Legal Counsel EMEA

Legal Counsel EMEA

UK Head Office in Midlands with Flexible and Agile Working 

Our client has instructed us on a genuinely rare role, where you will be truly embedded at the heart of this market-leading, international scientific / engineering business. Working alongside two other experienced Legal Counsel for EMEA (one of whom is based in the UK, the other in mainland Europe) you will report into the VP (also in mainland Europe) but can expect autonomy and the ability to influence across the business. 

You will not just be expected to bring your legal skills but will act as a guide and mentor and be a part of the business journey, working closely and proactively with teams, winning and deciding which new business streams to progress. The VP takes a hands off approach and there will be no micro management so this role would likely suit someone with around 3+PQE (although our client is open minded to those with more or less PQE if experience and personality is a good fit).

Our client wants someone to be part of team meetings with scientists, engineers and sales. You will of course be responsible for drafting a number of commercial contracts (IT contract experience is a bonus although not essential) and work with specialist IP / patent experts but your role is to understand the direction of the business, flag up concerns in proposed deals, give your input on strategy, value and the general purpose of the company. 

On the legal / contracts side you will work on a mix of sales related (sales contracts within the EMEA region) and supply centre contracts (R&D, working with IP specialists on certain clauses or agreements). On the commercial / business engagement side you will operate strategically at sector director level to determine where the business wants to go (offices, footprint, restructuring, procurement, export control etc). You will be the link between IP/patents and R&D and Legal. You will have responsibility and discretion to manage law firm outsourcing when you need external, specialist assistance.

Many lawyers look to go in-house because they want to feel closer to their 'client' - if you are a lawyer who really wants to work at the heart of a business and shape deals, this is the business and role for you. First and foremost you will be a "Business Enablement Partner" to this business although you will fall back on your experience and knowledge as a lawyer in order to do so.

In terms of character, you will work with all sorts of scientists and engineers (PhDs, medics, techies) as well as commercial sales colleagues so someone with a robust and confident personality with an analytical brain would suit this business. You must feel comfortable with autonomy and have the ability to make key decisions.

Location-wise, this company is part of a plc which has international reach. The UK Head Office is in the Midlands and there is the opportunity to be office or part office based for anyone who would like this. Alternatively, the role could be home based. There is flexibility around the individual. Where you work and your PQE is much less important to our client than your ability to understand the business and work well with colleagues - from scientists to sales.

This really is an exciting opportunity where you can develop your business and commercial skills as well as legal. Applications are welcome from lawyers with in house or private practice experience (although some in house experience would be preferred).

Competitive salary and benefits package on offer.