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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic legal team, advising on and negotiating commercial contracts.
- Company: Arbuthnot Yon is a global business with a friendly and relaxed culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for career development.
- Why this job: Perfect for junior to mid-level lawyers wanting to transition into an in-house role.
- Qualifications: Ideal candidates have 2-6 years PQE in commercial law.
- Other info: Great chance to build relationships across the organisation and gain diverse legal experience.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
Commercial Legal Counsel 2 to 4 PQE – Commercial, IP & Risk – Birmingham (3 days per week in-office – non-negotiable)
We are instructed on an outstanding opportunity for a high-calibre Legal Counsel to join a fast-growing, internationally recognised consumer brand at a pivotal stage of its evolution.
Working closely with the General Counsel, Head of Company Secretarial Services and alongside an expanding in-house legal team, this role offers a genuinely broad and hands-on remit across commercial, compliance and risk matters, with the team having real visibility and influence at board level.
This is not a narrow technical role. It will suit a lawyer who enjoys variety, pace and autonomy, and who is comfortable operating as a trusted commercial adviser to a young, ambitious business.
The Role
The scope is intentionally wide and will evolve as the business continues to scale but key areas include:
- Commercial contracts: customer and supplier agreements, including high-profile influencer, celebrity and athlete arrangements. Close partnership with a commercially empowered procurement team.
- Intellectual Property & Brand Protection: global trademarks, limited patents, and frequent infringement matters. Coordination of external counsel and patent attorneys worldwide.
- Technology & AI: advising on emerging technologies and new digital initiatives.
- Compliance, risk & insurance: supporting a maturing governance and risk framework.
- Commercial litigation – management of pre-litigation matters
- Operational legal management: ownership of the central legal inbox and day-to-day triage.
- Brand management
- International presence – with a strong foothold in the US and expansion elsewhere, international experience would be welcomed but is not essential.
The Environment
- A young, dynamic workforce where legal guidance, education and stakeholder liaison are critical.
- Strong foundations already in place (precedent banks, processes), but a business developing at pace.
- Highly collaborative culture with close interaction across Brand, Digital, Product, Design, Procurement, Property and HR.
- A legal function with genuine board-level presence and strategic influence.
About You
- A commercially minded in-house lawyer (or private practice lawyer ready to move in-house) who is intellectually agile and comfortable with reacting at speed to change.
- Confident operating independently while collaborating closely with senior stakeholders.
- Pragmatic, solutions-focused and able to balance legal risk with commercial objectives.
- Personality, judgment and initiative matter more than a rigid background profile.
Location Requirement
This role requires three days per week in the Birmingham office, without exception.
To apply or for more info please contact:
Kate Mazzag: kate@aysearch.com 07769946081
OR
Victoria Moore: victoria@aysearch.com 07971666134
Due to a high volume of applications, we will only respond to those we deem suitable for the role.
To keep up to date with Arbuthnot Yon and our latest job postings, please go on to our Company LinkedIn page and click ‘follow’
https://www.linkedin.com/company/arbuthnot-yon/?viewAsMember=true
Contact Detail:
Arbuthnot Yon Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the legal field, especially those who work in-house. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet current in-house lawyers and learn about their experiences. This can give you valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific legal issues mentioned in the job description, such as intellectual property and data privacy. Being knowledgeable about these areas will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your teamwork skills and how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Since the position emphasises a good teamwork ethos, having concrete examples ready will show that you're a great fit for their culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s values and recent developments in their business. Understanding their operations and how the legal team supports them will allow you to tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you’re aligned with their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Legal Counsel as outlined in the job description. Familiarise yourself with the types of commercial contracts and legal issues mentioned, such as intellectual property and data privacy.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in commercial law, particularly any work related to drafting and negotiating contracts. Emphasise your teamwork skills and any previous in-house experience, even if it's limited.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific aspects of the job that excite you, and explain how your background aligns with their needs, particularly your ability to build relationships across teams.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or typos. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a legal role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arbuthnot Yon
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Legal Counsel, especially in relation to commercial contracts and compliance. Familiarise yourself with the types of agreements you'll be dealing with, such as procurement and outsourcing contracts.
✨Showcase Your Teamwork Skills
Since the role emphasises a good teamwork ethos, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully collaborated with others. Highlight how you can build strong relationships with both legal and commercial colleagues.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to intellectual property, data privacy, and competition law. Brush up on these areas and be ready to discuss how you would approach various legal issues that may arise in an in-house setting.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Awareness
In-house roles require a strong understanding of the business context. Be prepared to discuss how legal decisions impact the business and show that you can think commercially while providing legal advice.
