At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide strategic legal advice and drive innovation in legal services.
- Company: Join Cancer Research UK, a leading charity making a real impact.
- Benefits: Generous salary, flexible working, and extensive career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative legal team using tech to beat cancer.
- Qualifications: Experience as Senior Legal Counsel with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 88000 £ per year.
Reports to: Legal Lead
Directorate: Finance, Governance & Assurance
Grade: P3
Location: Office-based with high flexibility (2 days per week in the office)
Salary: £75,000 - £88,000 per annum
Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week)
Application Deadline: 9th August 2026: 23:59 hours
Visa sponsorship: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.
We’re Transforming Legal at Cancer Research UK. Join us to get hands-on and take ownership of building a modern, strategic, and technology-enabled team that partners closely with the organisation, using data, AI, and innovative ways of working to deliver user-centric legal services that maximise our impact in beating cancer for everyone. We’re looking for builders, pathfinders, and changemakers who:
- Can act as a strategic partner, embedding legal into strategy and decision-making across the charity
- Thrive in complexity and challenge the status quo, whilst delivering pragmatic timely legal strategies and solutions to enable our work
- Are bold in their approach to legal service delivery and design and curious about how to best deploy legal tech and gen AI and AI capabilities for legal work
- Care deeply about purpose and impact.
You will be doing more than just legal delivery; you will empower teams across the organisation, gaining broad exposure to the internal operations of the UK’s leading cancer charity, deliver real impact, and get involved in shaping the future of Legal at CRUK.
What will be some of the main responsibilities?
- Provide high-quality, pragmatic and commercially focused legal advice on complex and strategically important matters, acting as a trusted adviser and strategic business partner who enables and empowers stakeholders to achieve their objectives while effectively managing risk.
- Play an active role in shaping the future of Legal at CRUK, contributing ideas, energy and hands-on support to strategic initiatives, service redesign, operational improvements and the development of a modern, user-centric Legal function.
- Champion innovation and smarter ways of working, embracing legal technology, data, process improvement and generative AI to enhance legal service delivery, improve client experience and maximise team effectiveness.
- Act as a builder, problem-solver and changemaker, bringing a dynamic and adaptable mindset to help develop a legal service that is innovative, efficient, technology-enabled and aligned with CRUK's mission and ambitions.
- Bring deep expertise in relevant legal specialisms, acting as a recognised subject matter expert whilst helping to build capability, confidence and legal understanding across the organisation and the Legal team.
- Develop innovative, practical and risk-based solutions to complex challenges, combining excellent legal judgement with commercial awareness, curiosity and a focus on achieving positive outcomes for clients.
- Manage a diverse and complex portfolio of legal matters independently, maintaining high standards of legal excellence while operating with agility, pace and a strong client-service mindset.
- Act as a collaborative team player within the function, sharing expertise, coaching colleagues, providing technical guidance and contributing to a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
- Work closely with the Legal Lead to support the effective delivery of legal services, helping to identify risks, resourcing pressures, opportunities for improvement and new approaches that strengthen how Legal supports the organisation.
What skills are we looking for?
- Significant experience operating as a Senior Legal Counsel or equivalent within a fast-paced or complex legal services environment which could include private practice, commercial or charity experience.
- A dynamic and agile approach, with the confidence to navigate complexity, manage competing priorities and enable decision-making.
- Strong legal negotiation and advisory experience across a broad range of complex matters including a good understanding of commercial contracting.
- The ability to act as a trusted business partner, building strong stakeholder relationships and providing pragmatic, solutions-focused advice.
- Experience driving improvements in legal service delivery, processes, ways of working or legal operations.
- A genuine interest in innovation, legal technology and new approaches that enhance client experience and team effectiveness.
- A commitment to delivering an empowered, user-centric legal service that balances legal risk with organisational objectives.
What will I gain?
Each and every one of our employees contributes to our progress and is supporting our work to beat cancer. We think that’s impressive. In return, we make sure you are supported by a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools, policies and processes to enable you to do your job well. Our benefits package includes a substantial retirement plan, a generous and flexible leave allowance, discounts on anything from travel to technology, gym membership, and much more. We don’t forget people have lives outside of work too and so we actively encourage a flexible working culture. Our work – from funding cutting-edge research to developing public policy – will change the world. It’s exciting to be part of our team.
How do I apply?
We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won’t be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly and objectively. For more information on this career opportunity please visit our website or contact us at recruitment@cancer.org.uk.
Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented. We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen. Please contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk or 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible. Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.
Senior Legal Counsel in Stratford-upon-Avon employer: Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Stratford, London, where you can make a meaningful impact on health partnerships. With a strong emphasis on employee well-being, we provide flexible working arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package that supports a healthy work/life balance, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and development within the organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel in Stratford-upon-Avon
✨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 Cancer Research UK, 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 Senior Legal Counsel in Stratford-upon-Avon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Cancer Research UK, 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 Cancer Research UK and the specific role of Senior 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 Cancer Research UK’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK
✨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 Cancer Research UK.
✨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 Cancer Research UK.
