Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Review and negotiate commercial contracts while supporting various university departments.
- Company: Leading higher education institution with a collaborative legal team.
- Benefits: Unique in-house role with mentoring, professional development, and exposure to high-profile projects.
- Why this job: Gain valuable in-house experience and make an impact in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Newly qualified solicitor with experience in commercial contracts and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all qualified candidates.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
W&P Partners are working exclusively on behalf of a leading higher education institution seeking to appoint a newly qualified Commercial Legal Counsel. This is an excellent opportunity for a junior lawyer to gain high-quality in-house experience in a supportive and collaborative legal team environment.
Reporting to the General Counsel the successful candidate will support on a wide range of commercial contracts and legal matters across the University’s operations. This role will involve direct engagement with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring contracts are effectively reviewed, negotiated, and managed, while maintaining compliance with financial and governance frameworks.
Key Responsibilities
- Review, draft, negotiate, and advise on a wide variety of commercial contracts, including academic partnership agreements, research collaborations, IT/software contracts, licensing agreements, consultancy arrangements, and procurement documentation.
- Manage a personal portfolio of contracts from instruction through to execution, under supervision.
- Provide legal support across departments including Research & Enterprise, Apprenticeships, Marketing, International Office, and IT.
- Identify and mitigate contractual and practical risks.
- Liaise with internal clients and external partners to ensure information is accurate and complete.
- Assist with contract administration, including maintaining registers, filing, and ensuring proper authorisation and execution procedures are followed.
- Support the Head of Legal Services and Senior Legal Counsel with wider team initiatives and administrative duties.
About You
We are seeking applications from newly qualified solicitors (NQ–1PQE) or equivalent, who have trained in a law firm or in-house environment and can demonstrate strong skills in commercial contracts.
Essential skills and experience:
- Experience in drafting, reviewing, and advising on contracts during training or post-qualification.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present clear advice and negotiate effectively.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and manage competing deadlines.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word.
- A collaborative team player with a proactive, can-do attitude and a willingness to learn.
What’s on Offer
- A unique in-house role offering exposure to a wide variety of commercial legal work.
- Direct supervision and mentoring from senior legal counsel.
- The chance to contribute to high-profile projects across research, partnerships, and international initiatives.
- A collegiate and supportive working environment where professional development is encouraged.
W&P Partners Recruitment is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates.
Legal Counsel - Newly Qualified employer: W&P Partners Recruitment
Contact Detail:
W&P Partners Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel - Newly Qualified
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, attend industry events, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the institution and its legal challenges. Tailor your answers to show how your skills in commercial contracts can specifically benefit them. We want to see that you’re not just another candidate but someone who’s genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves a lot of contract work, being able to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively during interviews can set you apart. Role-play with friends or mentors to build confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget 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 take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel - Newly Qualified
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your experience with commercial contracts and any relevant projects you've worked on during your training.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit for the team. Don’t forget to mention your collaborative spirit!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear and concise. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically to demonstrate your ability to present clear advice.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at W&P Partners Recruitment
✨Know Your Contracts
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of commercial contracts. Familiarise yourself with different types of agreements like academic partnerships and IT contracts. Being able to discuss specific examples will show your understanding and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves liaising with various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated legal advice in the past, and be ready to demonstrate your negotiation skills through role-play or hypothetical scenarios.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
Highlight your ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines. Bring examples of how you've prioritised work during your training or previous roles. This will reassure the interviewers that you can handle the demands of managing a personal portfolio of contracts.
✨Emphasise Your Team Spirit
This position requires collaboration within a supportive legal team. Be prepared to share experiences where you've worked well in a team setting. Show your proactive attitude and willingness to learn from others, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.