Legal Counsel in Manchester

Legal Counsel in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Mott MacDonald

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Draft and negotiate construction documentation while advising on legal matters.
  • Company: Join Mott MacDonald, a global consultancy making a societal impact.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, comprehensive benefits, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Embrace a culture of equality, diversity, and inclusion in a supportive environment.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of infrastructure consultancy.
  • Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with construction law experience and strong negotiation skills.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.

Company Overview

Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy with over 20,000 employees across more than 50 countries and 140+ offices. We work across incredible global industries, delivering exciting work that is defining our future and making an important societal impact in the communities we serve. Our people power our performance – we succeed when they do. With countless opportunities to collaborate, learn, and grow, the possibilities for excellence are as varied as every individual. Mott MacDonald is where people come to be brilliant.

Overview of the Role

Our Group Legal Department is a dedicated in‑house team based in Croydon, UK, and other offices around the globe. This team provides legal advice on all matters associated with Mott MacDonald’s global business. We are looking for a proactive Legal Counsel to support the Regional General Counsel – EUNA and Senior Legal Counsels, advising on a wide range of legal matters, primarily focused on our infrastructure consultancy business.

Key Responsibilities

  • Draft, review, and negotiate construction documentation including consultancy agreements, construction contracts, framework agreements, collateral warranties, novation deeds, and parent company guarantees.
  • Identify departures from governance and assist project teams in obtaining internal approvals where necessary.
  • Advise the business on applicable laws and regulations.
  • Revise and maintain legal templates and guidance.
  • Advise on litigation and insurance matters, liaising with external counsel and technical experts when required.
  • Support Ethics, Compliance, and Privacy and Data Protection teams with construction‑related issues.
  • Travel to Croydon head office as required (typically twice per month).

Candidate Specification

  • England and Wales qualified solicitor with several years PQE (qualification in other common law jurisdictions considered).
  • Relevant construction law experience either in private practice or in‑house with a major contractor, engineer, or architect.
  • Significant experience in negotiating and drafting construction documentation.
  • Knowledge of construction disputes and insurance (nice to have).
  • Excellent analytical, legal, communication and negotiation skills.
  • Ability to multitask, problem‑solve, and balance competing priorities.
  • Ability to communicate confidently with stakeholders.
  • Can work autonomously or as part of a team.

UK Immigration

Mott MacDonald Ltd. does not currently offer sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker visa route. We welcome applications from candidates eligible for alternative immigration routes that do not require sponsorship.

Agile Working

We offer a hybrid working policy that embraces flexibility and trust, allowing teams to choose how they work most effectively.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

We put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of our business, promoting fair employment practices and inclusive opportunities for all.

Accessibility

If you are disabled or need support during the recruitment process, please contact reasonable.adjustments@mottmac.com.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including financial wellbeing, employee ownership, health and wellbeing, lifestyle, family and carers leave, learning and development, and more.

  • Financial wellbeing: pension contribution match 4.5–7%, life assurance up to 4× basic salary (option to increase to 6×), income protection, flexible benefits.
  • Employee ownership: no external investors; employees share success via bonuses, stake, and direct voice to senior leadership.
  • Health and wellbeing: private medical insurance, health cash plan, access to wellbeing program, flexibility to extend benefits to family.
  • Lifestyle: minimum 33–35 days holiday, flexible benefits, employee saving schemes.
  • Family & carers leave: 26 weeks paid maternity and adoption leave, two weeks paid paternity/partner leave.
  • Learning and development: professional institution subscriptions, mentoring, formal training, self‑development.
  • Networks, communities, and social outcomes: employee networks supporting LGBTQ+, gender, race, disability, and parents/carers; social impact initiatives.

Locations: London, Reading, Brighton, Croydon, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Bristol, Cambridge.

Contract type: Permanent. Work pattern: Full Time. Market: Various. Discipline: Legal.

Legal Counsel in Manchester employer: Mott MacDonald

Mott MacDonald is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Croydon where legal professionals can thrive. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a comprehensive benefits package, and a culture that prioritises equality, diversity, and inclusion, Mott MacDonald empowers its team members to excel while making a meaningful impact on global communities. The hybrid working policy further enhances flexibility, allowing employees to balance their professional and personal lives effectively.

Mott MacDonald

Contact Details:

Mott MacDonald Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel in Manchester

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Mott MacDonald on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the company culture and what they really value in candidates.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your construction law knowledge. We want to show that we’re not just familiar with the basics but can also tackle complex legal issues that might come up in the role.

Tip Number 3

Practice our negotiation skills! Since the role involves drafting and negotiating contracts, let’s role-play some scenarios with a friend to build confidence and refine our approach.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows we’re genuinely interested in joining the Mott MacDonald team.

We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel in Manchester

Legal Drafting
Construction Law
Negotiation Skills
Analytical Skills
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Stakeholder Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Legal Counsel role. Highlight your relevant experience in construction law and any specific projects that showcase your skills. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!

Show Off Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate your analytical, communication, and negotiation skills through examples. We love seeing how you've tackled challenges in the past, especially in legal contexts.

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!

Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our official website. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you quicker. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Mott MacDonald

Know Your Legal Stuff

Make sure you brush up on construction law and relevant regulations before the interview. Familiarise yourself with common legal documents like consultancy agreements and construction contracts, as you'll likely be asked about your experience in drafting and negotiating these.

Showcase Your Communication Skills

As a Legal Counsel, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully navigated complex legal discussions or resolved disputes. This will demonstrate your ability to articulate legal concepts clearly.

Be Proactive and Problem-Solving

Mott MacDonald values proactive individuals. Think of instances where you've identified potential legal issues before they became problems. Highlight your analytical skills and how you've contributed to project teams by providing timely legal advice.

Understand Their Culture

Research Mott MacDonald's commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to this culture and support their initiatives. Showing that you align with their values can set you apart from other candidates.