At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide top-notch legal advice and support on commercial contracts for HS2.
- Company: Join HS2 Ltd, a leader in infrastructure with a commitment to inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible benefits fund, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of your work.
- 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 major projects.
The predicted salary is between 50119 - 58963 £ per year.
Base salary: £50119 pa to £58963 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. 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:
- Assisting with the provision of high-quality legal support including drafting documents and providing advice to staff at all levels on all aspects of commercial/contracts law in connection with HS2 LTD.
- Assisting with the provision of statutory advice as required.
- Assisting with advice on resolution of contractual claims and disputes.
- When required, manage the provision of external legal support including responsibility for managing and monitoring cost, assisting with the setting of budget and timescales and managing quality.
- Contributing to the preparation and drafting of reports and briefings for senior management to support the decision-making process.
- Actively promote and embed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in all your work and support and comply with all organisational initiatives, policies and procedures on EDI.
About you:
Skills:
- Ability to produce and present complex documents and reports to a variety of audiences.
- Ability to prepare complex legal drafting without supervision.
- Ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of the organisation and externally.
- Problem-solving skills, including working without established precedent or procedure.
- Ability to balance and prioritise numerous tasks while maintaining attention to detail.
- Advanced planning and organisational skills.
- Flexible approach with experience of working within a multidisciplinary team on a wide range of commercial legal issues.
Knowledge:
- Qualified solicitor or Barrister with contracting or construction experience.
- Specialised in contract law and/or procurement law, preferably with a focus on Major Projects.
Type of experience:
- Experience of managing the provision of external legal advice within defined budgets/scopes.
- Experience of public sector procurement processes.
- Recent and relevant commercial legal experience of UK based construction or infrastructure projects.
- Experience of serving as the main point of contact to clients.
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 and support and comply with all organisational initiatives, policies and procedures on EDI.
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.
We ask for a variety of detail in your online application; however, we perform the first assessment of suitability for a role based solely on the information in your CV. In a further development of our efforts to create a more diverse workforce, your CV will be anonymised and personal information will be removed during the first stage of the application review.
Any applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel (Commercial) in London
✨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, 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 London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at HS2, 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 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’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at HS2
✨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.
✨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.
