At a Glance
- Tasks: Support complex nuclear projects and provide pragmatic legal advice in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join AtkinsRéalis, a leader in engineering and technology with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Collaborative culture, career development opportunities, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Work within a close-knit legal team and engage with senior stakeholders.
- Why this job: Be part of innovative projects that engineer a better future for the planet and its people.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with experience in construction, engineering, or infrastructure.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Requirements
- You’ll be a qualified solicitor in England & Wales with experience in one or more of the following areas: engineering/design, consultancy, construction, energy or broader projects work—whether from private practice or an in‑house role.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders, challenge constructively and navigate complex delivery environments.
- An appetite to understand the wider business context, including strategy, delivery pressures and commercial drivers—not just contractual documentation.
- Innovative, solution‑oriented, organised, and proactive.
- You think creatively, spot opportunities, and bring new ideas into how we deliver legal support.
- Collaborative and aligned with O‑Shaped behaviours.
- And above all: you connect with our purpose to engineer a better future for the planet and its people.
What the job involves
AtkinsRéalis is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to support its Nuclear EMEA and Technology & Environmental Remediation businesses, advising on complex nuclear projects across the nuclear fuel cycle, including delivery through joint ventures, alliances and strategic partnerships. This is an exciting role supporting major projects in a highly regulated, technically complex environment. Although preferred, prior nuclear sector experience is not required; strong experience in construction, engineering or infrastructure is essential.
Reporting to the Legal Director, you will act as a trusted legal business partner to project, commercial and business leaders, providing pragmatic, outcome‑focused advice that supports safe, compliant and successful project delivery. As part of a close knit Nuclear EMEA legal team, you will be part of AtkinsRéalis’ Global Nuclear Sector and a global legal function of over 100 lawyers offering strong collaboration, technical depth and opportunities for career development. The role aligns with the O‑Shaped Lawyer philosophy, combining technical excellence with collaboration, accountability, trust and impact.
Support complex nuclear projects across their full lifecycle, with a strong emphasis on win‑work and bid support. Review, draft and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts, including professional services agreements and subcontracts. Familiarity with market‑standard forms such as NEC, FIDIC and JCT. Lead or support joint venture, consortium and alliance arrangements, including drafting and negotiating JV and shareholder agreements. Provide practical legal advice on risk allocation, incentivisation, liability, insurance, performance security and project governance in a regulated environment. Support dispute management and resolution where required, working closely with internal teams, external counsel and insurers, with a focus on early resolution and dispute avoidance. Provide pragmatic guidance on procurement, competition, intellectual property, governance and broader risk management issues affecting projects. Experience with export control, sanctions, M&A or broader corporate transactions is desirable but not essential. De‑risk the business through targeted legal support and training, including practical briefings, guidance and lessons learned for commercial and project teams. Build strong working relationships with commercial, technical and project stakeholders across Nuclear EMEA and Technology. Work autonomously on complex matters while supporting and developing trainee and junior lawyers through effective delegation, guidance and feedback.
Senior Legal Counsel (Nuclear EMEA) employer: AtkinsRéalis
AtkinsRéalis is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a Senior Legal Counsel in the Nuclear EMEA sector, you will be part of a close-knit team that values professional growth and provides ample opportunities for career development within a global legal function. With a commitment to engineering a better future, employees are encouraged to think creatively and contribute to meaningful projects that have a positive impact on the planet and its people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel (Nuclear EMEA)
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at companies you’re interested in. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Ace the Informational Interview
Set up informal chats with professionals in your field. This isn’t a job interview, but a chance to learn more about their experiences and the company culture. Plus, it shows your genuine interest and can lead to referrals down the line!
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your achievements and problem-solving skills. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, having tangible examples of your work can really set you apart from the competition.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel (Nuclear EMEA)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your qualifications and experience in engineering, consultancy, or construction. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on those relevant details!
Communicate Clearly:Your communication skills are key! Use clear and concise language to convey your thoughts. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can influence and navigate complex environments, so let that shine through in your application.
Connect with Our Purpose:We’re all about engineering a better future for the planet and its people. Make sure to express your passion for this mission in your application. Show us how you connect with our values and how you can contribute to our goals.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and keep track of your application. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at AtkinsRéalis
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of construction, engineering, and nuclear projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the requirements of the role, especially in terms of contract negotiation and risk management.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key for this role, prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to influence stakeholders and navigate complex environments. Think about times when you've successfully challenged ideas or provided constructive feedback.
✨Understand the Business Context
Get a grip on the wider business context of the company. Research their strategy, delivery pressures, and commercial drivers. This will help you articulate how your legal advice can support their goals and contribute to project success.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This role requires a collaborative approach, so be prepared to discuss how you've worked effectively within teams. Highlight any experiences where you've supported junior lawyers or built strong relationships with project stakeholders.
