At a Glance
- Tasks: Draft and negotiate contracts, support acquisitions, and advise on strategic initiatives.
- Company: Fast-growing private-equity-backed group with a dynamic legal team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days' holiday, health support, and hybrid working.
- Why this job: Gain broad in-house experience and work closely with senior stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 1-3 years' PQE and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Real autonomy and clear growth opportunities in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you a junior commercial lawyer looking to move in-house (or already in-house and keen for more responsibility)? This is a rare opportunity to join a fast-growing, private-equity-backed group at an exciting stage of its journey and build a genuinely broad in-house skillset.
You’ll join a lean, high-impact legal team and work closely with an experienced General Counsel who is invested in your development. From day one, you’ll be trusted with real responsibility, supported to grow, and exposed to the full spectrum of in-house legal work.
The role
This is a hands-on, varied in-house position with exposure far beyond "BAU contracts". You’ll support multiple businesses across different sectors and work on matters that directly influence growth, strategy and risk. Your work will include:
- Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a wide range of commercial contracts (including supplier, customer, SaaS/technology and service agreements)
- Maintaining and developing contract templates, playbooks and databases
- Supporting acquisitions, including due diligence and post-deal integration
- Advising on new products, new markets and strategic initiatives (including AI-related projects)
- Working on data protection and privacy matters alongside specialist teams
- Supporting IP and brand protection across multiple jurisdictions
- Advising HR teams on employment matters, policies and contracts
- Managing disputes, risk issues and property-related legal work
- Delivering practical legal guidance and training to non-lawyers
You’ll gain real insight into how a modern, acquisitive business operates and play a role in shaping how the legal function scales.
Why this is a great role for a junior lawyer
- Breadth of exposure you won’t get in most early-career roles
- Direct access to the General Counsel and senior stakeholders
- A chance to develop commercially, not just technically
- Real autonomy, balanced with support and mentoring
- Clear scope to grow as the business grows
About you
- A qualified solicitor with 1-3 years' PQE
- Commercially curious and interested in how businesses work
- Practical, proactive and comfortable taking ownership of matters
- A strong communicator who can work with non-lawyers
- Organised and able to juggle multiple priorities
Nice to have (but not essential):
- In-house experience
- Commercial contracts exposure
- Experience in technology, SaaS or subscription-based businesses
Benefits
- 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays
- Your birthday off
- Enhanced leave for key life events
- Health and wellbeing support
- Hybrid working (typically 3-4 days in the office)
In-House Legal Counsel in England employer: BCL Legal In-House
Contact Detail:
BCL Legal In-House Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land In-House Legal Counsel in England
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the legal field! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Ace the Informal Chat
Before any formal interview, try to have an informal chat with someone from the company. This could be a current employee or even a recruiter. It’s a great way to get insider info and show your genuine interest in the role. Plus, it helps us understand the company culture better!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, don’t hold back on showcasing your skills. Bring examples of your work, discuss your experiences with commercial contracts, and highlight how you can add value to their team. We want to see your passion and expertise shine through!
✨Apply Through Our Website
If you’re keen on this role, make sure to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace In-House Legal Counsel in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight any relevant in-house experience or commercial contract work you've done, as this will show us you're a great fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're interested in joining our team at StudySmarter and how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a legal counsel, you'll need to communicate effectively with non-lawyers. In your application, demonstrate your ability to simplify complex legal concepts. This could be through examples of past experiences or even how you structure your written application.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re proactive and keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at BCL Legal In-House
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on commercial law basics and the specific areas mentioned in the job description, like SaaS agreements and data protection. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Show Your Curiosity
Demonstrate your commercial curiosity by asking insightful questions about the company's growth strategy and how the legal team supports it. This not only shows your interest but also helps you understand how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Be Ready for Real Scenarios
Prepare for situational questions where you might need to advise on a hypothetical contract or dispute. Think through your thought process and how you would approach these issues, as this will highlight your practical skills.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since you'll be working with non-lawyers, practice explaining complex legal concepts in simple terms. During the interview, focus on clear communication to demonstrate that you can bridge the gap between legal jargon and everyday language.