Legal Counsel

  • Smartsearch Recruitment
  • Feb 28, 2026
Full time Legal

Job Description

Legal Counsel

Salary £80,000-£85,000 Hybrid working (Central London)

We're supporting a listed, international manufacturing group in the appointment of a Legal Counsel to join its in-house legal function based in Central London.

This is a broad, hands-on in-house role, offering exposure across general commercial legal work, corporate matters, and governance within a complex, regulated, international environment. The role is well suited to a commercially minded lawyer looking to build strong in-house capability, judgement, and governance experience.

You'll work closely with the Group General Counsel and Company Secretary, as well as senior stakeholders across the business, providing pragmatic legal support and gaining visibility across a wide range of legal and commercial matters.

Key accountabilities
  • Support the Group General Counsel and Company Secretary on legal matters across the group

  • Draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of commercial contracts

  • Provide day-to-day legal support across areas including data protection, IP, and employment-related queries

  • Deliver clear, pragmatic, and commercially focused legal advice to internal stakeholders

  • Support company secretarial activities, including board and committee processes

  • Prepare minutes, resolutions, and statutory filings

  • Assist with governance and regulatory compliance for a UK listed group

  • Support corporate projects, transactions, and strategic initiatives

  • Manage external legal advisers where required

  • Contribute to the ongoing improvement of legal processes, templates, and governance frameworks

Candidate requirements
  • Qualified solicitor (or equivalent)

  • Experience gained in private practice and/or an in-house legal environment

  • Exposure to general commercial legal work

  • Interest in company secretarial matters and corporate governance

  • Strong drafting skills with good attention to detail

  • Confidence engaging with stakeholders at different levels of the organisation

Skills & attributes
  • Practical and commercially minded approach

  • Solutions-focused and adaptable

  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment

  • Able to manage competing priorities and work autonomously when required

  • Strong communication skills with a collaborative, approachable working style

  • Genuine interest in building a long-term in-house legal career

This role offers a strong platform for a Legal Counsel looking to deepen their in-house experience within a supportive, high-quality legal function, with exposure to both commercial and governance matters.

Hybrid working is supported, with 2-3 days per week in the Central London office.

If this sounds aligned with your experience and career goals, we'd welcome your application.

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