At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide top-notch legal advice and support on commercial contracts and compliance.
- Company: Join HS2 Ltd, a pioneering company shaping the UK's high-speed rail network.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible benefits, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to safety, integrity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with experience in contract law and procurement.
The predicted salary is between 54878 - 64562 £ per year.
Base salary: £54878 pa to £64562 pa depending on skills and experience. In addition, we offer a flexible benefits fund of 20% which is paid on top of the base salary and is fully pensionable, as well as a range of competitive benefits.
HS2 Ltd endeavours to ensure everyone working for us and with us feels included, thrives and achieves their full potential. In practice, this means we are positive and inclusive about making adjustments, providing flexible working, encouraging our staff networks to flourish and providing personal and professional development opportunities.
As the Legal Counsel you will deliver a full range of legal advice to HS2 and all its business Directorates which includes key internal stakeholders in order to optimise contractual outcomes for HS2 in relation to a variety of subjects (including supply chain, utilities, local authorities, etc) and support HS2’s compliance with legislation and regulations with respect to HS2’s programme of work.
About the role:
- Work with minimum supervision to provide high quality legal advice including drafting documents and providing advice to HS2 staff at all levels on all aspects of commercial/contracts law in connection with HS2.
- Main Lawyer and point contact for legal advice on General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018 including privacy policies.
- Responsible for running weekly legal surgeries for contract management and Corporate Procurement to provide legal advice.
- Point legal contact for all Phase 2a procurements including leading on the early works procurement.
- Preparing and delivering targeted training to internal staff to help them understand areas of law relating to legal issues as they arise.
- Drafting template precedents for the legal team including providing self-help tools/templates for internal HS2 staff.
- Assisting the legal function as and when required on legal research and also keep abreast of the law and providing legal updates.
- Advise on resolution of contractual claims and disputes, using external lawyers where appropriate.
- Manage the provision of external legal support including responsibility for managing and monitoring cost.
- Contributing to the preparation and drafting of reports and briefings for senior management.
- Liaise and provide advice to members of the senior leadership team on legal matters.
- Supervise trainees/junior lawyers and prioritise workload in order to meet strategic needs of the business.
- Actively promote and embed Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in all your work.
About you:
- Skills: Ability to produce and present communications and information in a variety of ways adapted for the relevant audience, interpersonal and influencing skills, legal drafting skills, problem-solving skills, planning and organisational skills.
- Knowledge: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with contracting or construction experience, preferably gained in both a “client” and a “contractor” environment.
- Type of experience: Experience of managing the provision of external legal advice, public sector procurement processes, commercial legal experience of UK based construction or infrastructure projects.
The post-holder is expected to behave at all times in a manner consistent with the HS2 values of Safety, Leadership, Integrity and Respect. It is expected that you will actively promote and embed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in all your work.
As HS2 Ltd do not hold a sponsorship license from the Home Office, we are not able to provide sponsorship to any applicant. Applicants must already have the Right to Work in the UK at the time of application.
Any offers made to applicants will be subject to satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks which include Nationality & Immigration Status, employment references, DBS, Financial and Education checks.
High Speed 2 (HS2 Ltd) will be the UK’s new high speed rail network. HS2 Ltd aims to be a leader in EDI practice by creating a safe & inclusive working environment for all our staff.
HS2 Ltd is also a safety-critical organisation. Employees are required to ensure reasonable care of their own and others’ health and safety by taking personal responsibility for working to our ‘Safe at Heart’ programme principles.
Legal Counsel - Commercial in Birmingham employer: HS2 (High Speed 2)
HS2 Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration are at the forefront of our projects. With a strong commitment to employee development and a focus on diversity and inclusion, we provide ample opportunities for growth while working on transformative infrastructure projects that shape the future. Located in a vibrant area, our team enjoys a supportive culture that values knowledge sharing and teamwork, making it a rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel - Commercial in Birmingham
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including HS2 (High Speed 2), will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel - Commercial in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at HS2 (High Speed 2), make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in HS2 (High Speed 2) and the specific role of Legal Counsel - Commercial. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for HS2 (High Speed 2)’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at HS2 (High Speed 2)
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at HS2 (High Speed 2).
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at HS2 (High Speed 2).
