your CV and show that you're serious about the profession – especially useful in a competitive field like law!
Express Your Enthusiasm in the Cover Letter:Your cover letter is a golden opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Let them know why you’re excited about this temporary position with All The Top Bananas and how you're motivated to contribute to their success during your limited time with them!
How to prepare for a job interview at All The Top Bananas
✨Show Off Your Legal Know-How
Prepare to discuss your understanding of legal terminology and concepts that might come up during the interview for the Legal Counsel - IT & Commercial role at All The Top Bananas. Brush up on relevant laws or recent cases that could be pertinent to the temporary position, as they'll likely appreciate candidates who can think on their feet and adapt to the fast-paced legal environment.
✨Talk About Your Flexibility
Since this is a temporary role, employers want to know you can hit the ground running. Be ready to highlight past experiences where you've had to quickly adapt to new tasks or work cultures. Flexibility is key in a short-term position like this, so share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage changing priorities efficiently.
✨Prepare for the Casework Challenge
You might face hypothetical scenarios where you'd have to advise on a legal issue or case. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, as interviewers in the legal sector often expect candidates to walk them through their reasoning step-by-step. This will not only showcase your legal acumen but also demonstrate your communication skills, which are crucial in law.
✨Pitch Your Legal Portfolio
If you have any relevant work samples, such as briefs, contracts, or legal research, this is your chance to shine! Be ready to discuss what you did, what challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This speaks volumes more than just listing your skills; it shows you're proactive and results-oriented, which is essential for a temporary role at All The Top Bananas.
