At a Glance
- Tasks: Support legal needs in a dynamic environment, negotiate contracts, and manage risks.
- Company: Join a leading company with a focus on projects and construction law.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities to learn from experienced legal professionals.
- Why this job: Develop your legal skills while making a real impact in the projects sector.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with experience in construction law and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Working hours: 40 hours per week
Location: Olney, Bromsgrove, Birmingham, Manchester or Cardiff - will be required in one of these office locations twice a week.
Job Overview
We are looking for a proactive junior legal counsel who is keen to learn and develop real hands-on experience in a varied work environment supporting the Projects business units with their day-to-day legal needs. A clear commercial approach, enthusiasm and a flexible and questioning attitude are the key requirements - as well as some commercial contract negotiation experience.
Main Duties
- Review new business opportunities, advise on and negotiate various forms of construction contracts, and identify and work with the business units to develop strategies to manage risks and mitigations.
- Promote compliance with Mitie's governance and approval processes.
- Support the development of and the rollout of legal training exercises within the division.
- Collaborate with other members of the legal team to support the development and implementation of strategy and policies.
- Build and maintain strong relationships to provide timely and commercial legal support.
- Provide swift support on other legal and commercial issues as they arise such as termination of contracts, payment issues and other formal and informal dispute related matters, working closely with finance, commercial and operations directors within the business and taking the lead on legal decisions concerning those matters.
- Assist with the development and maintenance of a reliable, and comprehensive precedent bank to enable standard documents to be prepared, adapted and produced quickly.
- Assist with training colleagues in the project management and commercial team on contracting and procurement issues.
- Instruct and manage external legal advisers ensuring advice received is concise, constructive and commercially appropriate.
What we are looking for
Essential
- Professional qualification as a Solicitor.
- Experience in projects and construction law, including familiarity with standard form construction contracts such as NEC and/or FIDIC, or other experience in drafting, negotiating and advising on complex commercial contracts.
- Experience of projects/construction work within the energy industry is desirable but a willingness to develop in this sector is essential.
- A commitment to excellence in client service with a pragmatic approach and the ability to give concise legal advice.
- Good influencing and communication skills.
- Ability to multitask, work well under pressure and to use own initiative.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and SharePoint.
Desirable
- Experience of a fast paced in-house legal function.
- Experience of instructing/managing external legal services providers.
- Dispute resolution experience (although this is a predominantly non-contentious role).
Legal Counsel in Milton Keynes employer: Mitie
At Mitie, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters professional growth and development. Our legal counsel role provides the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a supportive environment, with access to comprehensive training and mentorship. With office locations in vibrant cities like Birmingham and Manchester, employees benefit from a collaborative atmosphere and the chance to engage with diverse projects, making every day rewarding and impactful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, attend industry events, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they even hit the market.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their legal needs and think about how your skills can help them. We want you to show that you're not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since you'll be dealing with construction contracts, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build your confidence and refine your approach.
✨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 get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight any relevant experience in projects and construction law, and don’t forget to mention your commercial contract negotiation skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your enthusiasm for the role and how your background aligns with our needs. Be sure to mention your proactive attitude and willingness to learn.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since good influencing and communication skills are essential, make sure your application showcases these. Use clear and concise language, and don’t hesitate to demonstrate how you’ve effectively communicated in past roles.
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mitie
✨Know Your Contracts
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of construction contracts, especially NEC and FIDIC. Being able to discuss these in detail will show that you're not just familiar with the terms but can also apply them practically.
✨Show Your Commercial Savvy
During the interview, highlight your understanding of how legal decisions impact business operations. Be ready to discuss examples where you've successfully navigated legal challenges while keeping commercial interests in mind.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
This role involves collaboration with various teams. Share experiences where you've worked closely with finance or operations to resolve legal issues. Emphasising your ability to build strong relationships will set you apart.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific legal situations, like contract disputes or compliance issues. Think through potential scenarios beforehand and be ready to articulate your thought process and solutions clearly.
