Senior Legal Counsel – Markets (UK and Europe) - Fixed Term - Maternity

Senior Legal Counsel – Markets (UK and Europe) - Fixed Term - Maternity

Temporary 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Dr. Martens plc

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide legal guidance and support for market leadership on various commercial matters.
  • Company: Join the iconic Dr. Martens brand with a rich heritage and vibrant culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous discounts, private healthcare, and 25 days annual leave.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values individuality and fosters collaboration.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of a global brand while making a real impact in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: UK-qualified solicitor with experience in commercial law and strong negotiation skills.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Dr. Martens is more than a brand - it’s a global icon with over 60 years of attitude, heritage, and cultural impact. We’re a thriving, values‑driven business powered by diverse thinkers, bold doers, and people who bring their whole selves to work. If you’re ready to make your mark, you’re in the right place. At DM, our values guide everything we do: Be Yourself, Act Courageously, Show You Care. They’re not just words - they’re how we turn passion into progress.

As our Senior Legal Counsel – Markets (UK and Europe), you’ll be part of the Legal team working closely with brilliant people across the business. You’ll be right at the heart of fast‑moving projects that shape how we show up for our consumers - today and tomorrow.

This role plays a pivotal part in driving our consumer centric strategy. Everything you do will help elevate the DM experience - whether you’re enabling teams, improving processes, influencing decision making, or crafting moments that matter for our consumers around the globe. You’ll help us push boundaries, raise the bar, and keep the spirit of DM alive in everything we deliver.

Core Accountabilities
  • Market legal partnering: Act as a trusted advisor to market leadership, providing timely guidance on regulatory, risk and commercial matters; draft and negotiate sales and vendor contracts across DTC, retail, e‑commerce, marketing and B2B operations.
  • Operational excellence & compliance: Support adoption of global legal frameworks, contract lifecycle processes and templates; manage external counsel; drive compliance through policy implementation, monitoring, training and continuous process improvement.
  • Employment & leadership: Partner with HR on employment law, investigations and disputes; role model values and support development of junior team members, fostering a collaborative, high‐performing culture.
Key Skills & Capabilities
  • Qualified & experienced: UK-qualified (or equivalent) solicitor PQE in commercial law, strong contract negotiation and compliance expertise; experience in retail, consumer law and property desirable.
  • Commercially astute & influential: Balances legal risk with business priorities, influences senior stakeholders, and communicates complex matters clearly and effectively.
  • High‑performing & values‑led: Organised, adaptable and resilient in fast‑paced environments; proactive, solutions‑focused and committed to continuous improvement, while role‑modelling values and fostering an inclusive, collaborative culture.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

  • Hybrid working
  • Welcome free pair of Docs
  • Share scheme
  • 65% off all Docs
  • 50% off Accessories
  • Pension Scheme through Aviva
  • Life Assurance
  • 25 Days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays
  • Private healthcare
  • 2 paid volunteer days per year

If you’re excited to own your impact, shape the future of an iconic brand, and grow your career in a place that champions individuality - we’d love to hear from you.

Application closing date Monday 29th of June 2026

At Dr. Martens, we are committed to creating an environment in which we can all be our best and bring our authentic selves to work. We encourage applications, regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, veteran status, or disability. Diverse and inclusive teams have a positive impact on our brand; helping us to speak authentically to our consumers. We strive to develop a business where our people can thrive and feel empowered to express themselves. Because we believe everyone should feel supported and included whatever their role in the Dr. Martens community.

Senior Legal Counsel – Markets (UK and Europe) - Fixed Term - Maternity employer: Dr. Martens plc

At Dr. Martens, we pride ourselves on being a values-driven employer that champions individuality and fosters a collaborative culture. As a Senior Legal Counsel in our vibrant UK and Europe team, you'll enjoy hybrid working, generous benefits including a share scheme and substantial discounts, and the opportunity to grow your career while making a meaningful impact on an iconic brand. Join us in a dynamic environment where your contributions are valued and celebrated.

Dr. Martens plc

Contact Details:

Dr. Martens plc Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel – Markets (UK and Europe) - Fixed Term - Maternity

Get Involved in Legal Networking Events

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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 Dr. Martens plc 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

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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel – Markets (UK and Europe) - Fixed Term - Maternity

Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Organizational Skills
Compassion
Flexibility
Teamwork
Adaptability

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 Dr. Martens plc and how you're motivated to contribute to their success during your limited time with them!

How to prepare for a job interview at Dr. Martens plc

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 Senior Legal Counsel – Markets (UK and Europe) - Fixed Term - Maternity role at Dr. Martens plc. 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 Dr. Martens plc.