Legal Counsel

Legal Counsel

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
MAG (Airports Group)

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide legal advice, draft contracts, and support compliance for a global online business.
  • Company: Join MAG, the largest UK-owned airport operator, serving millions of passengers annually.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, generous holiday, and unique company discounts.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to sustainability and community engagement.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on travel experiences while growing your legal career in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 2-4 years' experience in commercial law and strong communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

Working within the MAG Legal Team supporting CAVU, our global online business based at Manchester Airport. Full time, permanent role. Competitive salary plus benefits. Hybrid role (3 office days, required to be Mon and Thurs, plus one other day).

About MAG: At MAG we provide the airport facilities and travel services that people need to connect with the world. As the largest UK owned airport operator, we serve over 60 million passengers a year from Manchester, London Stansted, and East Midlands Airports. With over 270 destinations across the globe, our businesses not only bring people together but also support the prosperity of the regions in which we operate. Sustainability is one of our core values, and it shapes everything we do. We're committed to protecting the environment and supporting our local communities.

At MAG, we recognise creating a first‑class journey for our customers starts by creating a first‑class career journey for our colleagues and we are committed to building inclusive environments in which our people can thrive.

You’ll also have access to some great benefits including:

  • Bonus scheme
  • Flexible and generous company pension plan with various company contribution options (up to 10%) that you can change to suit your personal needs
  • 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
  • Free parking
  • Subsidised public transport
  • Huge range of company discounts
  • 2 volunteering days per year
  • Free VirtualGP service, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • Care Concierge service

About The Role: This role will be working primarily within the CAVU team. CAVU is our global online business. CAVU’s purpose is to find new and better ways to make airport travel seamless and enjoyable for everybody. From the smallest ideas to the biggest changes. Every day is about creating better travel experiences.

As Legal Counsel, you will support and help the business deliver its commercial objectives by providing practical, risk‑based legal advice, drafting and negotiating contracts, supporting legal and regulatory compliance, and embedding effective legal support into day‑to‑day business decision‑making. The role involves working closely with the Legal team and the wider business to provide commercially focussed legal advice.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide commercial legal advice: Provide accurate, timely and commercially focused legal advice to CAVU and Airports stakeholders
  • Draft, review and negotiate contracts: Manage commercial agreements spanning across Technology, Service Agreements, NDA’s, Data, Software Licences and more.
  • Support CAVU Experiences, Connect and Commerce: Provide legal support across CAVU’s Experiences, Connect and Commerce businesses.
  • Support the Airports team: Support the Airports Legal team on commercial contracts and wider legal issues for the Airports division.
  • Support Group team: Support the corporate functions within MAG with company secretarial and other corporate matters.
  • Build stakeholder relationships: Build effective working relationships with colleagues across CAVU, Airports, MAG Legal and wider business teams, providing advice that is clear, practical and aligned to stakeholder needs.
  • Support legal operations and continuous improvement: Contribute to the development of legal templates, guidance, training, playbooks, process improvements and management information, helping the Legal team deliver efficient, consistent and value‑added legal services.

What Will Make You Successful:

The successful candidate will be a qualified solicitor with a current practising certificate and 2–4 years’ post‑qualification experience. Bringing strong expertise in drafting, reviewing, negotiating and advising on a wide range of commercial contracts, the successful candidate will have excellent commercial awareness, be confident in providing practical, risk‑based legal advice and managing a varied caseload, progressing matters proactively while working effectively with appropriate supervision. They will possess strong legal drafting, research, analytical and written communication skills, alongside sound judgement and a proactive approach to problem‑solving, recognising when issues require escalation.

Success in this role will also require the ability to build strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, prioritise competing demands and deliver high‑quality work in a fast‑paced environment. A keen eye for detail, strong IT skills (including experience using AI to support working processes) and a commitment to improving legal processes and ways of working are essential. Experience advising on technology, software, e‑commerce, digital products, intellectual property, competition law or data protection matters, as well as experience working with procurement, commercial, product or technology teams, or within regulated sectors such as aviation, travel, hospitality, infrastructure or digital marketplaces, would be advantageous but is not essential.

Equal Opportunities & Reasonable Adjustments:

We’re building something brilliant at MAG: a diverse team of Journey Makers who share our values and want to make a difference. We’re on a mission to be number one in our industry, and that takes talent in all its forms. With so many exciting roles across our airports and businesses, there’s space for your unique strengths to shine.

Whether this is your first role or your next big step, we want to hear from you – even if you don’t think you tick every box. What matters most is what you bring.

We’re proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you need any adjustments to support your application or interview, just let us know. We’re committed to helping you perform at your best.

At MAG, every journey matters. Our Colleague Communities play a big part in that: Women’s Network, Embrace (Race & Ethnicity), Fly with Pride (LGBTQIA+), Mind Matters (Mental Health), PACT (Parents & Carers), RespectABILITY (Disability & Neurodiversity), and the CAVU Global ID&E Affinity Group.

Legal Counsel employer: MAG (Airports Group)

MAG (Airports Group) is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises customer service excellence and employee growth. Located at Manchester Airport, our team enjoys unique benefits such as free on-site parking, generous employee discounts, and ample opportunities for career development in the dynamic hospitality sector. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values flexibility and fosters a rewarding work environment.

MAG (Airports Group)

Contact Details:

MAG (Airports Group) Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel

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 MAG (Airports Group), 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

Legal Drafting
Contract Negotiation
Commercial Awareness
Risk-Based Legal Advice
Stakeholder Relationship Management
Analytical Skills
Written Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at MAG (Airports Group), 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 MAG (Airports Group) and the specific role of Legal Counsel. 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 MAG (Airports Group)’s culture!

How to prepare for a job interview at MAG (Airports Group)

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 MAG (Airports Group).

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 MAG (Airports Group).