Legal Counsel - 12 Month FTC in Watford

BRE contributes to a thriving and sustainable world by developing science-led solutions to built environment challenges. Our vision is to be the world-leading innovation, science, and data hub for the built environment. We’re ambitious in terms of quality and global scope. We want governments and commercial markets to recognise us and demand our services, products and solutions.

This role is responsible for providing practical legal guidance and support across BRE’s Research & Innovation division, ensuring contracts, compliance, and governance processes are robust, efficient and aligned with business needs.

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts, including consultancy agreements, service contracts, NDAs, licensing, and framework agreements.
• Advise internal stakeholders on legal and regulatory compliance matters, balancing legal risk with commercial outcomes.
• Contribute to corporate governance activities, including policies, procedures, and risk management.
• Maintain and develop legal templates, precedents, and team know-how resources.
• Provide training and guidance to colleagues on legal and compliance issues.
• Collaborate with the wider Legal & Governance team to ensure consistency and alignment across business units.

• Strong understanding of compliance, data protection, intellectual property, and regulatory requirements relevant to commercial operations.
• Ability to provide practical, risk-based legal advice that balances legal considerations with commercial objectives.
• Experience supporting procurement, supply chain, and corporate governance activities.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams, prioritise effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative approach, able to work constructively within a legal team and across business units.
• Qualified Solicitor with a current practicing certificate, as well as solid experience in commercial and contract law, including drafting, reviewing, and negotiating agreements such as NDAs, service contracts, consultancy contracts, and licensing arrangements.

At BRE, we offer a competitive salary, reviewed annually, along with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your financial security, well-being, and career development.

• Pension scheme – 5% employer-matched contribution.
• Life assurance – 4x your basic salary.
• Enhanced maternity package.

• HealthPartners cashback scheme – Reclaim costs on prescriptions, physiotherapy, dental care, and more.
• Onsite facilities – Restaurant, nursery, and free parking, including at-cost EV charging points.

• Learning & development – Free access to BRE Academy and our online learning platform.
• Professional membership reimbursement.

Work Location Options: Mostly Remote – This role is primarily home-based, with occasional travel to our head office in Watford for planned meetings (2-4 times per month).

BRE is an equal opportunities employer. We assess all qualified applicants based on merit and do not discriminate on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristics.