Legal Counsel – Principal Lawyer – Leonardo UK
Join Leonardo’s Legal team as a Principal Lawyer supporting our Electronics Division and UK business units across high‑energy military lasers, cyber and physical security solutions, and rotary aircraft design, manufacture and supply.
Your Impact
Provide commercially focused, pragmatic legal advice to internal stakeholders, draft complex international agreements, support business negotiations, manage claims, protect intellectual property, monitor legislative changes, and deputise for the Chief Lawyer as needed.
What You’ll Do
* Provide legal support to designated lines of business, programmes or campaigns.
* Advisory on commercial and intellectual property matters.
* Draft and review complex commercial agreements and IP licences.
* Support direct contract negotiations and tender activities.
* Manage claims and dispute resolution processes.
* Monitor legislative changes and communicate practical advice.
* Assist with wider legal activities and deputise for the division Chief Lawyer.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead provision of legal support to designated lines of business.
* Deliver commercially focused legal support to UK Leonardo divisions.
* Contribute to function development and strategy.
Qualifications
* Qualified English or Welsh Solicitor or Barrister with a current practising certificate and at least 7 years post‑qualification experience.
* Solid background in commercial and contract law with experience in Intellectual Property.
* Ability to analyse complex legal and regulatory issues and provide practical solutions aligned with business goals.
Desirable Criteria
* Familiarity with the defence, aviation, manufacturing, or technology sectors.
* In‑house experience.
Security Clearance
Only UK nationals are considered for this role. Candidates must achieve full security clearance without caveats.
Benefits
* Generous leave plus up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
* Employer‑contributable pension scheme up to 15%.
* Free mental health support, financial advice, and employees’ networks.
* Bonus scheme for employees at management level and below.
* Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
* Referral programme.
* £500 annual flexible benefits spend.
* Hybrid working with flexible hours.
Primary Location
Basildon, GB
Additional Locations
Bristol – Coldharbour Lane; Luton – Cap. Green 300; Southampton – Yeovil – Lysander Rd.
Contract Type
Permanent – Full‑time
Hybrid Working
Hybrid
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