At a Glance
- Tasks: Support BRE's commercial activities by drafting and negotiating contracts and providing legal advice.
- Company: Join BRE, a leading innovation hub for the built environment with over a century of expertise.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, health cashback, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a supportive team environment and exposure to complex legal challenges.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable building practices while developing your legal skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified UK solicitor with experience in commercial contracts and a strong understanding of compliance.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
This role is a 12 Month Fixed‑Term Contract. Make your mark at BRE! BRE aims to be the world’s leading innovation, science and data hub for the built environment. For more than a century, we have provided government and industry with cutting‑edge research and testing. Join us to help deliver products, advice, services, standards and qualifications used around the globe to make buildings better for people and the environment. Through science‑led solutions to urgent challenges, we will build a thriving and sustainable world. Join BRE at a time of growth and transformation, where your legal expertise will directly support impactful work across research, certification and innovation.
This is a varied, hands‑on role where you’ll help the business move forward with confidence—balancing legal risk with commercial reality.
Your role at BRE:
- Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts, including service agreements, consultancy contracts, NDAs, licensing and framework agreements.
- Provide clear, practical legal advice on compliance and regulatory matters, including data protection and intellectual property.
- Support procurement and supply chain activities with pragmatic legal input.
- Advise internal stakeholders on legal risks and enable informed decision‑making.
- Contribute to governance activities, including policies, procedures and risk management frameworks.
- Help develop legal templates, tools and internal training to improve consistency and efficiency.
What We Are Looking For:
We’re looking for a commercially minded legal professional who can provide pragmatic advice in a fast‑paced environment.
You’ll Bring:
- Qualification as a UK solicitor with a current practising certificate.
- Experience drafting and negotiating a range of commercial contracts (in‑house or private practice).
- A strong understanding of contract and commercial law.
- Awareness of areas such as data protection, intellectual property and general compliance.
- The ability to balance legal risk with practical business outcomes.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
In This Role, You’ll Benefit From:
- A broad and varied legal remit across multiple business areas.
- The opportunity to influence real commercial decisions.
- A supportive and collaborative team environment.
- Exposure to complex and evolving legal challenges.
Location and Working Pattern:
This role is based in Watford, with a hybrid working arrangement requiring 1–3 days per month on site, or as needed.
Equal Opportunities Statement:
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.
Legal Counsel - 12 Month FTC in Watford employer: BREEAM Official
At BRE, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Legal Counsel, you will have the opportunity to influence significant commercial decisions while benefiting from a comprehensive range of perks, including a generous pension scheme, health cashback options, and access to professional development resources. Located in Watford, our hybrid working model ensures flexibility, allowing you to balance your professional and personal life effectively.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel - 12 Month FTC in Watford
✨Get Involved in Legal Networking Events
Jump into local or virtual legal networking events to meet industry pros and get your foot in the door! Use platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup to find gatherings, as these are great for making connections and hearing about temporary roles at firms like BREEAM Official.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a simple online portfolio to showcase your legal work, whether that's case briefs, research papers, or even blog posts on legal topics. This public display can really set you apart when looking for temp roles in law, especially if you can make it relevant to the work that BREEAM Official does!
✨Tap into Law School Resources
If you're near a law school, hit up their career services. They often have leads on temporary positions and can help connect you with alumni working at firms. Plus, they might host workshops or job fairs specific to the legal sector—great for scoring that temp position!
✨Stay Updated with Legal Job Boards
Regularly check specialised legal job boards like LawCareers.Net or TotallyLegal for temporary listings. Many firms post their openings directly there, and applying quickly can give you an edge over the competition when looking to join a prestigious firm like BREEAM Official.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Know-How:In the legal services world, it's all about demonstrating your understanding of relevant laws and regulations. Make sure your CV highlights your legal training, internships, or any relevant projects you've worked on. If you've done any mooting or legal research, include those too - they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Application for the Temp Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should stress your adaptability and readiness to jump in right away. Highlight any previous temp roles where you quickly got up to speed, or any diverse experiences that show you can handle a variety of cases or tasks with ease.
Keep it Specific with Your Documents:Make sure your application includes essential legal documents, such as any relevant certifications or memberships in legal bodies. These can add credibility to your CV and show that you're serious about the profession – especially useful in a competitive field like law!
Express Your Enthusiasm in the Cover Letter:Your cover letter is a golden opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Let them know why you’re excited about this temporary position with BREEAM Official and how you're motivated to contribute to their success during your limited time with them!
How to prepare for a job interview at BREEAM Official
✨Show Off Your Legal Know-How
Prepare to discuss your understanding of legal terminology and concepts that might come up during the interview for the Legal Counsel - 12 Month FTC role at BREEAM Official. Brush up on relevant laws or recent cases that could be pertinent to the temporary position, as they'll likely appreciate candidates who can think on their feet and adapt to the fast-paced legal environment.
✨Talk About Your Flexibility
Since this is a temporary role, employers want to know you can hit the ground running. Be ready to highlight past experiences where you've had to quickly adapt to new tasks or work cultures. Flexibility is key in a short-term position like this, so share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage changing priorities efficiently.
✨Prepare for the Casework Challenge
You might face hypothetical scenarios where you'd have to advise on a legal issue or case. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, as interviewers in the legal sector often expect candidates to walk them through their reasoning step-by-step. This will not only showcase your legal acumen but also demonstrate your communication skills, which are crucial in law.
✨Pitch Your Legal Portfolio
If you have any relevant work samples, such as briefs, contracts, or legal research, this is your chance to shine! Be ready to discuss what you did, what challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This speaks volumes more than just listing your skills; it shows you're proactive and results-oriented, which is essential for a temporary role at BREEAM Official.
