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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic legal team, handling contracts, governance, and M&A activities.
- Company: Be part of a fast-growing global automotive group with a strong UK presence.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, excellent salary, bonuses, and a subsidised car scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive environment that values legal expertise.
- Qualifications: 5+ years' PQE with in-house experience; confident in managing contracts and teams.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape the future of legal support in a rapidly evolving business.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
A leading, NYSE-listed business is seeking to appoint a Legal Counsel into its UK legal team during a period of significant transformation.
The business operates a large, multi-brand network across the UK and the US and is currently undergoing active portfolio reshaping, including acquisitions, disposals, and integration activity.
As a result, corporate and M&A work sits at the heart of this role, rather than being ancillary.
The Role
This is a high-impact in-house position offering genuine exposure to strategic corporate matters.
Key responsibilities include:
- Supporting M&A activity, including acquisitions, disposals, integrations, and restructuring projects
- Advising on wider corporate and strategic initiatives aligned to business growth
- Supporting on commercial contracts
- Supporting governance and board-level matters as required
- Working closely with senior stakeholders across finance, compliance, procurement, and the executive team
- Managing two paralegals, who handle litigation matters and some commercial
Candidate Profile
- Qualified lawyer with corporate and M&A experience
- Background in private practice and/or in-house
- Commercially pragmatic and comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment
- Confident engaging with senior stakeholders on strategic matters
Package & Location
- Location: Milton Keynes (hybrid working – 3 days per week in the office)
- Salary: to £85,000 + car allowance
- Bonus: Up to 15%
- Benefits: Pension, private medical, and a heavily subsidised company car scheme
Why This Role?
- Meaningful involvement in M&A and corporate transformation
- High visibility within a lean in-house legal function
- Opportunity to influence and help shape the legal team during a period of change
- Exposure to senior leadership and business-critical decision-making
This is a rare opportunity for a lawyer seeking a genuinely corporate-leaning in-house role with real M&A exposure.
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Legal Counsel employer: Barker Morris Legal Search
Contact Detail:
Barker Morris Legal Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the automotive and legal sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet people who work in similar roles. This can help you gain insights into the company culture and potentially get a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in automotive law and corporate governance. Being knowledgeable about current issues can help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with commercial contracts and stakeholder management in detail. Think of specific examples where you've added value in previous roles, as this will showcase your ability to handle the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company's recent acquisitions and growth strategies. Understanding their business model and how the legal function supports it will allow you to tailor your discussions and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience, particularly in commercial contracts and governance. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to handle complex legal matters and your experience in fast-paced environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Highlight your 5+ years of PQE and how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Mention your experience in managing junior team members and engaging with senior stakeholders.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your previous roles, focus on achievements rather than just duties. For instance, mention any successful negotiations or significant contracts you’ve handled, and how they added value to your previous employers.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a legal role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Barker Morris Legal Search
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of commercial contracts, corporate governance, and M&A activities. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your expertise in these areas.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Since this role involves regular interaction with executive stakeholders, be ready to share instances where you've successfully influenced senior management or collaborated with cross-functional teams. Highlight your communication skills and ability to build relationships.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
As you'll be supervising paralegals, it's important to convey your leadership style and experience. Share examples of how you've managed teams or projects, and discuss how you approach mentoring junior team members.
✨Emphasise Your Adaptability
This position is in a fast-paced environment, so be prepared to discuss how you've thrived in similar situations. Talk about your ability to adapt to changing circumstances and how you prioritise tasks under pressure.
