At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice on commercial, regulatory, and governance matters across a global organisation.
- Company: Join RICS, a leading professional body shaping the built environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, 25 days leave, and mental health support.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact with your legal expertise in a meaningful role.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with experience in commercial legal matters.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
RICS is a global professional body that sets and upholds standards across land, property, construction and infrastructure. Our work shapes how people experience the built environment, from the homes we live in to the infrastructure that supports economies and communities. Acting in the public interest is fundamental to everything we do and is underpinned by strong governance, regulation and professional standards. The in‑house Legal team plays a critical role in enabling this work, providing clear, proportionate legal advice across RICS’ UK and international operations.
Role Purpose and Key Responsibilities
As Legal Counsel, you will support RICS’ Head of Legal and General Counsel in delivering accurate, timely and commercially focused legal advice across the organisation. The role spans a broad range of legal matters, including commercial, governance and regulatory work, and supports activity across multiple jurisdictions. You will work closely with internal stakeholders and contribute directly to how legal risk is identified, assessed and managed in practice. This is a substantive in-house role with responsibility for managing defined matters through to conclusion, with support on more complex or sensitive issues.
Why this role
- Work on a meaningful commercial legal workload, not limited to routine or process driven activity
- Contribute directly to commercial and organisational decision‑making
- Build judgement and credibility through regular exposure to senior stakeholders
- See the tangible impact of your advice within a global organisation operating in the public interest
- Be part of a Legal team with clear expectations and high professional standards
Key Responsibilities
- Provide pragmatic, solution focused in‑house legal advice across commercial, regulatory, governance and risk related matters
- Draft, review and negotiate commercial contracts, including supporting procurement and supplier arrangements
- Work with Procurement, Digital and other teams to ensure contracts are effective, proportionate and well governed
- Support the management of RICS’ intellectual property and brand
- Provide legal input on corporate governance matters, including legal entity management
- Work alongside the Privacy team on data protection and GDPR‑related matters
- Instruct and liaise with external legal advisers where required
- Support projects, disputes and corporate initiatives through defined legal workstreams
- Contribute to legal guidance, policies, risk registers and continuous improvement activity
This role follows a hybrid working pattern, with three days per week based in the office.
About You
You will be a qualified solicitor, with post qualification experience advising on commercial legal matters in an in-house or comparable environment. This experience will include drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial agreements, and supporting non-legal stakeholders on contractual and risk-based issues. You are comfortable managing defined matters through to conclusion, with support on more complex or sensitive issues.
- Understand how legal advice supports commercial and organisational objectives
- Be confident engaging directly with non-legal stakeholders
- Manage competing priorities and maintain quality under pressure
- Take a pragmatic, proportionate approach to legal risk
- Contribute positively within a collaborative, high standards team
Rewards and Benefits
RICS offers a benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, financial security and work life balance, including:
- Private medical insurance, income protection and life assurance
- 25 days’ annual leave plus public holidays and an office closure over Christmas
- Enhanced family leave policies
- Access to mental health support and staff-led community groups
Equal Opportunity Employer
RICS is committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, including those with non-traditional career paths. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.
Legal Counsel employer: RICS
RICS is an exceptional employer, offering a meaningful role as Legal Counsel within a collaborative and high-standard legal team. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, RICS provides a comprehensive benefits package, including private medical insurance and enhanced family leave policies, all while fostering a diverse and inclusive work culture. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, ensuring a healthy work-life balance while contributing to impactful legal decisions in a global organisation dedicated to the public interest.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, attend industry events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Legal Counsel role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of commercial law and RICS’ operations. We recommend practising common interview questions and scenarios related to governance and regulatory matters. Show them you’re not just a legal whiz, but also someone who understands their mission!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview or networking event, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows you’re genuinely interested in the role. We believe this small gesture can make a big difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Let’s make your dream job a reality together!
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Legal Counsel role. Highlight your experience in commercial legal matters and how it aligns with RICS' mission. We want to see how you can contribute to our work in the public interest!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate your skills! Use specific examples of how you've provided legal advice, managed contracts, or worked with stakeholders. This helps us understand your practical experience and how you handle real-world challenges.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant, and make sure your passion for the role shines through!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our values right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at RICS
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of commercial, governance, and regulatory law. RICS is looking for someone who can provide clear, pragmatic legal advice, so be ready to discuss relevant cases or experiences that showcase your expertise.
✨Understand the Organisation
Familiarise yourself with RICS and its role in the built environment. Knowing how their work impacts communities and economies will help you align your answers with their mission and demonstrate your genuine interest in the position.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Since you'll be working closely with non-legal stakeholders, think about how you can communicate complex legal concepts in simple terms. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with other teams in the past to show your ability to engage effectively.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss specific instances where you've identified and managed legal risks. RICS values a solution-focused approach, so highlight your ability to navigate challenges and provide practical legal solutions that support organisational objectives.
