At a Glance
- Tasks: Draft and negotiate corporate agreements while providing legal advice to support impactful research.
- Company: Join the Francis Crick Institute, Europe's largest biomedical research hub.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, health support, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful difference in human health through your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Solicitor or barrister with corporate experience and strong interpersonal skills.
The predicted salary is between 81000 - 99000 £ per year.
Salary for this Role: Circa £100,000 (Pro rata) with benefits, subject to skills and experience.
Reports to: Jennifer Bowers
Closing Date: 28/Sept/2026 23.59 GMT
Contract term: This is a part-time, permanent position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.
About us
The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions. The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture.
About the role
Looking for a senior legal role that combines complex corporate and commercial work with meaningful impact? Join the Francis Crick Institute as Senior Legal Counsel and bring your expertise to an organisation helping to transform our understanding of human health.
You will join a friendly, collegiate and purpose-driven Legal & Governance team, taking on varied and intellectually stimulating work with a strong corporate and commercial focus, including M&A, investments, strategic transactions and complex agreements.
This is a part-time role that offers a high impact opportunity with reduced hours and could suit someone looking for greater flexibility, returning to work, or interested in bringing their corporate and commercial experience to a purpose-led life sciences organisation. We envisage the role being worked over four days a week, including Friday, but we are open to considering fewer hours and other flexible working patterns that suit your individual circumstances while meeting the needs of the role.
We are keen to hear from a diverse range of applicants and professional backgrounds, so if the opportunity interests you and you meet the essential requirements, we encourage you to apply.
What you will be doing
- Drafting, negotiating and advising on a broad range of corporate and commercial matters, including corporate agreements (including shareholder agreements and investment documentation), partnership arrangements, complex commercial contracts and strategic transactions.
- Providing pragmatic, commercially focused legal advice to teams across the Crick.
- Building trusted relationships with stakeholders across science and operations.
- Sharing your corporate and commercial expertise to develop capability across the Legal & Governance team.
- Supporting improvements to legal processes, ways of working and technology.
- Mentoring colleagues and contributing to a positive team culture.
About you
Technical expertise is important, but how you work is equally important to us. You will be collegiate, curious and collaborative, with a genuine interest in the organisation you are supporting and the people you work alongside. You will enjoy sharing your expertise rather than working in a silo, be comfortable navigating unfamiliar territory and be motivated by the opportunity to use your legal skills in an organisation with a clear social purpose.
You will have:
- A solicitor or barrister admitted in England & Wales (or other common law jurisdiction) with a current practicing certificate, and with significant post qualification experience (or equivalent).
- Corporate and transactional experience, ideally in a fast paced industry and/or start up environment with hands on experience in managing shareholder and investment documentation, fundraising and intellectual property matters.
- General commercial contracting experience, ideally in a science or technology sector, and a sound understanding of the legal and regulatory context in which the Crick operates as a charitable company and biomedical research institute.
- Experience of designing, using or developing ways of working and alternative and/or technology supported legal service models.
- Strong interpersonal skills and influencing skills (eg tact, integrity, confidentiality and patience) with highly developed emotional and political intelligence.
- A positive self-starter and team player.
- Excellent communication skills and an engaging delivery.
- Highly organised with strong planning skills and the ability to prioritise competing demands and tight deadlines.
- Experience of supporting and developing junior colleagues.
- A commitment to the Crick’s vision and core values.
Desirable:
- Experience working both in-house and in private practice.
- Experience of charity law and/or working within the charity sector.
- Experience of life sciences, research or higher education sectors.
- Experience of risk management tools and approach.
- Previous people management experience.
About Working at the Crick
Our values: Everyone who works at the Crick has a valuable role to play in advancing the Crick’s mission and shaping our culture! We are bold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We’re not afraid to do things differently. We are open. We’re highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world. We are collegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community.
At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances.
What will you receive?
- Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays (pro rata for part-time employees).
- Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%.
- Health & Well-being: 24/7 GP consultation services. Occupational health services and mental health support programs.
- Work-Life Balance: Back-up care for dependents. Childcare support allowance. Annual leave purchase options.
- Perks: Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts.
Please note you must meet the essential criteria listed within the Role Profile, to have your application reviewed. We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any given time due to the number of applications received.
Senior Legal Counsel in London employer: Francis Crick Institute
The Francis Crick Institute is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment that fosters innovation and creativity in biomedical research. With generous benefits such as 28 days of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and comprehensive health and well-being support, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. The institute's commitment to diversity and inclusion, along with opportunities for growth and development, makes it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of science.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel in London
✨Leverage Your Local Law Community
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✨Showcase Your Skills with Mock Trials
Participate in mock trial competitions or legal clinics while studying. This not only sharpens your skills but also gives you practical experiences to talk about in interviews—perfect for a part-time role in law!
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✨Apply Directly on Our Website
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Law Experience:When applying for this part-time role, make sure to focus on any legal internships, placements, or volunteer work you've done. Even if it’s just shadowing a lawyer, let us know how these experiences shaped your understanding of law and legal services. Every bit counts and shows your commitment to the field!
Use Clear Legal Terminology:Since you’re applying for a position in law services, it’s important to use appropriate legal terminology in your CV and cover letter. This will not only demonstrate your knowledge but also show us that you’re comfortable with the language of the profession. Avoid jargon overload, though; clarity is key!
Show Your Availability:As this is a part-time position, don’t forget to clearly state your availability in your application. Let us know what days and hours you’re free to work, and make it easy for us to see how you’d fit into our team. The more specific, the better!
Tailor Your Cover Letter Just For Us:Your cover letter is a chance to shine! Make it personal and tailored specifically to our role at Francis Crick Institute. Talk about why you’re interested in legal services and how your experiences align with what we do. A sprinkle of passion goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Francis Crick Institute
✨Show Off Your Legal Knowledge
Brush up on key legal concepts and current events in the legal realm that may affect your role. Be ready to discuss any relevant case studies or examples, as this demonstrates your engagement with the law beyond just theoretical knowledge.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions where you might be assessed on how you'd handle specific legal situations. Think about practical examples from your studies or previous experiences that highlight your problem-solving skills and ethical considerations.
✨Balance Your Expertise with Flexibility
As this is a part-time role, be prepared to discuss your time management skills and how you can juggle work with your studies or other commitments. Employers will want to see how you can contribute effectively while maintaining a flexible schedule.
✨Highlight Your Commitment to Continuous Learning
Conveying your dedication to ongoing education in the legal field gives a strong impression. Mention any additional courses, certifications, or workshops you've pursued that enhance your legal expertise, showing your motivation for growth in your career.
