In-House Counsel

In-House Counsel

Scotland Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Shape legal processes and advise on contracts in a dynamic business environment.
  • Company: Join a well-regarded company making an impact across various sectors.
  • Benefits: Enjoy an excellent package, benefits, and the chance to work closely with senior leadership.
  • Why this job: Be the first in-house counsel, influencing governance and legal strategy from the ground up.
  • Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with Scots Law and commercial contract experience; in-house experience preferred.
  • Other info: Iconic Resourcing values inclusivity and welcomes diverse applicants.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Scotland / North of England

Full Time, Permanent

Excellent package & benefits

Are you a commercially astute solicitor looking for a stand-alone in-house Legal Counsel role with real influence across the business? Our client, an established and well-regarded business is seeking a Legal Counsel to join their senior team. As the first in-house legal appointment, this is a rare opportunity to shape and embed legal and governance processes from the ground up, working closely with the Commercial Director and senior leadership.

You’ll act as the go-to legal expert, advising across a range of contractual and strategic matters at both pre- and post-contract stages. From reviewing tender documentation to managing external legal relationships, this role offers a wide remit and exposure across the full project lifecycle — supporting complex contracts within sectors such as healthcare, education, commercial and residential.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Leading legal input during pre-contract stages and across key governance gates
  • Reviewing and negotiating main and subcontracts, ensuring balanced risk profiles
  • Providing guidance on claims, adjudications and dispute resolution where required
  • Supporting governance, compliance and risk frameworks across the business
  • Delivering training and legal insights to the wider commercial and operational teams
  • Advising the Board and senior stakeholders on legal and industry developments

About You:

We’re looking for a qualified solicitor (Scots Law essential along with a co-qualification in English Law) with strong experience in commercial contracts. Please note: While we welcome interest from all qualified candidates, at this stage we are particularly keen to hear from individuals with existing in-house legal experience. This role requires someone who can confidently navigate commercial decision-making within a business environment from day one.

Key strengths will include:

  • Significant non-contentious experience (contentious exposure is a plus)
  • Strong contract negotiation and drafting skills
  • A pragmatic, commercial approach to legal risk
  • Experience working in or with in-house legal teams
  • The confidence to work autonomously and influence senior stakeholders

To apply for this role, please send your CV or contact Emma Pringle at Iconic Resourcing for a confidential chat and further details. At Iconic Resourcing, we understand that not all candidates will meet every single desired qualification or skill for the job positions posted on behalf of our clients. However, if you believe that you can add value to the role despite your experience looking a little different from what we’ve identified, we would be thrilled to learn more about you.

Iconic Resourcing is committed to partnering with clients who share our values of inclusivity and diversity. We work with many businesses that recognise the importance of creating a welcoming and respectful workplace for all employees. As an equal opportunities employer, we treat all applications fairly and equally. We act as both an employment business and an employment agency and are happy to accommodate any reasonable adjustments required.

To view all of our Iconic Jobs across Scotland, please visit our website.

In-House Counsel employer: Iconic Resourcing

Join a well-regarded business in Scotland or the North of England as their first In-House Legal Counsel, where you will have the unique opportunity to shape legal processes and governance from the ground up. With an excellent package and benefits, this role offers a collaborative work culture that values inclusivity and diversity, alongside significant opportunities for professional growth and influence within the senior leadership team. Experience a rewarding career in a supportive environment that encourages autonomy and strategic decision-making.
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Contact Detail:

Iconic Resourcing Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land In-House Counsel

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific legal frameworks and regulations relevant to the sectors mentioned in the job description, such as healthcare and education. This knowledge will not only help you stand out but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the business's needs.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals who are currently working in-house or have experience in similar roles. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the role and may even lead to referrals, increasing your chances of landing the job.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in contract negotiation and drafting during any interviews. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your ability to manage legal risks and influence senior stakeholders effectively.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your commercial acumen by staying updated on industry trends and legal developments. Being able to discuss these topics during your interview will demonstrate your proactive approach and readiness to contribute to the business from day one.

We think you need these skills to ace In-House Counsel

Qualified Solicitor (Scots Law and English Law)
Commercial Contract Expertise
Contract Negotiation Skills
Contract Drafting Skills
Non-Contentious Legal Experience
Pragmatic Approach to Legal Risk
Experience with In-House Legal Teams
Autonomous Working Ability
Stakeholder Influence
Governance and Compliance Knowledge
Dispute Resolution Skills
Training and Development Skills
Strong Communication Skills
Understanding of Industry Developments

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in commercial contracts and any in-house legal roles you've held. Emphasise your skills in contract negotiation and drafting, as well as your understanding of Scots Law and English Law.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your commercial acumen and ability to influence senior stakeholders. Mention specific examples of how you've navigated legal challenges in a business environment and your approach to risk management.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, focus on your non-contentious experience and any exposure to contentious matters. Discuss your familiarity with governance, compliance, and risk frameworks, as these are key aspects of the role.

Showcase Your Autonomy: Demonstrate your ability to work independently by providing examples of past situations where you successfully managed legal matters without direct supervision. This will show your potential employer that you can hit the ground running.

How to prepare for a job interview at Iconic Resourcing

✨Understand the Business

Before your interview, take the time to research the company thoroughly. Understand their business model, key sectors they operate in, and any recent news or developments. This will help you demonstrate your commercial awareness and how you can add value as their in-house counsel.

✨Showcase Your Legal Expertise

Be prepared to discuss your experience with commercial contracts in detail. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully negotiated contracts or resolved disputes. This will illustrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role effectively.

✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management Skills

Since this role involves influencing senior stakeholders, be ready to share examples of how you've navigated complex decision-making processes in previous roles. Discuss how you’ve built relationships and communicated legal insights to non-legal teams.

✨Prepare Questions

Have a list of insightful questions ready to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the company's legal challenges, their approach to governance, or how they envision the role evolving. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.

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