At a Glance
- Tasks: Draft and negotiate commercial contracts, advise on IP matters, and support legal processes.
- Company: Globally recognised life sciences business with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a collaborative team environment.
- Other info: Immediate start available for a six-month contract with career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a respected legal team and make a real impact in the life sciences sector.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with experience in commercial law and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 100000 £ per year.
- Senior Legal Counsel — Commercial, Contracts and IP
- North West, UK | Hybrid | 6 Month Fixed Term Contract
- The Company
Our client is a globally recognised, listed business with a workforce of approximately 20,000 people and operations spanning multiple continents.
This is a business of genuine scale and international reach, built on a deep commitment to scientific innovation and improving outcomes for patients worldwide.
The in-house legal function is well-established and well-resourced, operating across a complex global business with high standards and a collaborative culture.
This is legal work that carries real purpose — advancing medicines, protecting food and water safety, and supporting the development of technologies that make a meaningful difference.
The Opportunity
This is a fixed term contract position for an initial period of six months, offering an experienced commercial lawyer the opportunity to join a globally respected in-house legal team in the North West on a hybrid basis.
The role sits within a busy and technically sophisticated legal function, covering a broad commercial portfolio including contracts, intellectual property and related matters.
It is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully from day one within a business that operates to the highest professional standards.
The Role
Working closely with the wider in-house legal team and key business stakeholders, your responsibilities will include:
- Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a broad range of commercial contracts including customer agreements, supplier contracts, framework agreements and service arrangements.
- Advising on intellectual property matters including IP protection, licensing arrangements and brand-related queries.
- Providing commercially focused, practical legal advice to business teams across the organisation.
- Managing ad hoc legal queries and supporting a varied commercial workload across multiple business units.
- Working collaboratively with global legal colleagues on cross-border commercial and IP matters.
- Supporting the continuous improvement of legal processes, templates and precedents within the function.
- Liaising with external counsel where specialist support is required
- The Candidate
To be considered for this role you will need
- To be a qualified solicitor in England and Wales with solid post-qualification experience in commercial law.
- Strong drafting and negotiation skills across a broad range of commercial contract types.
- Experience advising on intellectual property matters, whether from private practice or a previous in-house role.
- The ability to work independently, manage a varied workload and deliver practical advice at pace.
- Strong stakeholder management skills and the confidence to advise business teams at all levels.
- Previous in-house experience or a demonstrable understanding of the in-house environment would be an advantag.
- Life sciences, technology or similarly regulated sector experience would be beneficial but is not essential.
- Immediately available or on a short notice period — this role has a prompt start datte
- Key Attractions
- The opportunity to work within a globally respected, NYSE-listed life sciences business with a genuinely important purpose
- A well-established and collaborative in-house legal team with high professional standards and strong leadership
- Varied, high quality commercial and IP work across a technically sophisticated and internationally operating business
- Hybrid working from a North West base with genuine flexibility
- Competitive salary in the region of £100,000 pro-rated for the duration of the contract
- A six month engagement that offers genuine breadth and the opportunity to make an immediate impact
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Legal Counsel in Nottingham employer: Think Legal Recruitment
Join a leading full-service commercial law firm in Leeds, where you will thrive in a supportive and collaborative environment that prioritises your professional growth. With a strong focus on mentorship and career progression towards partnership, this role offers the unique opportunity to work on high-value development projects while enjoying a vibrant work culture that values innovation and client engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel in Nottingham
✨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 Think Legal Recruitment.
✨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 Think Legal Recruitment 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 Think Legal Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel in Nottingham
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 Think Legal Recruitment and how you're motivated to contribute to their success during your limited time with them!
How to prepare for a job interview at Think Legal Recruitment
✨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 Senior Legal Counsel role at Think Legal Recruitment. 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 Think Legal Recruitment.
