At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal support on technology, contracts, data privacy, and IP matters.
- Company: Join SThree, a global leader in STEM workforce consultancy.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, bonuses, 28 days holiday, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact on strategic projects in a fast-paced international environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with 4+ years PQE and strong contract negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
We're looking for a commercially minded
Legal Counsel to join our Group Legal team on a 9-month fixed-term basis.
This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of a global business, providing expert legal support across technology, commercial contracts, data privacy, and intellectual property matters.
Reporting to the Associate General Counsel, Group & Head of Data Privacy, you'll act as the lead legal adviser on technology and commercial vendor agreements, supporting key business stakeholders and helping drive commercially focused legal solutions in a fast-paced, international environment.
About us
SThree is the global STEM workforce consultancy, fusing ambition, expertise and technology.
We advise businesses, build expert teams and deliver project solutions, to outpace tomorrow, together.
We’ve been in STEM for 40 years– a global team with local expertise across specialist sectors in Engineering, Life Sciences and Technology.
We aspire to be the game-changers in STEM.
We are all in, we build partnerships, we think big, and we do the right thing.
We bring skilled people together, whatever the speed, scale and scope of the ambitions, to build the future.
The Role
As Legal Counsel, you'll take ownership of a broad range of technology and commercial legal matters, managing work from initial instruction through to negotiation and completion.
You'll partner closely with teams across Procurement, Technology, Privacy, Information Security, HR, Finance, Marketing and Operations, providing pragmatic legal advice that enables business growth while effectively managing risk.
This role offers significant exposure to strategic projects, emerging technology issues, data privacy matters and intellectual property management, making it an ideal opportunity for an experienced commercial lawyer seeking a varied and impactful in-house position.
- What you’ll be doing
- Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of commercial and technology agreements
- Lead legal negotiations with suppliers and technology vendors.
- Advise stakeholders on contractual risk and commercial implications.
- Support vendor procurement, onboarding and risk assessment processes.
- Develop and improve legal templates and contracting frameworks.
- Data Privacy & Regulatory Compliance
- Provide practical advice on UK and EU data protection laws and requirements.
- Review and negotiate Data Processing Agreements (DPAs).
- Advise on international data transfer arrangements.
- Support Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and governance initiatives.
- Work closely with the Data Privacy team, external DPO providers and key business stakeholders.
- Assist with incident response activities when required.
- Support the protection and management of the Group's IP portfolio.
- Advise on IP ownership, licensing and protection strategies.
- Provide guidance on open-source software and third-party licensing considerations.
- Manage relationships with external trademark and IP counsel as required.
- Business Partnering & Legal Advisory
- Advise senior stakeholders on legal, commercial and regulatory risks.
- Provide practical, solution-focused legal guidance across multiple business functions.
- Support strategic projects, business initiatives and transformation programmes.
- Deliver legal awareness sessions and training where required.
- Monitor legal and regulatory developments impacting the business.
- What we’re looking for
- Qualified Solicitor or equivalent legal qualification (England & Wales preferred).
- Approximately 4+ years PQE.
- Strong experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts.
- Significant exposure to technology agreements and vendor negotiations.
- Working knowledge of UK and EU data protection legislation.
- Experience advising on DPAs, international transfers and privacy compliance matters.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Strong commercial judgement and pragmatic approach to problem solving.
- What's in it for you
- Hybrid working options for flexibility.
- Bonus linked to company and personal performance.
- 28 days holiday plus public holidays, with an annual leave purchase scheme.
- Private healthcare, discounted dental insurance, and health cashback scheme.
- Paid volunteering days and caregiver leave.
- Access to retail discounts and our company share scheme.
Why Join Us?
- High-profile legal work across a global business
- Exposure to complex technology and privacy matters
- Collaborative and supportive legal team
- Opportunity to influence business decisions and strategic projects
- Flexible working aligned to our London office
- Potential for contract extension
- What we stand for
We’re committed to ensuring that every colleague, candidate, and member of our community experiences fair, equitable, and respectful treatment.
We strive to create an environment where everyone belongs, feels valued, and is supported to thrive.
If you require any assistance or reasonable adjustments during the application process, please let us know.
We’re here to help.
Legal Counsel - 9 month FTC in London employer: SThree Plc
SThree plc is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work culture that empowers Senior Business Analysts to shape product vision and drive impactful digital solutions. With hybrid working options, a comprehensive benefits package, and performance-linked bonuses, employees are supported in their professional growth while enjoying a flexible work-life balance in vibrant cities like Glasgow or London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel - 9 month FTC in London
✨Get Involved in Legal Networking Events
Jump into local or virtual legal networking events to meet industry pros and get your foot in the door! Use platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup to find gatherings, as these are great for making connections and hearing about temporary roles at firms like SThree Plc.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a simple online portfolio to showcase your legal work, whether that's case briefs, research papers, or even blog posts on legal topics. This public display can really set you apart when looking for temp roles in law, especially if you can make it relevant to the work that SThree Plc does!
✨Tap into Law School Resources
If you're near a law school, hit up their career services. They often have leads on temporary positions and can help connect you with alumni working at firms. Plus, they might host workshops or job fairs specific to the legal sector—great for scoring that temp position!
✨Stay Updated with Legal Job Boards
Regularly check specialised legal job boards like LawCareers.Net or TotallyLegal for temporary listings. Many firms post their openings directly there, and applying quickly can give you an edge over the competition when looking to join a prestigious firm like SThree Plc.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel - 9 month FTC in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Know-How:In the legal services world, it's all about demonstrating your understanding of relevant laws and regulations. Make sure your CV highlights your legal training, internships, or any relevant projects you've worked on. If you've done any mooting or legal research, include those too - they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Application for the Temp Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should stress your adaptability and readiness to jump in right away. Highlight any previous temp roles where you quickly got up to speed, or any diverse experiences that show you can handle a variety of cases or tasks with ease.
Keep it Specific with Your Documents:Make sure your application includes essential legal documents, such as any relevant certifications or memberships in legal bodies. These can add credibility to your CV and show that you're serious about the profession – especially useful in a competitive field like law!
Express Your Enthusiasm in the Cover Letter:Your cover letter is a golden opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Let them know why you’re excited about this temporary position with SThree Plc and how you're motivated to contribute to their success during your limited time with them!
How to prepare for a job interview at SThree Plc
✨Show Off Your Legal Know-How
Prepare to discuss your understanding of legal terminology and concepts that might come up during the interview for the Legal Counsel - 9 month FTC role at SThree Plc. Brush up on relevant laws or recent cases that could be pertinent to the temporary position, as they'll likely appreciate candidates who can think on their feet and adapt to the fast-paced legal environment.
✨Talk About Your Flexibility
Since this is a temporary role, employers want to know you can hit the ground running. Be ready to highlight past experiences where you've had to quickly adapt to new tasks or work cultures. Flexibility is key in a short-term position like this, so share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage changing priorities efficiently.
✨Prepare for the Casework Challenge
You might face hypothetical scenarios where you'd have to advise on a legal issue or case. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, as interviewers in the legal sector often expect candidates to walk them through their reasoning step-by-step. This will not only showcase your legal acumen but also demonstrate your communication skills, which are crucial in law.
✨Pitch Your Legal Portfolio
If you have any relevant work samples, such as briefs, contracts, or legal research, this is your chance to shine! Be ready to discuss what you did, what challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This speaks volumes more than just listing your skills; it shows you're proactive and results-oriented, which is essential for a temporary role at SThree Plc.
