Legal Counsel (corporate / commercial, 3-5 PQE)

Legal Counsel (corporate / commercial, 3-5 PQE)

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) Hybrid
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide legal guidance across various teams and help shape innovative products.
  • Company: Join SeedLegals, a leading provider of automated legal solutions for startups.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and a generous annual leave policy.
  • Other info: Access to continuous learning resources and a supportive team culture.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on startups while working in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
  • Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 3-5 PQE and experience in corporate/commercial law.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

SeedLegals is the leading provider of automated legal solutions for startups, with offices in London, New York and Paris, and a team in Ireland. We’re a Series A company, backed by exceptional VCs such as Index Ventures, committed to making entrepreneurship accessible to all. Since we launched in 2016, we’ve served more than 75,000 startups who have collectively raised more than £2 billion on our platform.

Our values are key to our success; here at SeedLegals, we:

  • Invest and trust in each other;
  • Are committed to a growth mindset;
  • Embrace diversity and cultivate inclusion;
  • Are driven by customer success.

About the Legal Team

We are an innovative and highly collaborative Legal team of around 12 people. Unlike other in‑house roles, at SeedLegals, our lawyers are right in the middle of our products – helping to shape (at scale) the way in which companies pitch to investors, raise investment, and hire and retain talent. We automate what we can, and give customers access to experienced lawyers to handle the rest. The Legal team is split into three divisions: GC (commercial & regulatory), Legal Product and Legal Advisory. While each division has a clear remit, we work collaboratively to continuously improve our products, deliver value to our customers and insulate the business from the typical risks that high‑growth tech companies face.

SeedLegals offers its lawyers the chance to work in a variety of roles, all of which have a genuine and realisable impact on our revenue and growth. While we sell automated solutions, it is our outstanding team behind the scenes that create, maintain and support our platform products. We are committed to continuous learning and development as a business and as a legal team. You’ll have access to knowledge management resources and a variety of online learning tools. Most importantly, we learn from each other in a psychologically safe space in which no idea is too outrageous to be given air time. Everyone in the team contributes to this learning environment, sharing ideas and best practice.

About the Role

We’re seeking a bright, ambitious Legal Counsel to join the in‑house Legal team at SeedLegals. Working across the GC (commercial & regulatory) and Legal Product teams, and reporting directly to the Head of Legal, you’ll play a pivotal role in providing pragmatic, commercially astute legal guidance across the business including Customer Experience (CX), Marketing, Partnerships, Product and Sales. You’ll also review and uphold the legal soundness of existing products while working with the Legal, Product and Tech teams to develop new products and features – and by doing so, you’ll be directly helping startups to run and grow their business. This role has a broad remit and presents an exciting opportunity to undertake a wide range of corporate and commercial legal work with tech and automation at its core.

The successful candidate will be a confident, dynamic lawyer who is able to work independently, takes ownership of legal projects, and has a genuine interest in contributing to the continued development of SeedLegals’ innovative approach to legal services. We’re not fussy about PQE, although we believe this role is best suited for a lawyer with approximately 3‑5 PQE. A background in private practice within a corporate / commercial team is preferred. This role is based in the UK. Successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK, as this role is not eligible for current or future visa sponsorship.

Qualifications:

  • Qualified solicitor (approx. 3‑5 PQE) in England & Wales.
  • Experience in a broad range of corporate legal work, e.g. articles of association and shareholders’ agreements, financing rounds, advance subscription agreements, convertible loan notes, and general corporate matters.
  • Experience in a broad range of general commercial work, e.g. commercial contracts (drafting and negotiation), data protection, and employment matters.
  • A proactive approach, with a focus on anticipating issues, delivering the right solutions and consistently adding value to the business and our customers.
  • Motivated to assume responsibility and work within a fast‑paced, scaling company.
  • Excellent communication skills, with a strong attention to detail.
  • Outstanding organisational skills, with the ability to multitask and meet deadlines.
  • Right to work in the UK.

Application and Interview Process

  • Apply online
  • 30 minutes initial discussion with our General Counsel
  • 90 minutes technical assessment with two members of our legal team
  • 30 minutes with our CEO

Rather than submit a traditional cover letter, we ask that you instead reflect on how your skills and experience relate to our product offering. Your cover letter will be part of the conversation in your first interview, as our team dives deeper into your response and formulates their initial interview questions around it.

Benefits:

  • Share options: the option to buy shares in SeedLegals via our performance‑based share option scheme
  • Contributory pension, private healthcare, critical illness cover + life insurance
  • 25 days annual leave + bank holidays + your birthday off
  • Buy and Sell Annual Leave Scheme
  • Flexible working – hybrid/remote model with London office access
  • Weekly allowance for a free lunch in the office
  • £250 working‑from‑home allowance to set up your home office
  • Annual learning budget for training courses, conferences and books
  • 3 paid work days per year for volunteering
  • Access to Happl – with monthly flexible spend on wellbeing
  • Cycle‑to‑work scheme
  • Free lunch in the office once per week

Legal Counsel (corporate / commercial, 3-5 PQE) employer: SeedLegals Limited

SeedLegals Limited is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and collaborative work culture, perfect for those passionate about supporting startups. With a focus on employee growth, you will have access to continuous learning opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the UK startup ecosystem. Located in a dynamic environment, we offer unique advantages such as flexible working arrangements and a supportive team dedicated to your success.

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Contact Details:

SeedLegals Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel (corporate / commercial, 3-5 PQE)

✨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 SeedLegals Limited, 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 (corporate / commercial, 3-5 PQE)

Legal Expertise in Corporate Law
Commercial Contracts Drafting and Negotiation
Data Protection Knowledge
Employment Law Understanding
Proactive Problem-Solving
Excellent Communication Skills
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at SeedLegals Limited, 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 SeedLegals Limited and the specific role of Legal Counsel (corporate / commercial, 3-5 PQE). 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 SeedLegals Limited’s culture!

How to prepare for a job interview at SeedLegals Limited

✨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 SeedLegals Limited.

✨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 SeedLegals Limited.