At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide proactive legal support and negotiate contracts in a dynamic architectural environment.
- Company: Join BIG, a global leader in architecture with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse workplace, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact on innovative projects while working with a talented team.
- Qualifications: 4-6 years PQE in legal roles within architecture or construction.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and contribute to a culture of inclusion at BIG.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 50000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Legal Counsel role at BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group. BIG is a group of 750+ architects, engineers, urbanists, inventors, researchers and business minds from all over the world who are based in our Copenhagen, New York, London, Barcelona and Los Angeles offices. We are on the lookout for a highly experienced, talented, and motivated Senior Legal Counsel who will take responsibility for providing effective and proactive legal support to the Managing Director and Director of Business Development in the dynamic London studio.
You will be working within BIG’s Legal Department which currently has 8 members globally, supporting our offices in Copenhagen, New York, London, Barcelona, Los Angeles and Shanghai. You will work closely with your colleagues, sharing knowledge, experience, ideas and developing and aligning company standards and procedures.
Primary Areas of Responsibility- Contract review: Review and negotiate contracts (including architectural design agreements of all stages with clients, sub‑consultants, vendors etc.).
- Insurance: Support the management of UK professional indemnity and related insurances, including liaising with brokers and advising on contractual alignment with cover.
- Contract negotiation: Lead contract negotiations from instruction to signature, liaising with internal stakeholders and clients.
- Legal support: Act as the day‑to‑day legal contact for live projects, providing rapid, pragmatic advice.
- Department growth: Contribute to the development and optimisation of legal processes, templates and training materials.
- Risk: Critically review corporate risks and advise the business on solutions.
- Education: Create initiatives to educate stakeholders on key legal risks.
- Client relations: Support the Business Development and Project Controlling teams in building legal contacts.
- Corporate governance: Identify, develop and maintain standards and procedures to mitigate risks.
- Training & development: Participate in educating and creating internal awareness around basic legal risks.
- 4‑6 years PQE in a similar position within the architectural, construction, or engineering industry.
- Approachable team player with good interpersonal skills.
- Self‑confidence and good judgement, especially in ambiguous situations.
- Demonstrated ability to lead negotiations and track record in closing projects successfully.
- Extremely organised and able to handle multiple live projects effectively.
- Proactive, reliable, and trustworthy.
- Strong writing and legal drafting skills with excellent legal analytical and communication skills.
Please upload your CV and any relevant references. This is a full‑time position based out of BIG’s London office. Working together and collaborating in the same space is integral to our culture, so all our staff are expected to work from the office every day.
Diversity has been part of our DNA since BIG’s foundation. We value, celebrate and support diversity because it makes our team, work and the built environment better. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.
Legal Counsel employer: BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group
Contact Detail:
BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the architecture and legal fields. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues from BIG. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research BIG’s projects and their approach to legal challenges. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission and values. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since the role involves contract negotiations, consider role-playing scenarios with friends or mentors. This will help you feel more confident and articulate during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the BIG team. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Legal Counsel role. Highlight your relevant experience in contract negotiation and legal support, especially within the architectural or construction sectors. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since strong writing and legal drafting skills are key for this role, ensure your application is clear and concise. Use straightforward language to demonstrate your ability to distil complex legal terms into digestible information. This will give us a taste of your communication style!
Be Proactive in Your Application: Don’t just list your qualifications; show us your proactive approach! Include examples of how you've managed multiple projects or led negotiations successfully. We love candidates who think outside the box and take initiative.
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 you’re keen on joining our BIG team!
How to prepare for a job interview at BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
As a Legal Counsel, you'll be knee-deep in contract reviews and negotiations. Make sure you brush up on common architectural design agreements and understand the nuances of contract law relevant to the industry. Familiarise yourself with BIG's past projects and their contractual frameworks to show you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
BIG values collaboration, so it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to work well with diverse teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully navigated complex stakeholder relationships in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and how you've made legal concepts accessible to non-legal colleagues.
✨Be Ready for Fast-Paced Scenarios
The role demands quick thinking and decision-making. Prepare for situational questions that test your ability to manage multiple live projects under pressure. Think of instances where you've had to provide rapid legal advice or negotiate contracts swiftly, and be ready to discuss them.
✨Emphasise Your Proactive Approach
BIG is looking for someone who takes initiative. Share examples of how you've identified potential legal risks before they became issues and how you've contributed to optimising legal processes. This will show that you're not just reactive but also forward-thinking and solution-oriented.