At a Glance
- Tasks: Support global operations with commercial contracts and legal advice in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Fast-growing international organisation in life sciences and regulated manufacturing.
- Benefits: Part-time, fully remote work with genuine flexibility and meaningful autonomy.
- Other info: Opportunity for high-impact work in a values-driven, growth-focused environment.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative culture and act as a trusted deputy to senior legal leadership.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 3-5 years' experience in commercial contracts and legal operations.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
An international, fast‑growing organisation operating in the life sciences and regulated manufacturing space is looking to appoint a Senior Legal Counsel to support its global operations. This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded lawyer who enjoys working closely with the business, managing contracts end‑to‑end, and acting as a trusted legal partner in a dynamic environment. The role reports into the Global Head of Legal and operates with a high degree of autonomy.
As Senior Legal Counsel, you will support legal activity across international CRO and CDMO operations, with a strong focus on commercial contracting, legal operations, and corporate governance. You will act as the day‑to‑day operational deputy to the Global Head of Legal, managing business‑as‑usual legal matters independently.
Key responsibilities include:
- Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a wide range of commercial agreements, including customer CDMO contracts, supply agreements, services agreements and NDAs
- Providing pragmatic, commercially focused legal advice to stakeholders across commercial, procurement, operations, HR and finance
- Supporting corporate governance and company secretarial matters across multiple group entities, including board materials and statutory filings
- Coordinating and managing external counsel where required, with a focus on quality and cost control
- Supporting and improving legal processes, including contract templates, governance frameworks and contract lifecycle management systems
- Assisting with legal reporting, risk tracking and maintaining continuity of legal support during periods of senior leadership absence
About you
You’ll be confident operating independently, comfortable prioritising competing demands, and able to balance legal risk with commercial reality. You will likely bring:
- Qualification as a solicitor in England & Wales (or equivalent)
- 3–5 years’ post‑qualification experience
- Proven experience drafting, negotiating and closing commercial contracts with minimal supervision
- In‑house experience is preferred, though strong private practice lawyers with a commercial mindset will be considered
- Exposure to life sciences, pharmaceuticals, animal health or another regulated manufacturing environment is an advantage
- Familiarity with contract lifecycle management tools and legal tech (including AI‑enabled platforms) is desirable
- Experience supporting corporate governance or group entity management is beneficial
- Experience in a PE‑backed or high‑growth business environment
Why Apply
- Part‑time role (3 days per week) with genuine flexibility
- Fully remote working
- High‑impact position with meaningful autonomy
- Opportunity to act as a trusted deputy to senior legal leadership
- Collaborative, values‑driven culture with a strong commercial focus
If you’re a pragmatic, commercially astute lawyer looking for a flexible role with real responsibility, we’d love to hear from you.
Senior Legal Counsel - Part Time in Portsmouth employer: Taylor Root
Contact Detail:
Taylor Root Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel - Part Time in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience in life sciences or regulated environments. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your commercial contracting knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed contracts end-to-end and provided legal advice in a business context. We want to see your practical experience shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your adaptability! Highlight experiences where you've balanced legal risks with commercial realities. This role requires a dynamic approach, so let us know how you've thrived in fast-paced environments before.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel - Part Time in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Senior Legal Counsel role. Highlight your experience in drafting and negotiating commercial contracts, as well as any relevant in-house or regulated environment experience.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your commercial mindset and how you can support legal operations effectively while working independently.
Showcase Your Autonomy: Since this role requires a high degree of autonomy, be sure to include examples of when you've successfully managed legal matters independently. This will demonstrate your ability to balance legal risk with commercial reality.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Taylor Root
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of commercial contracts and legal operations. Familiarise yourself with the specific types of agreements mentioned in the job description, like CDMO contracts and NDAs. This will show that you're not just a lawyer, but one who understands the nuances of the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in drafting and negotiating contracts. Have specific examples ready that highlight your ability to manage legal matters independently and how you've balanced legal risks with commercial realities in past roles.
✨Understand the Business
Research the life sciences and regulated manufacturing sectors. Being able to speak knowledgeably about the industry will demonstrate your commercial mindset and help you connect your legal expertise to the company's needs.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the company’s operations. Inquire about their current legal challenges or how they envision the Senior Legal Counsel supporting their growth. This shows your genuine interest and strategic thinking.