Legal Counsel

Legal Counsel – Commercial, Intellectual Property & Compliance

Position Overview

A research-driven technology organization is seeking a Legal Counsel to support its UK-based research, development, and manufacturing operations.

This role focuses on providing practical legal advice on commercial, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance matters. The position is suitable for lawyers from either private practice or in-house backgrounds who demonstrate strong commercial awareness and an interest in working within a technology-intensive environment.

The successful candidate will work closely with business leaders, research teams, and international legal colleagues to ensure legal best practices are consistently applied.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise business units and management on a wide range of commercial and operational legal matters.

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements, including:

  • Non-disclosure agreements

  • Master service and procurement agreements

  • Terms and conditions

  • Research and development agreements

  • Licensing and intellectual property agreements

  • Property-related contracts

• Support statutory and regulatory compliance, including:

  • Anti-bribery and corruption

  • Modern slavery obligations

  • Data protection and privacy

  • Export control and trade compliance

• Deliver training sessions for non-legal staff on compliance and legal risk management topics.

• Collaborate with regional and international legal teams to address cross-border and strategic legal issues.

• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and advise management on emerging risks.

• Provide legal support on ad hoc matters as required by the business.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of internal legal processes and compliance frameworks.

Required Qualifications

• Qualification as a solicitor in the United Kingdom with at least two years of post-qualification experience.

• Experience gained in a reputable law firm with a technology focus and/or in a relevant in-house legal role.

• Strong knowledge of UK commercial law and contract drafting.

• Solid understanding of regulatory compliance, including anti-bribery, data protection, and modern slavery legislation.

• Working knowledge of intellectual property law, particularly patents, copyright, trade secrets, and know-how.

• Ability to explain legal issues clearly in plain, non-technical language.

• Strong drafting skills, including adapting templates and preparing bespoke documents.

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders across multiple functions and regions.

• Commercially focused mindset with strong business awareness.

• Strong academic background.

• Ability to work independently, manage pressure, and make sound professional judgments.

• Excellent organizational, time-management, and prioritization skills.

• Willingness to work primarily on-site and to travel as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in an in-house legal environment.

• Experience handling cross-border transactions.

• Knowledge of employment law and/or property law.

• Familiarity with collaborative research projects involving academic and industrial partners.

• Experience in intellectual property protection, licensing, and dispute management.

• Experience working with government authorities on export control and trade compliance matters.

Personal Attributes

• High level of professionalism and integrity.

• Strong attention to detail.

• Proactive and solution-oriented working style.

• Ability to balance legal risk management with commercial objectives.

• Collaborative and adaptable approach in dynamic environments.