Legal Counsel
Location: Cambridge (Hybrid – 3 days per week in office)
About the Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Legal Counsel to join a growing and dynamic organisation. This role will primarily support commercial contracting activities while also providing legal advice across procurement, supplier arrangements, licensing, research and development, technology transfer, governance, compliance, and strategic business projects.
The successful candidate will work closely with senior stakeholders across the business and gain exposure to a broad range of legal matters, including corporate governance, M&A activity, risk management, and ESG initiatives. While the role is predominantly UK-focused, there may be opportunities to support international operations.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial Legal Support
- Draft, review, negotiate and manage a wide range of commercial agreements, including:
- Supply and procurement contracts
- Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
- Licensing agreements
- Distribution agreements
- Research and development agreements
- Technology transfer agreements
- Participate in negotiations with customers, suppliers and strategic partners.
- Support innovative deal structures, including intellectual property revenue-sharing arrangements, strategic alliances and joint development projects.
- Assist with M&A activities, including confidentiality arrangements, due diligence and document reviews.
Risk Management & Compliance
- Maintain and improve contract management systems, templates and document repositories.
- Monitor legal and regulatory developments and provide guidance on implementation and compliance.
- Support compliance initiatives relating to data protection, anti-money laundering (AML), anti-fraud measures and broader business risk management.
Governance & Company Secretary Support
- Identify opportunities to improve legal processes, systems and efficiencies, including the use of AI and related technologies.
- Support governance activities, including:
- Board and committee administration
- Preparation and review of board papers
- Transaction approval processes
- Corporate policy reviews
- Governance framework development
- Assist with board timetable planning and company secretariat administration.
Essential Requirements
- Qualified Solicitor with 1-5 years PQE in England & Wales or significant experience working in an in-house legal function (e.g. Contracts Manager, Senior Paralegal or similar).
- Demonstrable experience drafting and negotiating commercial contracts.
- Strong commercial awareness and pragmatic approach to risk management.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.