Legal Counsel

Legal Counsel

Reading Full-Time 28800 - 43200 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our legal team to assess risks, draft agreements, and support compliance in healthcare.
  • Company: Sanofi is a global healthcare company dedicated to improving lives through innovative science.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, comprehensive rewards, and health benefits including parental leave.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the pharmaceutical industry while growing your legal expertise.
  • Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with 2 years PQE and strong drafting skills; healthcare experience preferred.
  • Other info: We value diversity and are committed to an inclusive hiring process.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.

Legal Counsel

  • Location: Reading
  • Hybrid working

About the job

Chase the Miracles of Science as Legal Counsel at Sanofi!

Are you a junior lawyer eager to build a career in the dynamic pharmaceutical industry? Join our supportive in-house legal team where you’ll learn, grow and make a real impact!

What you’ll learn & do:

  • Gain hands-on experience in healthcare regulations and industry codes of practice
  • Assess and advise on legal risks and opportunities in a business context
  • Develop commercial awareness through direct collaboration with business partners
  • Make connections with people and be part of an international legal network
  • Build expertise in various legal areas under experienced guidance
  • Grow your understanding of the healthcare industry

Why you’ll love working here:

  • Training and support from an experienced in-house legal team
  • Exposure to diverse projects and business areas
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development
  • Comprehensive rewards package

Perfect for you if:

  • You’re a qualified lawyer with an interest in healthcare
  • You have strong attention to detail and analytical skills
  • You’re eager to learn and develop
  • You bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm

This role offers the perfect foundation for building a rewarding career in the pharmaceutical industry, with support and development opportunities at an innovative global healthcare company with one purpose: to chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives. Ready to get started?

Main responsibilities:

  • Assessing legal risks and opportunities associated with business activities and providing clear, consistent and timely legal advice on all matters arising from the Sanofi business operations in UK and Ireland
  • Ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations and industry codes of practice
  • Drafting, reviewing and negotiating various commercial agreements
  • Providing training and guidance to business teams on legal matters
  • Supporting privacy and data protection compliance
  • Supporting corporate governance and company secretarial matters
  • Assisting with the management of litigation and disputes
  • Embracing Sanofi’s Thoughtful Risk-Taking approach to make impactful decisions and seize opportunities while mastering risk

About you

Essential Requirements:

  • Qualified Solicitor with valid practising certificate in England & Wales
  • Minimum 2 years PQE (in-house or private practice)
  • Pharmaceutical/healthcare industry experience is preferred
  • Strong legal drafting skills and commercial contracts expertise
  • Excellent interpersonal/client communication skills
  • Strong collaboration skills, ability to work effectively in a team and openly share knowledge and information
  • Ability to prioritise and manage own workload / project management skills
  • Dedication to upholding high ethical and compliance standards

Business Partnership Skills:

  • Understanding of business acumen and importance of commercial context
  • Ability to translate legal concepts into practical business advice
  • Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills
  • Capacity to anticipate business needs and provide legal solutions
  • Ability to build trust and credibility with business partners
  • Commercial mindset with focus on enabling business growth while ensuring legal compliance

Why choose us?

  • Bring the miracles of science to life alongside a supportive, future-focused team
  • Discover endless opportunities to grow your talent and drive your career, whether it’s through a promotion or lateral move, at home or internationally
  • Enjoy a thoughtful, well-crafted rewards package that recognizes your contribution and amplifies your impact
  • Take good care of yourself and your family, with a wide range of health and wellbeing benefits including high-quality healthcare, prevention and wellness programs and at least 14 weeks’ gender-neutral parental leave
  • Join us in shaping the future of respiratory care and making a difference in the lives of patients across the NHS

Visas for those who do not already have the right to work in the UK will be considered on a case by case basis according to business needs and resources.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, committed to offering interviews to candidates who request consideration under the Scheme and meet the minimum requirements for this role.

If you have a disability and require adjustments for the interview process, please email us at We are dedicated to ensuring an inclusive and supportive experience for all applicants.

#LI-EUR

Pursue progress, discover extraordinary

Better is out there. Better medications, better outcomes, better science. But progress doesn’t happen without people – people from different backgrounds, in different locations, doing different roles, all united by one thing: a desire to make miracles happen. So, let’s be those people.

At Sanofi, we provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, ability or gender identity.

Watch our ALL IN video and check out our Diversity Equity and Inclusion actions at sanofi.com !

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Legal Counsel employer: Sanofi

Sanofi is an exceptional employer for aspiring legal professionals, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in Reading. With a strong focus on employee growth, comprehensive training, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, you will have the opportunity to develop your legal expertise while making a meaningful impact in the healthcare sector. Enjoy a competitive rewards package and the chance to collaborate with a global network of professionals dedicated to improving lives through science.
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Contact Detail:

Sanofi Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the pharmaceutical industry and its regulations. Understanding the specific legal challenges and compliance requirements in healthcare will help you stand out during discussions with the hiring team.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals already working in the pharmaceutical sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the role of a Legal Counsel in this field.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your previous experiences with legal drafting and commercial contracts. Be ready to provide examples of how you've navigated complex legal issues, as this will demonstrate your practical skills and readiness for the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your ability to work collaboratively by highlighting any past experiences where you successfully partnered with business teams. This will illustrate your understanding of the importance of aligning legal advice with business objectives.

We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel

Qualified Solicitor with valid practising certificate in England & Wales
Minimum 2 years PQE (in-house or private practice)
Pharmaceutical/healthcare industry experience
Strong legal drafting skills
Commercial contracts expertise
Excellent interpersonal/client communication skills
Strong collaboration skills
Project management skills
Understanding of business acumen
Ability to translate legal concepts into practical business advice
Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills
Capacity to anticipate business needs
Ability to build trust and credibility with business partners
Dedication to upholding high ethical and compliance standards

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry. Emphasise your legal qualifications, PQE, and any specific projects that demonstrate your skills in commercial contracts and compliance.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention how your background aligns with Sanofi's mission to improve lives through science, and provide examples of how you've successfully navigated legal challenges in a business context.

Showcase Your Skills: Highlight your strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and ability to work collaboratively. Provide specific examples of how you've communicated legal concepts effectively to non-legal stakeholders, as this is crucial for the role.

Research Sanofi: Familiarise yourself with Sanofi’s values, recent projects, and their approach to healthcare. This knowledge will help you tailor your application and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their mission.

How to prepare for a job interview at Sanofi

✨Understand the Pharmaceutical Landscape

Familiarise yourself with the key regulations and industry codes of practice relevant to the pharmaceutical sector. This knowledge will not only demonstrate your interest in the field but also help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.

✨Showcase Your Legal Skills

Be prepared to discuss your legal drafting skills and experience with commercial contracts. Bring examples of past work that highlight your ability to assess legal risks and provide clear advice, as this is crucial for the role.

✨Demonstrate Collaboration and Communication

Highlight your interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively within a team. Share specific instances where you've successfully collaborated with business partners or provided training on legal matters, as these experiences are highly valued.

✨Exhibit a Commercial Mindset

Prepare to discuss how you can translate legal concepts into practical business advice. Show that you understand the importance of balancing legal compliance with enabling business growth, which is essential for success in this role.

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