At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice on diverse matters across multiple jurisdictions.
- Company: Join Wood, a global leader in engineering and advisory solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and generous leave.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team with global connections and growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact on meaningful projects in energy transition.
- Qualifications: NQ to 3 PQE solicitor with strong legal skills.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a NQ to 3 PQE solicitor to join Wood’s award winning Eastern Hemisphere Legal team in the role of Legal Counsel. This is a 12 month fixed term contract position from October or November 2026 and is based in our Reading or Aberdeen office with hybrid working.
The Role
This role is responsible for the delivery of precise, commercial, timely and cost effective legal advice in respect of any matter which has potential or actual legal or reputational implications, supporting Wood’s legal needs across the UK & Europe, Middle East, Africa and CIS, and APAC regions to achieve their short and long term strategic priorities through the effective management of legal risk and cost. This is a truly international role within a high performing and collegiate team.
The role can cover a broad spectrum of specialist areas of law on a multi-jurisdictional basis (including litigation/disputes, contract/project support including (EPC/EPCm), joint ventures, employment law, real estate, company establishment, and compliance matters).
Our Clients and Projects
Wood delivers solutions across more than 60 countries with local offices covering all major energy and materials hubs globally. For more than 160 years, we have partnered with clients to deliver engineering, advisory and operational solutions to some of the world’s most complex and critical challenges in energy and materials.
What we can offer
- Meaningful and interesting projects; we support green hydrogen and fuel switching, as well as supporting local clients with energy transition.
- Flexible working arrangements that balance client, team and individual needs offering hybrid working arrangements.
- Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion; we are an organisation actively committed to diversity and inclusion across our business with employee networks committed to giving all employees a voice.
- Competitive salary with regular salary reviews to ensure we are rewarding at the right level in line with the market.
- Flexible benefits package; inclusive of 33 days annual leave (including public holidays), generous contributory pension scheme, private medical cover, 4x base salary life insurance; all of these and more that can be adapted to suit your own lifestyle.
- Commitment to continued professional development; development plans that are tailored to your individual needs and interests.
- Global connections; join experts around the world who are at the leading edge of our industry, shaping the standards of our profession.
Legal Counsel - 12 month contract employer: Wood
Wood is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises safety and reliability while providing hands-on experience in mechanical systems. With a commitment to employee growth and development, team members benefit from a supportive environment and opportunities to advance their careers within a global consulting and engineering firm. Located in the United Kingdom, employees enjoy a balanced 2/3 rota schedule, allowing for both professional fulfilment and personal time.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel - 12 month contract
✨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 Wood.
✨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 Wood 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 Wood.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel - 12 month contract
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 Wood and how you're motivated to contribute to their success during your limited time with them!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wood
✨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 - 12 month contract role at Wood. 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 Wood.
