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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic legal team, providing commercial legal advice and managing complex contracts.
- Company: Join a top-tier law firm with a commitment to excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diversity and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while mentoring junior lawyers.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with 9+ years of experience in commercial law and contract management.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Our high-performing Inhouse Commercial Legal Team is at the heart of delivering pragmatic, accurate, and commercially focused legal advice to the business. We are now seeking an exceptional Managing Lawyer to join this dynamic team and play a pivotal role in supporting our global operations.
Key Responsibilities and Deliverables
- Working alongside the Global Head of Commercial and other members of the Commercial Team, you will be responsible for providing pragmatic, accurate and commercial legal advice to both lawyers and non-lawyers across all the firm’s offices.
- Initiate and lead projects to their conclusion while delivering the best results for the firm.
- Proactively develop and manage positive working relationships with senior stakeholders across the firm.
- Demonstrate excellent drafting and negotiation skills while working across a broad range of contracts, including reviewing, advising on and negotiating contractual terms with our clients and advising on a broad range of procurement projects with our suppliers.
- Initiate and lead on the development and delivery of training to lawyers and non-lawyers across the firm.
- Provide guidance on commercial legal issues and risk mitigation in support of both lawyers and non-lawyers across the firm.
- Develop, maintain and contribute to the ongoing learning and development of the Commercial Team and the Legal Department.
- Set best practice standards and be a role model for more junior members of the Commercial Team and the Legal Department.
- Contribute to and support the risk mitigation strategies of the firm.
Experience Required
- A qualified lawyer (solicitor, barrister, or equivalent) with at least nine years’ experience from a leading law firm or multinational corporation.
- Proven ability to manage complex commercial and technology contracts (including AI) and procurement agreements.
- Strong knowledge of UK, European, and US regulatory frameworks, including data protection and compliance requirements.
- Experience supervising and mentoring junior team members.
- Exceptional drafting, negotiation, and communication skills, with a keen eye for detail.
- Experience of working in-house at a law firm or other professional services firm, preferred.
What Sets You Apart
- Professional credibility and the ability to build trust at all levels.
- Resilience and composure in a fast-paced environment.
- A proactive mindset—ready to take ownership and deliver first-class service.
- A passion for the law and a commitment to excellence.
About Our Legal Department
Our Legal Department comprises qualified lawyers and non-lawyers, dedicated to managing the firm’s risk exposure and advising partners on legal and compliance issues. We support effective management of regulatory, legal, operational, and information security risks to protect and enhance the firm’s long-term value. We achieve this through proactive risk management, training, awareness initiatives, and providing relevant intelligence and resources.
Our vision is to be recognised as a leading legal team among elite law firms—delivering excellent, commercial, and empathetic service while remaining agile, cost-effective, and responsive to evolving business needs and risks.
Inclusion
Freshfields is an equal opportunities employer and all applications received by the firm will be considered by the firm on the basis of their merit alone and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background. All offers of employment will be conditional on the candidate having/securing the right to work in the UK and providing the firm with evidence of that right (as required by the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006) prior to employment commencing.
Freshfields is a Ban the Box employer. We ask applicants to disclose criminal convictions only when a conditional job offer is made. A conviction does not automatically lead to withdrawal of the offer: we make decisions on a case by case basis and take a number of factors into account.
Managing Commercial Lawyer - In House Legal in London employer: Freshfields
Contact Detail:
Freshfields Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Commercial Lawyer - In House Legal in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field and let them know you're on the hunt for a Managing Commercial Lawyer role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your negotiation skills. Since this role involves a lot of contract work, be ready to discuss your approach to complex agreements and how you've successfully navigated challenges in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership abilities! Be prepared to talk about how you've mentored junior team members and contributed to their development. This will highlight your fit for a managing position within the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our firm.
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Commercial Lawyer - In House Legal in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in managing complex commercial contracts and your understanding of regulatory frameworks. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t hold back on demonstrating your exceptional drafting and negotiation skills. Include specific examples of projects where you’ve led negotiations or provided legal advice that made a real impact.
Highlight Your Team Spirit: Since we value collaboration, share experiences where you've built positive relationships with stakeholders or mentored junior team members. This shows us you’re not just a great lawyer, but also a fantastic team player!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Freshfields
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK, European, and US regulatory frameworks, especially around data protection and compliance. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the firm's needs, particularly in managing complex commercial and technology contracts.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves mentoring junior team members, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led projects or teams in the past. Highlight your ability to build positive relationships with stakeholders and how you've contributed to a collaborative work environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Drafting and Negotiation Prowess
Bring along examples of contracts you've drafted or negotiated. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will showcase your attention to detail and your exceptional communication skills, which are crucial for this role.
✨Emphasise Your Proactive Mindset
The firm is looking for someone who takes ownership and delivers first-class service. Prepare to talk about instances where you've taken initiative, whether it was leading a training session or developing a new process that improved efficiency. Show them you're not just reactive but also proactive in your approach.