Legal Counsel (6-month FTC) in London

Legal Counsel (6-month FTC) in London

London Temporary Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Advise on commercialisation of medicines and support legal operations in a dynamic environment.
  • Company: Leading global pharmaceutical organisation with a collaborative UK legal team.
  • Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and exposure to high-quality legal experience.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career growth and development in a highly regulated industry.
  • Why this job: Join a top-tier company and make a real impact in the pharmaceutical sector.
  • Qualifications: Junior commercial lawyer with strong contracting experience and interest in life sciences.

A leading global pharmaceutical organisation is seeking a Legal Counsel to join its UK legal team, on an initial 6-month contract, with the potential for extension. Based in London on a hybrid basis, the contract is full-time, though part-time working arrangements could be considered for the right candidate. Working within an established in-house legal function, you will advise on matters relating to the commercialisation of medicines in the UK while also supporting legal operations and process improvement initiatives. This is an excellent opportunity for a junior commercial lawyer to develop their experience within a complex, highly regulated life sciences environment.

Reporting into the Legal Director, you will provide pragmatic commercial legal advice and work closely with stakeholders across commercial operations, finance, procurement and other business functions. Your responsibilities will include:

  • Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a broad range of commercial agreements
  • Providing day-to-day commercial legal advice and supporting stakeholders in identifying and managing legal risk
  • Contributing to legal operations and process improvements, including reviewing and updating templates and guidance
  • Developing and delivering legal training materials and supporting improvements to ways of working across the business

You will be a junior commercial lawyer, likely 2-5 years' PQE as a guideline, with strong commercial contracting experience and an interest in developing your career within the pharmaceutical sector. You will demonstrate:

  • Strong experience drafting and negotiating a broad range of commercial agreements
  • Previous experience within a life sciences or related environment; pharmaceutical or biotechnology experience is highly desirable but not essential
  • Strong attention to detail with the ability to review processes, update guidance and contribute to legal operations improvements
  • A proactive approach, strong stakeholder skills and enthusiasm for developing your knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry
  • Experience within medical devices, healthcare/NHS, supply and logistics or another science-related sector would also be advantageous.
  • Legal operations and process improvement experience would be particularly beneficial.
  • Current SRA Practicing Certificate, although candidates with a current overseas practicing certificate and considerable UK experience may also be considered.

£480-£520 per day PAYE, dependent on experience. Hybrid working (3 days per week in the London office). Opportunity to gain high-quality commercial legal experience within a leading global pharmaceutical business. Broad exposure across commercial legal work, legal operations and process improvement.

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

Legal Counsel (6-month FTC) in London employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Careers

Hays Education is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for SEN SLD/PMLD teachers in the Hounslow/Hillingdon area. With access to exclusive vacancies, ongoing professional development, and a dedicated consultant to guide your career, you will find ample opportunities for growth while making a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with special educational needs. Join us to be part of a community that values inclusivity and fosters both personal and professional development.

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Contact Details:

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Careers Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel (6-month FTC) 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 Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Careers.

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 Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Careers 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 Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Careers.

We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel (6-month FTC) in London

Commercial Contracting
Drafting Agreements
Negotiating Agreements
Legal Risk Management
Legal Operations
Process Improvement
Stakeholder Management

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 Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Careers and how you're motivated to contribute to their success during your limited time with them!

How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Careers

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 Legal Counsel (6-month FTC) role at Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Careers. 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 Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Careers.