Lawyer - Commercial (part time, Fixed Term in Gateshead

As a Solicitor within our in-house Legal Services Department, you will play a crucial role in providing legal support and guidance to our organisation. Working closely with the Director of Legal Services and alongside a team of legal professionals, you will contribute to maintaining the financial health of the business and ensuring full compliance with relevant legislation. This position requires a proactive individual with a strong commercial acumen, excellent communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

• Collaborate closely with colleagues within the services department to deliver legal support and advice within tight timeframes.
• Prioritise tasks effectively to meet deadlines and maintain high-quality work standards.
• Communicate effectively with team members to ensure smooth coordination and timely completion of projects.
• Provide comprehensive legal guidance and support to all departments within the organisation on matters related to commercial, corporate, regulatory and employment law.
• Keep in touch with regulatory changes and developments in commercial law to provide proactive advice and minimise legal risks for the business.
• Conduct thorough reviews of transactional documents, including contracts, agreements, and legal correspondence, to identify potential risks and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
• Provide strategic advice and recommendations to stakeholders based on the findings of document reviews, highlighting key legal considerations, and proposing suitable courses of action.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of commercial contracts and agreements, including vendor contracts, client agreements, framework agreements, licensing agreements, and partnership agreements, to protect the interests of the organisation.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external parties to negotiate favourable contract terms and resolve any legal issues or disputes arising during the negotiation process.
• Conduct regular assessments and audits to ensure the organisation's compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Develop and implement compliance strategies and procedures to mitigate legal risks and maintain a culture of legal and ethical integrity within the organisation.
• Support the legal team in managing disputes and litigation matters by conducting legal research, preparing case materials, and assisting in the development of legal strategies.
• Assist in the preparation of legal documents, pleadings, and court submissions, and participate in mediation, arbitration, or settlement negotiations as required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in law (LLB) or equivalent.
• Qualified solicitor admitted by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
• Proven in-house legal and/or commercial/civil law experience gained at a reputable law firm.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in legal documentation and advice.
• Ability to understand the company's commercial objectives and provide practical, strategic legal advice that supports these goals.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyse legal issues, identify key issues, and develop practical and strategic solutions to complex legal problems.

Diversity in our heritage, inclusion in our future. NGP is a Disability Confident employer and is committed to inclusion and diversity. We welcome applications from people with a disability or long-term health condition. We do our utmost at Northern Gas and Power, part of Global Procurement Group (GPG) to value our People for who they truly are. We’re building a welcoming workplace where we recognise, respect, and celebrate each other’s stories.