At a Glance
- Tasks: Support complex commercial and procurement activities in a dynamic legal environment.
- Company: Join Virgin Media O2, a leader in telecommunications and media.
- Benefits: Enjoy Bupa healthcare, generous holiday, and exclusive perks like discounts and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make an impact on high-profile projects while developing your legal skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with experience in corporate and commercial matters.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
Location: London, Reading
Job Family: Corporate Functions
Job Type: Full Time
Posted Date: 12-May-2026
Reference #: 73639
Role Overview
As Legal Counsel FTC within our General Counsel’s Office, you will join the Legal Procurement Team during a period of significant transformation, supporting complex commercial and procurement activity that underpins some of the business’s highest‑profile and future‑facing initiatives. This is a 12‑month fixed‑term opportunity, with scope for extension, offering exposure to major programmes across O2 Business and the wider organisation. Reporting to a Senior Legal Counsel or Head of Legal, you will provide pragmatic, commercially focused legal support across a broad range of procurement and transactional matters. You will work closely with stakeholders across Virgin Media O2, shareholders and external advisers, helping to get deals done and supporting their successful implementation in a fast‑moving, regulated environment. The role combines technical legal delivery with strong stakeholder engagement, requiring confidence in advising and presenting to mid and senior audiences, managing multiple workstreams and contributing positively to a collaborative, high‑performing legal team.
Qualifications
- Junior commercial lawyer (qualified solicitor or barrister) with a number of years’ experience of corporate and commercial matters.
- Agile communicator with excellent drafting skills, able to communicate points constructively and succinctly in writing and orally, adapting style to relevant stakeholders.
- Experience drafting, negotiating, interpreting and advising on transaction documents and complex commercial arrangements (e.g., Master Service Agreements).
- Strong organisational skills, recognising the need to build relationships across functions to manage multiple workstreams with tight deadlines.
- Comfortable with change in a complex, fast‑moving commercial environment and competent in coping with uncertainty and risk, able to provide recommendations on short timescales.
- Team player with a willingness to get stuck in and help drive projects to a successful conclusion.
- Resilient with the ability to handle a large volume of work under (occasionally) severe time pressures.
Nice To Haves
- Knowledge of corporate governance principles, including joint venture considerations.
- Financial literacy and understanding of key commercial drivers and performance indicators.
- Interest in the telecommunications, media or technology sector.
- Experience working within regulated or highly complex commercial environments.
Benefits
Bupa healthcare, wellbeing support, life cover, a pension and generous holiday – plus your birthday off. Additional perks include optional electric vehicle lease and Cycle2Work schemes, dental insurance, neurodiversity assessments and discounts on broadband, TV and mobile. You’ll also gain access to the Virgin Family platform and the O₂ Priority app, with exclusive rewards, experiences and opportunities to attend events.
EEO Statement
Virgin Media O₂ is an equal opportunities employer and we work hard to remove bias and barriers.
Legal Counsel - 12 Month FTC in Reading employer: Virgin Media O2
At Virgin Media O2, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London and Reading that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Legal Counsel, you will benefit from comprehensive healthcare, generous holiday allowances, and unique perks like electric vehicle leasing and exclusive rewards through the Virgin Family platform. Our commitment to employee growth and a supportive culture ensures that you will thrive while contributing to high-profile initiatives in a fast-paced, regulated sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel - 12 Month FTC in Reading
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the legal field! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help land that dream job.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching the company and understanding their values and recent projects. Practice common interview questions and think about how your experience aligns with the role. Remember, we want to see your personality shine through, so be confident and authentic!
✨Follow Up
After your interview, don’t forget to send a thank-you email! It shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. A little follow-up can go a long way in making a positive impression, so let’s keep that communication going!
✨Apply Through Our Website
When you find a role that excites you, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand!
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel - 12 Month FTC in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Legal Counsel role. Highlight your experience in corporate and commercial matters, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects that showcase your drafting and negotiation skills.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role requires agile communication, ensure your written application reflects your ability to convey complex legal concepts clearly and succinctly. Use straightforward language and structure your application logically to make it easy for us to follow.
Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement:In your application, give examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders in previous roles. This could be through managing multiple workstreams or collaborating on projects, so we can see your team player attitude in action!
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’re considered for this exciting opportunity within our General Counsel’s Office.
How to prepare for a job interview at Virgin Media O2
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of corporate and commercial law, especially around procurement and transactional matters. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your understanding of complex agreements like Master Service Agreements.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a legal counsel, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and succinctly, both in writing and verbally. Consider preparing a few scenarios where you've successfully advised or presented to senior audiences.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Be prepared to talk about how you manage multiple workstreams under tight deadlines. Share specific strategies you use to stay organised and ensure that you can handle the pressures of a fast-moving environment.
✨Embrace Change and Uncertainty
This role requires resilience and adaptability. Think of examples where you've successfully navigated change or uncertainty in your previous roles. Highlight how you provided recommendations under pressure and contributed positively to team projects.
