At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal support to drive business growth and mitigate risk across UK and Europe.
- Company: Join the iconic Dr. Martens team with a focus on collaboration and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous discounts, private healthcare, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Embrace a culture that values diversity and empowers every team member.
- Why this job: Be a trusted advisor in a dynamic environment while shaping the future of a legendary brand.
- Qualifications: UK-qualified solicitor with experience in commercial law and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
As part of the Legal team, you will work closely with cross‑functional leaders across the UK and European markets to deliver high quality legal support that drives business growth and mitigates risk.
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.
Benefits
- 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
Application Closing Date: Monday 29th of June 2026
EEO Statement: At Dr. Martens, 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 in London employer: Dr. Martens
At Dr. Martens, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions a collaborative and high-performing culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our supportive environment, hybrid working options, and comprehensive benefits including private healthcare and generous leave policies. Join us in a role where you can influence market leadership while enjoying unique perks like discounts on our iconic products and opportunities for community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel – Markets (UK And Europe) - Fixed Term - Maternity in London
✨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 Dr. Martens.
✨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 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 Dr. Martens.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel – Markets (UK And Europe) - Fixed Term - Maternity in London
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 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
✨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. 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.
