At a Glance
- Tasks: Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts while advising on legal requirements.
- Company: Join NEXT, a leading UK retail group with a dynamic legal team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, mentorship opportunities, and exposure to diverse brands.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant responsibility and career growth in a collaborative setting.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of legal innovation in a fast-paced retail environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified UK Solicitor with experience in commercial contracts and a desire to learn.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Qualified UK Solicitor authorised to practice law by the Law Society or the Bar Council of England & Wales; proven experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial contracts; ability to work at a fast pace, manage competing priorities, and thrive under pressure; desire to expand legal knowledge into IP, consumer law, and regulatory compliance; pragmatic, commercial mindset; strong collaboration skills; confidence using modern legal technology.
The In-house Commercial Lawyer position at NEXT is a prime example of a dynamic and strategically vital legal role inside a commercial organisation, shaping business decisions in real time. This isn't just another contract-drafting job-it's an opportunity to become a trusted advisor to one of the UK's most iconic retail groups.
Retail is undergoing a seismic transformation. From e-commerce dominance to omnichannel supply chains, the legal challenges are multiplying: intellectual property protections, data privacy, consumer law compliance, and increasingly complex commercial agreements. An in‑house lawyer at NEXT is integral to the company's ability to innovate, expand, and protect its reputation.
What You Will Actually Do: Responsibilities That Go Beyond Standard Contract Drafting
- Contract Lifecycle Management: Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts, including concession agreements, licensing agreements, SaaS contracts, purchasing terms, IP licences, and consultancy agreements.
- Advisory Work: Advise internal colleagues on commercial legal requirements, ensuring your guidance is practical, solution-focused, and easy to implement.
- Intellectual Property Expansion: Develop expertise in non‑contentious IP work, handling trademark portfolios, product clearance, and pre‑action dispute matters.
- Regulatory and Compliance Support: Provide advice on consumer law, competition law, pricing strategies, advertising claims, and product recalls.
- Mentoring and Leadership: Mentor legal assistants by reviewing standard contract templates, guiding trademark checks, and assisting with contract management.
Who Should Apply: Eligibility and the Ideal Candidate Profile
- Proven Commercial Contract Experience: Demonstrate hands‑on experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial contracts.
- Speed and Agility: Comfortable with ambiguity and able to manage multiple priorities without losing your cool.
- Curiosity Beyond the Core: A genuine desire to expand into IP, consumer law, and regulatory compliance.
- Pragmatic Commercial Mindset: Deliver solutions that enable business success.
- Tech‑Savviness: Comfort with modern legal tools, AI‑assisted review, and contract management software.
Why This Role Is a Career Accelerator for Commercial Lawyers
- Diverse Brand Exposure: Working across 10+ famous retail brands gives you a portfolio that few in-house roles can match.
- Skills Expansion: Structured mentorship from legal assistants to senior counsel means you're constantly learning.
- Legal Tech Leadership: Embracing modern legal technology positions you at the forefront of the legal industry's digital transformation.
- Mentoring Experience: Guiding legal assistants develops your leadership and management skills early.
How to Position Yourself as the Top Candidate: Application and Interview Strategy
- Tailor Your CV for Commercial Contracts: Use keywords from the job description.
- Showcase Your Business Acumen: Highlight moments where you helped a business achieve a goal while managing legal risk.
- Demonstrate Tech Adoption: Mention specific legal tech tools you've used.
- Prepare for Behavioural Questions: Practice answers that show resilience, collaboration, and pragmatism.
- Research NEXT Inside‑Out: Understand NEXT's brand portfolio and any legal challenges in retail.
- Leverage LinkedIn Networking: Connect with current or former members of NEXT's legal team.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is this role suitable for someone with only law firm experience? Yes, if you have strong commercial contract drafting and negotiation experience.
- Does the role require knowledge of all the brands listed? No, a good commercial lawyer doesn't need to know each brand's products deeply.
- What is the work culture like at NEXT's legal team? It's a small, close‑knit team operating at a fast pace with tight timescales.
- Will I need to relocate to Leicester immediately? The role is likely office‑based or hybrid.
For ambitious commercial lawyers, this in‑house role at NEXT is more than a job—it is a transformational career move.
In-house Commercial Lawyer at NEXT (via hackajob) in Leicester employer: hackajob (on behalf of Next Ltd)
NEXT is an exceptional employer for commercial lawyers, offering a dynamic work environment where legal professionals can thrive at the heart of one of the UK's leading retail groups. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, continuous learning, and exposure to a diverse portfolio of iconic brands, employees benefit from structured mentorship and opportunities to expand their expertise in areas like intellectual property and regulatory compliance. Located in Leicester, the role provides a lower cost of living while still being close to major business hubs, making it an attractive option for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
hackajob (on behalf of Next Ltd) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land In-house Commercial Lawyer at NEXT (via hackajob) in Leicester
✨Get Involved in Legal Communities
Join local legal societies or student law groups. These are a goldmine for networking and often host events where you can meet professionals from firms like hackajob (on behalf of Next Ltd). Plus, you might run into opportunities for mentorship or internships!
✨Showcase Your Skills at Events
Attend law fairs and workshops to meet potential employers face-to-face. Practise your pitch about why you're excited about joining the field and how you'd fit in at firms like hackajob (on behalf of Next Ltd). This can make you memorable!
✨Utilise Your University Resources
Tap into your university's career services, especially those that focus on law. They often have exclusive access to internships and entry-level positions that aren’t advertised widely. Don’t hesitate to ask for help!
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find openings that excite you, like roles at hackajob (on behalf of Next Ltd), apply directly through their website. This often shows your genuine interest and can speed up the process compared to generic application sites. Let's get you noticed!
We think you need these skills to ace In-house Commercial Lawyer at NEXT (via hackajob) in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for an entry-level role in legal law services, make sure to highlight any relevant coursework or certifications you've completed. Mention any specific areas of law you've studied or written about — this shows we're engaged with the field and can bring fresh ideas to hackajob (on behalf of Next Ltd).
Tailor Your CV for the Legal Sector:A legal CV should focus heavily on your academic achievements, including your grades if they're strong. Don't forget to list any internships, volunteer roles, or relevant extracurricular activities. This is our chance to showcase how eager we are to learn and contribute to hackajob (on behalf of Next Ltd)!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, it's important to convey not only your qualifications but also your passion for law. Tell a story about why you're excited about this field and what draws you to this specific role at hackajob (on behalf of Next Ltd). We're looking for personality as much as for qualifications!
Proof of Legal Skills:If you've done any legal writing, such as articles, blogs, or even school papers, consider including links or attachments to these works. It's a great way to demonstrate your writing and research skills, which are crucial in the legal world. We're all about showing, not just telling, at hackajob (on behalf of Next Ltd)!
How to prepare for a job interview at hackajob (on behalf of Next Ltd)
✨Brush Up on Legal Terminology
As we dive into legal law services, it’s key to be familiar with industry-specific jargon. Make sure to review terms like 'tort', 'contract', and 'statute'. This shows you’re not just sitting on the sidelines but are genuinely engaged with the field.
✨Highlight Your Research Skills
Legal roles heavily rely on research capabilities. During the interview, be ready to illustrate how you've utilised research methods in your studies or previous internships. It’s all about showing you can dig deep when it comes to case law or statutes!
✨Know Your Ethical Guidelines
Ethics are a huge part of the legal industry. Be prepared for questions about ethical dilemmas or professional responsibility. Familiarise yourself with codes of conduct relevant to the role so you can demonstrate your understanding during the chat with hackajob (on behalf of Next Ltd).
✨Emphasise Eagerness to Learn
Since this is an entry-level role, your motivation and learning potential should shine through. Share specific examples of what you hope to gain from this role at hackajob (on behalf of Next Ltd) and how you plan to grow in the legal field.
