Group Legal Counsel
Department: Law
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Leeds
Description
Sumer is on the lookout for an ambitious, commercially astute Solicitor qualified in England & Wales or Scotland, bringing 3–5 years’ post‑qualification experience from either private practice or an in‑house environment. In this role, you won’t just advise on the law, you’ll help shape business decisions. Working closely with the General Counsel, you’ll be immersed in a wide range of commercial matters, partnering with teams across the organisation to deliver practical, business‑focused solutions. Flexibility is at the heart of this opportunity. Whether you prefer to work from home, split your time, or be based in one of our UK offices, we’ll support a set‑up that works for you. Occasional travel across the UK will give you valuable face‑to‑face time with colleagues and stakeholders. If you’re ready to step into a role where your legal expertise will make a tangible impact—and where flexibility and autonomy are genuinely embraced—this could be the perfect next move. We are happy to consider both full time and part time applicants for this position.
Key Responsibilities
* Advise on commercial, contractual and data protection matters including supporting central procurement, IT, Finance and People & Culture teams and the client facing teams in ‘Hubs’.
* Oversee legal and data protection aspects of outsourcing/offshoring arrangements.
* Advise on legal aspects of group projects and initiatives including consideration of data protection requirements.
* Maintain and develop standard contract templates and guidance including ‘Playbooks’ and guides setting out internal requirements/positions.
* Provide legal input into policies, frameworks and control mechanisms.
* Manage disputes and contentious matters through external counsel.
* Support M&A integration legal workstreams.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
* Qualified Solicitor admitted to practice in England & Wales or Scotland with around 3 to 5 years of post‑qualification commercial law experience.
* Experience reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts including master services/framework agreements with customers, terms of business, engagement letters etc.
* Experience reviewing and negotiating procurement contracts including IT contracts.
* Background advising on AI/technology and data protection‑related legal matters is desirable.
* Excellent drafting, negotiation and commercial advisory skills.
* Strong commercial awareness and ability to align legal advice with business strategy.
* Clear communicator — able to explain complex legal issues to non‑lawyers.
* Self‑starter with strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities
* Excellent attention to detail and written English.
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