At a Glance
- Tasks: Review and negotiate commercial contracts, advise on legal risks, and support project managers.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking global organisation with a diverse in-house legal team.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, car allowance, bonuses, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile projects while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: 7-8+ years PQE in construction law or strong commercial contracting experience.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression to Head of Department within 18 months.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Leeds (Hybrid | 2 days office-based)
Excellent career development | High-quality work | Flexible working options
Are you an experienced Construction Projects or Commercial Contracts Lawyer looking to make a strategic in-house move? Our client is seeking an additional lawyer to join its highly respected in-house contracts team. A key attribute of this role is the built-in career progression for you to move to Head of Department within 18 months.
This is a rare opportunity to step into a genuinely varied and influential role, working in a small, supportive team. If you are seeking a position offering autonomy, visibility with senior leadership, and guaranteed career progression, this could be the ideal next step.
The work is broad, high-quality and commercially engaging, offering exposure to multi-million-pound projects and a wide range of contractual frameworks.
Responsibilities
- Reviewing, drafting and negotiating commercial contract terms relating to the organisation's professional consultancy services, ensuring alignment with internal legal risk policies.
- Advising on a wide range of contracts, including bespoke agreements, industry-standard forms (such as NEC PSC), government frameworks and high-value commercial arrangements.
- Providing tender-stage legal input, enabling you to contribute to strategic decision-making and risk assessment.
- Supporting project managers on contract negotiations—particularly where terms are complex or commercially sensitive.
- Advising senior management on legal risk, compliance and operational impacts.
- Reviewing and advising on NDAs and liaising with insurers where required.
- Delivering legal training to project managers and other internal stakeholders.
- Contributing to the development of the team's solicitor apprentice through supervision and mentoring.
- Participating in the exploration of legal AI solutions to support business efficiency and innovation.
About You
- At least 7-8+ years' PQE in non-contentious construction law or strong in-house commercial contracting experience.
- Experience advising on professional appointments and consultancy services.
- Strong analytical skills and excellent attention to detail.
- A commercial mindset, with the ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly and pragmatically.
- Confidence in managing multiple projects, balancing competing priorities and working proactively within a small team.
- The ability to build strong relationships across the business, from project managers to senior leadership.
- Candidates from a commercial contracts background with a demonstrable interest in construction law are also encouraged to apply. An interest in legal AI is beneficial but not essential.
Location: Ideally you will live within commuting distance of Leeds and be able to attend the office a couple of times a week. Hybrid working is standard, and flexible working arrangements (including reduced or compressed hours) are available.
Why Apply?
- Join a forward-thinking, global organisation committed to innovation and professional excellence.
- Be part of a friendly, growing and diverse in-house legal team with direct access to senior decision-makers.
- Enjoy genuinely varied, interesting and high-impact work across major UK and international projects.
- A strong remuneration package including car allowance and bonus.
- Benefit from a culture that supports development, including clear progression opportunities.
- Enjoy enhanced flexibility, work-life balance and an inclusive working environment.
If you are a construction law or commercial contracts specialist seeking a rewarding in-house role with real career development potential, we would love to hear from you.
Senior Legal Counsel - Construction & Commercial in London employer: BCL Legal In-House
Contact Detail:
BCL Legal In-House Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel - Construction & Commercial in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend legal events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to former colleagues or classmates. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Senior Legal Counsel role.
✨Ace the Informational Interview
Set up informal chats with professionals already working in the field you’re targeting. This is your chance to ask questions, learn about their experiences, and get insider tips on landing a role like the one you want. Plus, it shows initiative and can help you stand out!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights on platforms like LinkedIn about construction law or commercial contracts. This not only demonstrates your knowledge but also helps you build your personal brand. It’s a great way to catch the eye of recruiters looking for someone with your expertise.
✨Apply Through Our Website
When you find a role that excites you, make sure to apply through our website! We’re all about making the application process smooth and straightforward, and we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Don’t miss out on that opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel - Construction & Commercial in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Senior Legal Counsel role. Highlight your experience in construction law and commercial contracts, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects you've worked on!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Talk about your passion for construction law, your strategic mindset, and how you can contribute to our team’s success.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical skills, be sure to include examples of how you've tackled complex legal issues in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to navigate the intricacies of commercial contracts effectively.
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 this exciting opportunity. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at BCL Legal In-House
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of construction law and commercial contracts. Familiarise yourself with key terms, frameworks like NEC PSC, and the types of agreements you'll be dealing with. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience in non-contentious construction law or commercial contracting. Think about complex negotiations you've handled or how you've advised on legal risks. This will demonstrate your capability and give the interviewers a clear picture of what you bring to the table.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves working closely with project managers and senior leadership, think about how you can showcase your relationship-building skills. Be ready to discuss how you've collaborated with different teams in the past and how you can contribute to a supportive team environment.
✨Embrace Innovation
With an interest in legal AI being beneficial, consider how technology can enhance legal processes. Be prepared to discuss any experiences you have with legal tech or your thoughts on how AI could improve efficiency in legal work. This shows you're forward-thinking and aligned with the company's innovative culture.
