Legal Advisor in Leeds

WSP is recruiting an experienced solicitor to support the Earth and Environment businesses and manage legal and commercial risks associated with engineering consultancy contracts. The role involves providing commercially oriented legal advice, advising on contracting arrangements, and supporting the firm’s growth within the environmental and earth services sectors—including mining.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Earth and Environment business teams to embed a culture of contractual and commercial risk management, mitigation and regulatory compliance.
• Review, negotiate and manage contractual documentation relevant to earth, mining and related sectors, such as consultancy agreements, project contracts, joint venture and teaming agreements, framework agreements, collateral warranties, deeds of novation, reliance letters, non‑disclosure agreements, letters of intent and sub-consultancy agreements.
• Carry out legal reviews aimed at minimising any impact on WSP’s working capital and proactively seek timely conclusions of contract negotiations.
• Maintain corporate governance in relation to contract reviews and approvals for bids and contracts.
• Provide advice and guidance on the tender process and bid documentation to identify and address risk and promote competition.
• Support and advise the business in the contract delivery phase to maximise revenue and minimise risk.
• Liaise with internal business disciplines, bid teams, commercial and operations directors and other support functions including the finance team.
• Update the business on relevant legal developments within the environmental and earth‑related space and deliver legal training where appropriate.
• Contribute to the dissemination of legal “know‑how” within the WSP UK Legal team and provide lessons‑learnt feedback to the wider business.

Qualifications

• Solicitor qualified in England & Wales; post‑qualification experience in reviewing and advising on a wide range of contractual matters within the engineering and construction sector.
• Preferable to have been in‑house at an engineering consultancy or contractor; experience of complex contracting arrangements such as joint ventures.
• Degree‑level education or equivalent.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work autonomously under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Proactive approach with the ability to prioritise between competing business demands.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills.

Benefits

• Work‑life balance – hybrid working with the flexibility to work from home two days a week and collaborate in modern offices across the UK.
• Inclusivity & belonging – a culture that welcomes diverse backgrounds and encourages employees to bring their authentic selves to work.
• Health & wellbeing – access to NHS or Irish Medical Council GP services, reasonable workplace adjustments, and a comprehensive menopause support package.
• Flexible leave options, “WSP My Hour” for personal time, and part‑time arrangements to support work‑life harmony.

We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. If you require any workplace adjustments, please let us know so we can accommodate you during the application process.