At a Glance
- Tasks: Support senior legal counsel with contracts, compliance, and risk management.
- Company: Join a leading pharmaceutical company making a difference in healthcare.
- Benefits: Enjoy a long-term contract with potential for growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team tackling real-world legal challenges in the pharma sector.
- Qualifications: Must be an English qualified lawyer with 3+ years' PQE.
- Other info: Experience in M&A and IPOs is a plus!
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
About the Company
A leading international pharmaceutical organisation operating across the US, Europe, and the Middle East & North Africa is seeking to expand its European legal team. The business develops, manufactures, and markets a diverse portfolio of branded and generic medicines, with operations spanning 50+ countries.
The Opportunity
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Legal Counsel to join a high-performing in-house legal team based in London. This is a broad commercial role offering exposure to a wide range of legal matters across multiple jurisdictions.
You will work closely with senior stakeholders across the business, providing practical, commercially focused legal advice while supporting key strategic initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements
- Provide clear, pragmatic legal advice on day-to-day business activities
- Advise on regulatory and compliance matters, including:
- Data protection (GDPR)
- Competition / anti-trust laws
- Global sanctions
- Anti-bribery and corruption
- Support cross-functional teams including commercial, regulatory, quality and pharmacovigilance
- Manage multiple legal matters and ensure timely resolution
- Liaise with and manage external counsel where required
- Assist with corporate transactions, including M&A and business development projects
- Support internal stakeholders including Finance, Treasury, HR, Tax and Company Secretarial teams
- Contribute to internal legal and compliance initiatives
About You
- UK-qualified solicitor (or equivalent jurisdiction)
- 1–4 years’ PQE (Newly qualified candidates also considered)
- Experience in commercial and/or corporate law
- Strong drafting and negotiation skills
- Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
- Commercially minded with strong problem-solving skills
- Confident communicator with the ability to influence stakeholders
- Collaborative mindset with experience working across teams
Desirable Experience
- Prior in-house or secondment experience
- Exposure to regulated industries (e.g. pharmaceuticals, healthcare, life sciences)
- Experience advising on GDPR, competition law or sanctions regimes
- Familiarity with corporate transactions, financing structures or public company work
- Knowledge of intellectual property (beneficial but not essential)
- European language skills (particularly French, German or Portuguese)
Why Apply?
- Broad, hands-on in-house role with international exposure
- Opportunity to work closely with senior leadership
- Involvement in high-value strategic projects
- Collaborative and globally connected team
Legal Counsel employer: Rolf Berryman
Contact Detail:
Rolf Berryman Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the pharmaceutical industry, especially those who work in legal roles. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and challenges they face.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific legal frameworks and regulations that govern the pharmaceutical sector. This knowledge will not only enhance your understanding but also demonstrate your commitment and expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with M&A and IPO processes in detail. Be ready to provide examples of how you've navigated complex legal issues in these areas, as this will be a key focus for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to work collaboratively with various departments. Highlight any past experiences where you successfully partnered with internal teams to address legal matters, as this is crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience relevant to the role of Legal Counsel. Emphasise your qualifications, particularly your PQE and any specific experience with M&As, IPOs, and regulatory matters.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your motivation for applying and how your skills align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description. Mention your experience in drafting and reviewing contracts, as well as your ability to address compliance and risk issues.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your application, provide specific examples of your previous work that demonstrate your ability to negotiate and draft complex transactional agreements. Highlight any instances where you took preemptive measures to avoid legal risks.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any grammatical or typographical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in the legal field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rolf Berryman
✨Know Your Legal Fundamentals
Brush up on your knowledge of contract law, compliance, and risk management. Be prepared to discuss how these areas apply to the pharmaceutical industry, as well as any relevant experience you have with M&As and IPOs.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of complex agreements you've negotiated or drafted in the past. Highlight your approach to resolving conflicts and ensuring all parties are satisfied, as this will demonstrate your ability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Understand the Company’s Regulatory Environment
Familiarise yourself with the regulatory landscape that affects the pharmaceutical sector. Being able to discuss specific regulations and how they impact legal decisions will show your commitment and understanding of the industry.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's legal challenges and how the legal team collaborates with other departments. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.