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- Tasks: Lead a team of legal professionals, manage contracts, and provide legal advice.
- Company: Join Hoare Lea, a human-centric engineering consultancy focused on sustainable solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical cover, stock options, electric vehicle scheme, and up to 30 days leave.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive culture that values individuality and professional growth.
- Qualifications: 5+ years as a commercial lawyer with team management experience required.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working and commitment to continuous improvement in a collaborative environment.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
Senior Legal Counsel / Head of Legal
Bristol/Hybrid
About us
Hoare Lea is a human-centric and planet-conscious engineering consultancy. We offer intelligent and sustainable solutions to complex design challenges for the built environment throughout the UK and further afield.
We provide a wide range of engineering and consultancy services, including acoustics, air quality, building services (Mechanical Electrical and Public Health), fire, lighting, security and sustainability to name but a few. Together, our highly skilled teams use technical expertise and problem-solving skills to bring buildings to life. We ensure that, whatever the building, its design is outstanding, and its operations meet the needs of the communities it serves.
We are as committed to providing an environment where everyone can realise their unique potential. So, in joining Hoare Lea, you will experience a business that enriches your knowledge, supports your wellbeing, and welcomes your individuality. We also offer an extensive benefits package, including private medical cover, electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, stock options, and up to 30 days of annual leave.
Whatever your ambitions or circumstances, our aim is to enable everyone to develop their knowledge, give their best, and enjoy what they do.
About the role
We have a brand-new opportunity for a lawyer to join our Governance team based in our Bristol office. You’ll lead the legal team, reporting to the Director of Governance and Legal, and working in a collaborative, knowledgeable, and highly engaged team, within a supportive, flexible, and high performing work culture.
In this key role, you can expect to:
• Lead a team of 6 legal professionals (solicitors, paralegals, trainees).
• Be responsible for providing a high-quality contract review and negotiation service to the firm.
• Review and negotiate contracts.
• Interact regularly with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring a communicative, collaborative and timely approach to delivery.
• Management and update the firm’s own terms and conditions and contract related policies and guidance.
• Mentor and support our ‘next gen’ legal professionals including apprentices and trainees.
• Provide ad hoc legal advice.
• Maintain the firm’s legal compliance register.
• Develop our AI contract review platform.
About you
To be successful in this role you’ll need:
• Proven experience working as a commercial lawyer (5yr+ PQE), with a track record of using pragmatic solutions to deliver robust contract terms.
• Demonstrable experience working with clients on supply of service agreements. Experience of consulting contracts would be welcome, particularly withing the construction industry, but not essential.
• Team management experience, including self-awareness, an open mind, and a spirit of generosity.
• Experience of supporting others to develop knowledge, skills, and confidence.
• Great communication skills and an enthusiasm for problem solving.
• A dedication to continuous improvement.
How to apply
To apply simply complete a CV profile and submit your application, or for further information please contact aureliacherradi@hoarelea.com
If shortlisted, one of our recruitment team will be in touch to arrange a introductory call (about 30 minutes) to discuss the role and your experience in more detail. From there, successful candidates will be invited to attend a panel interview, either via Microsoft Teams or in person at one of our offices.
Adjustments and accommodations
If there are adjustments or accommodations that we can put in place to help you participate and give your best at any stage of the recruitment process (whether relating to disability, neurodivergence or anything else) please let us know.
Data privacy
We have updated our terms and conditions for candidates, click here to find out more.
Recruitment agencies
We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners who assist us when required. We do not acknowledge speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on the list.
#LI-HYBRID
Senior Legal Counsel / Head of Legal employer: Hoare Lea
Contact Detail:
Hoare Lea Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel / Head of Legal
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Hoare Lea's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to sustainability and community will help you align your responses during interviews, showcasing how your legal expertise can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Hoare Lea on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations for the Senior Legal Counsel role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to lead a legal team and manage complex contract negotiations. Tailoring these examples to reflect the construction industry will make your application stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on recent legal developments in the construction sector and AI technologies related to contract review. This knowledge will not only enhance your discussions during interviews but also show your dedication to continuous improvement.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel / Head of Legal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in commercial law, particularly any work with service agreements or consulting contracts. Emphasise your team management skills and any mentoring experience to align with the role's requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for legal work and your commitment to continuous improvement. Mention specific examples of how you've used pragmatic solutions in contract negotiations and your approach to team leadership.
Highlight Communication Skills: In both your CV and cover letter, emphasise your communication skills. Provide examples of how you've effectively interacted with stakeholders and resolved complex issues, as this is crucial for the role.
Prepare for Interviews: If shortlisted, prepare for the introductory call and panel interview by reviewing common legal scenarios and your past experiences. Be ready to discuss how you would lead the legal team and support the development of junior professionals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hoare Lea
✨Understand the Company Culture
Before your interview, take some time to research Hoare Lea's values and culture. They emphasise a human-centric and planet-conscious approach, so be prepared to discuss how your own values align with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Legal Counsel, you'll be leading a team of legal professionals. Be ready to share examples of your team management experience, highlighting how you've supported others in their development and fostered a collaborative environment.
✨Prepare for Contract Discussions
Given the role's focus on contract review and negotiation, brush up on your knowledge of commercial contracts, particularly in the construction industry. Be prepared to discuss your approach to delivering robust contract terms and any relevant experiences.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Enthusiasm
Hoare Lea values great communication skills and a problem-solving mindset. Think of specific instances where you've tackled complex legal challenges and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
