At a Glance
- Tasks: Draft and negotiate commercial agreements while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Company: Dynamic life sciences company focused on innovation and technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and make a real impact in the life sciences sector.
- Why this job: Shape the future of legal practice using AI and technology in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with 2+ years of commercial contract experience.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
In the role of Legal Counsel, you’ll be a trusted business partner working across a broad and stimulating mix of commercial, licensing, technology, and research matters. From day one, you'll collaborate with sharp, driven colleagues across the business – translating complex legal issues into clear, actionable advice, and bringing collaborative instincts and confidence to engage effectively at all levels of the business.
As a qualified lawyer with solid commercial contracts experience - whether gained in private practice, an in-house role, or through a commercial secondment, you will play a pivotal role in advising on commercial contracts, licensing, and technology agreements across a fast-moving, purpose-driven business - managing legal risk and supporting contracting activity with pragmatism and precision. This is a role for someone who wants to play an active role in shaping how the legal function evolves, embracing AI-enabled legal tools and legal technology to drive smarter, faster ways of working and contributing to a culture of continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Draft, review, and negotiate a range of commercial agreements, including confidentiality agreements, material transfer agreements, master services agreements, statements of work, supply, procurement, customer, and supplier agreements.
- Support the legal team on licensing, collaboration, sponsored research, software, technology, and other more complex agreements relating to life sciences products, services, and technologies.
- Provide practical legal advice on contractual, commercial, regulatory, operational, and general legal matters, escalating more complex issues where appropriate.
- Work with business units, finance, operations, HR, external counsel, and other members of the legal team to support day-to-day legal and contracting needs.
- Develop an understanding of the company’s products, services, technologies, scientific priorities, and commercial objectives.
- Assist with legal projects, including template updates, contract playbooks, process improvements, intercompany matters, corporate support, and other business initiatives.
- Support the maintenance and improvement of contract templates, legal processes, contract lifecycle management systems, and document management practices.
- Use AI-enabled tools and legal technology responsibly to support contract review, legal research, workflow management, template management, and knowledge sharing.
- Help identify practical opportunities to use AI, automation, and legal technology to improve legal team efficiency, while maintaining appropriate standards of confidentiality, accuracy, governance, and human oversight.
Required Qualifications and Experience
- Qualified solicitor, barrister, or equivalent legal qualification.
- 2+ years PQE or equivalent transactional, commercial, or in-house legal experience.
- Experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial contracts.
- Good understanding of contract and commercial law, with an interest in intellectual property, licensing, technology, or life sciences-related matters.
- Ability to provide clear, practical, and commercially aware legal advice.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Ability to work independently on day-to-day matters, with appropriate guidance on new, complex, or higher-risk assignments.
- Attention to detail, discretion, and professionalism.
- Willingness to use AI-enabled tools, legal technology, contract lifecycle management systems, or document automation to improve legal and business processes.
Preferred Qualifications and Experience
- Knowledge of German law, experience working with German-based business teams, or German language skills.
- Experience in, or interest in, the life sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, diagnostics, healthcare, research tools, medical technology, or broader technology sector.
- Familiarity with intellectual property concepts, including patents, trade secrets, trademarks, and know-how.
- Experience working with international business teams or on multi-jurisdictional matters.
- Experience in an in-house legal team, public company, international group, matrixed organisation, or commercial secondment.
- Familiarity with contract lifecycle management systems, legal operations tools, document automation, or AI-enabled legal technology.
- Interest in responsible AI adoption within an in-house legal function.
Core Skills and Attributes
- Commercially focused, pragmatic, and solutions-oriented.
- Able to analyse issues of moderate complexity and propose practical next steps.
- Collaborative and able to build productive relationships with legal and non-legal colleagues.
- Organised, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple matters with changing priorities.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, international environment.
- High standards of confidentiality, integrity, and judgment.
- AI-friendly, technology-minded, and interested in science, technology, innovation, and the life sciences sector.
Legal Counsel in Cambridge employer: BioLegend, Inc.
As a Legal Counsel at our innovative company, you'll thrive in a dynamic work culture that values collaboration and continuous improvement. We offer a supportive environment where you can leverage cutting-edge AI-enabled legal tools to enhance your practice while working alongside passionate colleagues in the life sciences sector. With ample opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to employee well-being, this role is perfect for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in a purpose-driven organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel in Cambridge
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including BioLegend, Inc., will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at BioLegend, Inc., make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in BioLegend, Inc. and the specific role of Legal Counsel. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for BioLegend, Inc.’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at BioLegend, Inc.
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at BioLegend, Inc..
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at BioLegend, Inc..
