At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise on commercial matters and negotiate agreements in a fast-paced tech environment.
- Company: Rapidly scaling UK tech business in defence and national security.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, remote work, and potential for contract extension.
- Other info: Work closely with senior leaders and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a cutting-edge team tackling modern defence challenges and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong commercial contracts experience and ability to operate autonomously.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Interim Commercial Counsel (Defence Technology) 6-12 month assignment | Full-time | Remote (occasional Cambridge travel)
We're working with a rapidly scaling UK technology business operating at the intersection of engineering, aerospace, defence and national security. Founded by an exceptional leadership team with backgrounds spanning academia, government and advanced technology, the business is developing cutting-edge products designed to address some of the most pressing challenges facing modern defence and security organisations. Having secured significant commercial traction and government interest, the company is entering a period of rapid growth and is seeking an experienced commercial lawyer to provide immediate support to the legal function while the team scales.
The Opportunity
You will work directly with senior stakeholders across the business, advising on a broad range of commercial matters in a fast-paced, highly innovative environment. The role would suit a lawyer who enjoys operating close to the business, is comfortable dealing with ambiguity, and can balance legal risk with commercial reality.
Areas of Responsibility
- Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a broad range of commercial agreements, including customer, supplier, manufacturing, collaboration and strategic partnership agreements
- Supporting the negotiation and management of government, defence and public sector contracts
- Advising on procurement processes, tender responses and contractual risk allocation
- Supporting commercial discussions with international customers, distributors and strategic partners
- Advising on intellectual property ownership, licensing and technology development arrangements
- Providing legal support on export control, sanctions, confidentiality and regulatory compliance matters
- Advising on supply chain, manufacturing and operational legal issues as the business scales production capability
- Supporting fundraising, investment and corporate growth initiatives where required
- Working closely with founders and senior leadership to identify legal risks and develop pragmatic, commercially focused solutions
- Acting as a trusted legal business partner across commercial, operational and strategic projects
About You
We're interested in speaking with lawyers who can demonstrate:
- Strong commercial contracts experience
- Previous in-house experience or significant client secondment exposure
- Ability to operate autonomously with limited supervision
- Pragmatic, solutions-focused approach
- Strong stakeholder management skills
- Experience within technology, aerospace, engineering, manufacturing, defence, government contracting or regulated industries is essential
Assignment Details
- Immediate requirement
- Full-time
- Remote working with occasional travel to Cambridge
- Initial contract expected to run for several months, with potential for extension
- Competitive day rate
Commercial Lawyer in Cambridge employer: JHB & Partners
Join a pioneering technology business at the forefront of defence and national security, where your expertise as a Commercial Lawyer will directly influence innovative solutions to critical challenges. With a dynamic work culture that values collaboration and creativity, you'll have the opportunity to engage with senior stakeholders and contribute to meaningful projects while enjoying the flexibility of remote work and occasional travel to Cambridge. The company is committed to employee growth, offering a supportive environment that encourages professional development and the chance to be part of a rapidly scaling organisation with significant government interest.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Lawyer in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the defence and technology sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential employers. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their products, challenges, and recent news. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable discussing your experience and how it relates to the role. We can’t stress enough how important it is to articulate your skills clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Lawyer in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your commercial contracts experience and any relevant in-house roles to show us you’re the right fit for this fast-paced environment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re interested in this role and how your background in technology, aerospace, or defence makes you a great candidate. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've successfully managed stakeholders in previous roles. We want to see that you can operate autonomously while still being a trusted partner to senior leadership.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at JHB & Partners
✨Know Your Commercial Contracts
Brush up on your knowledge of commercial contracts, especially those relevant to defence technology. Be ready to discuss specific agreements you've drafted or negotiated in the past, as this will show your expertise and confidence in handling complex legal matters.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the company’s position in the defence technology sector. Research their products and recent developments. This will help you speak intelligently about how your legal skills can support their growth and navigate the unique challenges they face.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle ambiguity and balance legal risks with commercial realities. Prepare examples from your previous experience where you successfully navigated tricky situations, demonstrating your pragmatic approach and stakeholder management skills.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Highlight your experience working closely with senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams. Discuss how you’ve acted as a trusted legal partner in the past, and be ready to explain how you would approach collaboration in this new role to support the business effectively.
