At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice on corporate governance, contracts, and regulatory compliance in a tech-focused environment.
- Company: Nominet, a leading domain name registry with a positive societal impact.
- Benefits: Early finish Fridays, 30 days leave, private healthcare, and performance bonuses.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with a supportive and diverse company culture.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team making a real difference in internet infrastructure.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with experience in government contracts and dispute resolution.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 66000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid, with a minimum of 20% in the office per month. This role can be based from either our Oxford or London offices.
About Us
We’re Nominet – a world-leading domain name registry operating at the heart of the UK internet. While we're best known for running .UK domains, our DNS expertise also underpins critical internet infrastructure that government services, including the NHS, rely on. As a public benefit company, our work has a positive impact on society. We’ve donated millions to projects that use technology to improve people’s lives and have committed to delivering £60m worth of support over the next three years.
The Role
This is a broad in-house Legal Counsel role within a small team. Most legal work is handled internally, with external law firms used for contentious matters and specialist advice where needed. You will advise across a varied legal remit, including corporate governance, commercial contracts, disputes, regulatory change, data protection, internet infrastructure, and government framework contracts. The role is mainly focused on UK law, with some exposure to European regulation from time to time. This role suits someone who can work independently, explain legal issues clearly, and help teams make practical decisions in a complex infrastructure environment.
What You'll Be Doing
- Advise on Companies Act 2006 compliance, corporate governance, directors’ duties, and constitutional matters.
- Monitor and advise on regulatory developments affecting internet infrastructure, telecommunications, and digital services.
- Support the implementation of new legislative requirements.
- Support the management of disputes and claims, including settlement negotiations, use of external counsel where needed, domain suspension queries, and domain dispute resolution escalations.
- Advise on Nominet’s terms of business and policies, including the Terms and Conditions of Domain Name Registration, UK Registry-Registrar Agreement, criminal practices policy, data release policy, DRS policy, and other published policies.
- Draft, negotiate, and advise on commercial agreements, including technology services contracts, vendor arrangements, procurement agreements, and government framework contracts.
- Support strategic business projects by providing clear legal advice and practical options.
- Advise on legal matters including NIS, the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, international data transfers, DPIAs, controller-processor arrangements, intellectual property, and other legal issues as they arise.
- Support legal process improvement projects, legal training, and guidance for business teams.
- Help build legal awareness and practical risk management across the organisation.
- Provide clear, reliable legal support across Nominet’s business.
About You
- Qualified solicitor with proven post-qualification experience.
- Experience with government contracts or government framework agreements.
- Experience supporting disputes in the County Court.
- Able to explain complex legal concepts clearly to non-legal stakeholders.
- Able to work with business teams to explain legal risk, recommend practical options, and support accountable decisions.
- Able to work independently, prioritise competing legal demands, and keep work moving through time-sensitive work.
- Able to build effective working relationships across teams.
- Experience working in-house, ideally in technology, telecommunications, infrastructure, or a related sector.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Commercially aware and practical in your advice.
- Willing to use legal sector AI tools where they improve quality, efficiency, or consistency.
What To Expect Next
- 1st stage: Introduction call with a member of the TA team (30-45 mins)
- 2nd stage: Hiring manager interview (30 mins)
- 3rd stage: Onsite assessment & interview (120 mins)
Working At Nominet
Our Values:
- We Make Things Happen
- We Pull Together
- We Bring A Positive Mindset
- We Keep It Simple
Our people make things happen, but our values are our compass as a company, guiding our day-to-day work and building our culture. They reflect that we're strongest when we're proactive and pull together, while underlining the importance of a "glass half full" mindset and aiming to keep things simple for success.
What We Offer
- Early Finish Friday – 34-hour working week with full-time pay (finish at midday on Friday)
- 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy an additional 5 days
- Bupa private healthcare + Employee Assistance Programme
- Pension scheme matched to 7%
- Electric vehicle scheme with on-site charging points
- Rewards platform with discounts at hundreds of retailers and restaurants
- Medicash discounts on routine healthcare including optical and dental
- Company and individual performance-based annual bonus
Diversity Statement
We're passionate about creating a workplace where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered. Somewhere we can benefit from all forms of diversity and discover the true value in our differences. If there are any adjustments we could make to the recruitment and selection process to support you, please let us know.
Security Statement
Nominet is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of the internet and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment by participating in the relevant security and screening processes. All roles working for Nominet will be subject to a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check. Some roles, due to the nature of their work, will require additional security clearance.
Please note Nominet is unable to provide visa sponsorship or relocation support for this position.
Legal Counsel employer: Nominet
Nominet is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of the UK internet while making a positive societal impact. With a hybrid working model, generous benefits including an early finish on Fridays, and a commitment to employee growth and diversity, Nominet fosters a supportive and innovative work culture that empowers its team members to thrive in their roles. Join us in shaping the future of digital communication and enjoy the advantages of working in a collaborative environment in Oxford.
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 Nominet, 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
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Nominet, 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 Nominet 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 Nominet’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nominet
✨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 Nominet.
✨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 Nominet.
