Legal Counsel (Corporate & Commercial) - 10 month FTC

Overview

Legal Counsel (Corporate & Commercial) - 10 month FTC

We are seeking a commercially minded legal professional to join our client as a Company Solicitor on a 9-10 month fixed-term contract . This role sits at the heart of the Corporate Centre, providing expert corporate and commercial legal advice, alongside company secretarial support, to the Executive Committee, Group Boards, and Shareholders.

Key responsibilities

• Providing corporate and commercial legal advice to the Corporate Centre, Executive Committee, Boards, and UK specialist functions
• Supporting strategic legal projects, including entity reorganisations, group restructurings, and tax planning
• Delivering company secretarial and governance support to key legal entities, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory obligations
• Advising on shareholder matters, including delegation frameworks and internal governance requirements
• Supporting the implementation of legislative changes (e.g. Companies Act, ECCTA) and ensuring corporate documentation aligns with requirements
• Advising on treasury and tax matters, including facility agreements, intra-group funding, and related collateral arrangements
• Managing contractual risk, advising on commercial matters, and escalating issues appropriately
• Representing the Corporate Centre in senior legal discussions and supporting key stakeholder relationships
• Leading on the protection and strategy for the group's intellectual property assets
• Overseeing legal and governance policies owned by the General Counsel
• Supporting the Company Secretariat team with legal advice, constitutional documentation, and statutory filings

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for a qualified solicitor (UK or other jurisdiction) with a strong grounding in corporate law and commercial contracts. You’ll bring sound judgement, a commercial mindset, and the confidence to advise senior stakeholders on complex legal matters. Corporate and/or commercial experience in private practice or in-house is required.

You may have extensive experience in company, corporate, or commercial matters, or be seeking a development opportunity. The client is open to level of hire and experience, provided relevant corporate/commercial experience is present.

Key skills and experience

• Track record of delivering practical, business-focused legal advice while balancing legal risk with commercial outcomes
• Working knowledge of regulatory frameworks including UK GDPR, Competition Law, and Anti-Bribery legislation
• Understanding of good corporate governance and its role in decision-making
• Ability to work cross-functionally and build relationships across jurisdictions and senior levels
• Experience in complex, matrixed environments with competing priorities
• Excellent communication, analytical, and influencing skills
• Collaborative and proactive approach, with willingness to support wider team projects and understand the public transport sector
• Confidence managing external advisers and interfacing with internal commercial teams

Working arrangements

Hybrid - 3 days a week in the office preferred, with flexibility for other arrangements as long as some office presence is achievable weekly.

Location

Based in the Sunderland office or London, full-time, Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week with one hour lunch each day.

Salary

Highly dependent on PQE level and experience. Salary banding can be discussed upon application; the quoted banding is a guide.

Start date

ASAP. Availability at short notice (maximum 1 month notice) is required to progress in the application.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Contract

Job function

• Legal

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