Legal Counsel (m/f/d) in Manchester

As Legal Counsel, you will play a key role in providing high‑quality legal advice within a complex and regulated environment. You will support legally sound decision‑making, ensure compliance with applicable laws and internal governance requirements, and help drive the company’s commercial and strategic objectives.

Responsibilities

• Manage litigation matters within your assigned area, including issuing claims, dealing with defences and any resulting litigation and enforcement.
• Handle insolvency proceedings, creditor services and other related insolvency matters.
• Draft legal documents, including letters before claim, defences, witness statements, applications, settlement agreements, statutory demands, winding up petitions and any other related court or insolvency documents.
• Draft letters and communications, liaising with third parties and opposing lawyers on a without prejudice and open basis.
• Assess liability and quantum and prepare reports/advice to the business.
• Make and respond to without prejudice offers, negotiating settlement of both liability and quantum as and when necessary, subject to supervision.
• Provide legal analysis and strategic advice to the legal team and wider business.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal governance frameworks.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and other legal documentation relating to the sales business.
• Advise stakeholders across the organization, ensuring consistent interpretation and application of legal requirements.
• Represent the organization in dealings with authorities, courts, supervisory bodies, or associations.
• Manage and coordinate external legal counsel, ensuring cost‑effective delivery.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of legal processes, frameworks, and operational practices.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with at least two years’ post‑qualification experience in practice.
• Strong expertise in legal procedures and principles, civil procedure rules and relevant protocols, specifically relating to debt recovery and breach of contract litigation.
• Good experience of contract law and negotiating and drafting commercial contracts is preferable.
• Strong analytical skills to assess the financial situation of debtors and recommend appropriate recovery strategies to the business.
• Proven ability to manage complex legal matters independently.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to translate legal concepts into clear business advice.
• Effective communicator with strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

About Us

SEFE is an international energy company anchored in Europe, delivering energy solutions that ensure reliable and affordable supply. Our activities span the entire energy value chain – from origination and trading to sales, transport and storage. With decades of trading expertise and a growing LNG portfolio, SEFE is one of Europe’s leading suppliers to industrial customers, providing more than 200 TWh of gas and power each year. We supply over 50,000 clients, from small businesses to municipalities and multinational organisations. By investing in clean energies, we support our customers on their decarbonisation journey and contribute to the energy transition. SEFE employs over 2,000 people worldwide and is owned by the Federal Government of Germany.

Benefits

• We’re committed to creating an inclusive environment that embraces diversity and fosters the development of knowledge, skills, and experience.
• Whatever your role, you’ll find an open, welcoming atmosphere that empowers you, and recognises your contribution.
• In return we offer a competitive starting salary supported by a comprehensive range of financial, lifestyle and wellness benefits with the flexibility to follow a hybrid working model.
• Bonus earning potential.
• Non‑contributory pension with 10% employer contribution.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays and volunteering days.
• Buy/sell holidays.
• Life assurance.
• Medical and dental insurance (family cover).
• Range of optional flexible benefits.

We are committed to supporting your career growth with opportunities to develop both your knowledge and experience through a blended approach to learning. Join SEFE and help us secure energy supply across Europe and shape a better, more sustainable tomorrow.