Legal Counsel - Real Estate, FTC 12 Month

As Legal Counsel within our Network Expansion team, you will play a key role in supporting the delivery of Virgin Media O2’s ambitious mobile and fixed network rollout. This is a fantastic opportunity to work at the heart of a major transformation programme, contributing to the expansion and upgrade of infrastructure that underpins connectivity across the UK.

Working closely with senior legal colleagues and business stakeholders, you will provide commercially focused legal advice that helps bring complex projects to life. In this role, you will work across a broad range of property and commercial matters, with a strong focus on telecoms infrastructure agreements. From negotiating site acquisitions and renewals to advising on leasehold estates and navigating legal frameworks such as the Electronic Communications Code, you will take ownership of matters and drive them through to completion while building strong relationships across the business.

Who we are: At Virgin Media O₂, we connect people to the moments that matter most. Virgin Media leads the UK for broadband reliability, speed and overall performance, while O₂ keeps people connected on the move with award-winning coverage. We’re also proud to be named one of the Financial Times Top 500 Best Employers for 2026, based on one of the UK’s largest employee satisfaction surveys.

Join us and you’ll be part of a team that stays curious, positive and focused on making life easier for our customers and each other. We’re investing in the future of connectivity, from expanding next-generation 5G to exploring satellite‑supported solutions that help reach rural communities and hard‑to‑connect places. You’ll work with people who back good ideas and give you plenty of room to grow. So if you’re looking for a place where you can feel supported, trusted and genuinely valued, you’ll feel right at home here.

We’re a flexible‑first organisation, because we know people do their best work when they have choice and clarity. To support meaningful collaboration, we ask everyone to spend at least eight days a month connecting with each other in person. That doesn’t just mean time in the office – it could be team meetings, offsites, volunteering days, cross‑functional projects, or away days. What matters is making those moments count – so when we come together, it benefits everyone.

Accessible, inclusive and equitable for all: We believe a better tomorrow starts with the choices we make today. That means moving the dial on diversity, building equity into everything we do and putting inclusion at the heart of our business. Virgin Media O₂ is an equal opportunities employer and we work hard to remove bias and barriers. We want every person who joins us – and everyone thinking about joining us – to feel seen, heard and supported. When you work with us, you’ll have access to our award‑winning employee network groups. These communities bring people together, champion allyship and create uplifting spaces where you can learn, share and feel part of something bigger. They play a big role in helping people feel connected from day one.

The must haves:

• Qualified solicitor or barrister with experience in real estate law
• Strong experience negotiating and drafting commercial agreements
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Proven ability to manage multiple workstreams and competing deadlines
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment, exercising sound judgement

The other stuff we are looking for:

• Experience or interest in telecommunications or mobile infrastructure
• Exposure to the Electronic Communications Code or landlord and tenant law
• Interest in the technology, media and telecoms sector
• Experience working in a regulated or complex commercial environment
• Familiarity with managing external counsel or litigious matters

What's in it for you: We know life isn’t just about work, so our benefits are built to support you in the moments that matter. You’ll get Bupa healthcare, wellbeing support, life cover, a pension and generous holiday – plus your birthday off. And there’s more. Enjoy some extra perks on us, with optional electric vehicle lease and Cycle2Work schemes, dental insurance, neurodiversity assessments, and brilliant discounts on broadband, TV and mobile. You’ll even get access to the Virgin Family platform and the O₂ Priority app, with exclusive rewards, experiences and chances to attend events at The O₂ and beyond.

Next steps: If this feels like a place where you can belong, we’d love to see what you can do. Once you apply, the next steps might include a call with a recruiter, a video interview, an interview with the hiring manager and a task or assessment. We’ll also ask about any adjustments you might need, and we’ll do our best to make them happen. We review applications and interview throughout the advert window, so it’s worth applying sooner rather than later. If you’re offered the role, the offer will be subject to background checks, including a criminal record check and, for some roles, a financial background check.