Legal Counsel (Commercial Technology) 4+PQE | Bristol

Our client is a market-leading technology business with an established reputation for delivering innovative software solutions to a highly regulated sector. With an impressive client base, international reach, and continued investment in technology and growth, the organisation has built a strong reputation for excellence within its field. Due to ongoing success, the business is seeking an experienced commercial technology Legal Counsel to join its commercial team in Bristol. Reporting to the General Counsel, this is a highly visible role offering exposure to complex technology and commercial matters while working alongside senior executives and cross-functional teams across the organisation.

As Legal Counsel, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the business on a broad range of commercial and technology-related legal matters. Responsibilities will include:

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a wide variety of commercial agreements with customers, suppliers and strategic partners.
• Managing complex technology contracts, including software licensing agreements, master services agreements, cloud computing contracts, data processing agreements and non-disclosure agreements.
• Advising senior stakeholders on legal and commercial risks, providing pragmatic and commercially focused solutions.
• Supporting intellectual property, data protection and regulatory compliance matters.
• Assisting with the development and implementation of internal legal policies, procedures and governance frameworks.
• Working with external legal advisers where specialist advice is required.
• Monitoring legislative and regulatory developments and providing guidance on their impact to the business.
• Leading negotiations and managing contractual relationships to help drive commercial success while protecting the organisation's interests.

To be successful in this role, you will be a qualified solicitor in England & Wales (or an equivalent jurisdiction) with strong experience advising on complex commercial contracts. You will also demonstrate:

• 4 years+ PQE gained in-house and/or private practice.
• Significant experience negotiating and drafting complex commercial agreements within the technology, FinTech, software, outsourcing or business services sectors.
• Expertise in technology contracts, including software licensing and cloud-based services.
• The ability to work autonomously whilst managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced commercial environment.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the confidence to advise senior leadership teams.
• Excellent analytical skills and sound commercial judgement.

The following would be advantageous:

• Previous in-house legal experience within a technology-focused business.
• Experience negotiating contracts governed by US law.
• Knowledge of regulated financial services, pensions, or technology-enabled administration environments.

In return, you’ll join a forward-thinking and ambitious organisation that combines the agility of a growing business with the opportunity to work on sophisticated commercial and technology matters, including:

• Exposure to high-value and strategically important commercial projects.
• Regular interaction with senior leadership and decision-makers.
• A collaborative and entrepreneurial culture focused on innovation and growth.
• Flexible working arrangements and hybrid working opportunities.
• Comprehensive employee benefits package.
• Genuine opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• The chance to play a key role in supporting a business with an international client base and exciting growth plans.

If you’re a commercially focused solicitor looking for an opportunity to move into or further develop your in-house legal career within a dynamic technology business, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact Harriet Chapman at Hays Legal for further information on the role.