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- Tasks: Lead corporate transactions and negotiate key legal documents in a fast-paced retail environment.
- Company: International value fashion retailer with a dynamic operating model.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and exposure to senior stakeholders.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on major corporate transactions and transformation initiatives.
- Qualifications: 4-7 years PQE in corporate/M&A law with strong negotiation skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a collaborative and innovative team.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Our client is an international value fashion retailer, operating hundreds of stores across Europe and the US. The business runs a complex, fast paced operating model supported by significant technology, procurement and supply chain functions, with legal working closely alongside senior stakeholders on major corporate transactions, transformation programmes and change initiatives.
The team needs additional capacity to help with corporate transaction work they cannot fulfil within the existing team.
This is an interim M&A role where you will operate with a high degree of autonomy and exposure to key stakeholders across the business. Key elements of the role include:
- Leading and running due diligence processes on complex corporate transactions
- Drafting and negotiating SPAs, TSAs and ancillary corporate documentation
- Advising on complex corporate transactions and change programmes from inception through to completion
- Supporting governance, financial readiness and deal execution workstreams
- Working closely with senior colleagues across Legal, Finance, Technology and Procurement to drive matters forward at pace
You will be a strong corporate/M&A lawyer, ideally between 4–7 years’ PQE, experienced in handling complex transactions in fast moving environments. You will be comfortable operating autonomously, advising senior stakeholders, and applying a clear, pragmatic approach suited to a large retail business. UK or Ireland qualification is required, alongside the ability to work on site as needed.
Working Pattern: Full time
Start Date: End of April 2026
Duration: 12 months
IR35 status: Employed models only
Hybrid in Reading (near to the train station on the Elizabeth line) or Dublin
Corporate Legal Counsel in Reading employer: Lawyers On Demand
Contact Detail:
Lawyers On Demand Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Corporate Legal Counsel in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience in corporate transactions. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about opportunities that might not be advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent deals. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their business and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Corporate Legal Counsel, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to draft and negotiate complex agreements. Role-play with a friend or mentor to sharpen your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that dream role, and applying directly shows your enthusiasm for joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Corporate Legal Counsel in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Corporate Legal Counsel role. Highlight your M&A experience and any relevant corporate transactions you've handled, as this will show us you're a great fit for the 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 makes you the perfect candidate. Don’t forget to mention your ability to work autonomously and your experience advising senior stakeholders.
Showcase Your Legal Acumen: In your application, be sure to demonstrate your understanding of complex corporate transactions. Mention specific examples where you've led due diligence processes or negotiated key documentation, as this will resonate with us and our client's needs.
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 regarding the role. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lawyers On Demand
✨Know Your Corporate Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your corporate law knowledge, especially around M&A processes. Be ready to discuss recent transactions you've worked on and how you navigated complex legal issues. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Understand the Business Model
Get a good grasp of the retail sector and how it operates, particularly in a fast-paced environment. Familiarise yourself with the client’s business model and think about how legal considerations impact their operations. This will help you speak their language and demonstrate your interest in their specific challenges.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Since you'll be working closely with senior stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you can convey complex legal concepts in a straightforward manner. Role-play potential scenarios where you might need to advise or negotiate with these stakeholders.
✨Showcase Your Autonomy
Be prepared to discuss examples where you've successfully operated autonomously in previous roles. Highlight situations where you took the lead on projects or made significant decisions without much oversight. This will reassure them that you can handle the level of autonomy required in this role.