Senior Legal Counsel - Construction / Commercial
Leeds (Hybrid | 2 days office-based)
Excellent career development | High-quality work | Flexible working options
Are you an experienced Construction Projects or Commercial Contracts Lawyer looking to make a strategic in-house move? Our client is seeking an additional lawyer to join its highly respected in‑house contracts team. A key attribute of this role is the built in career progression for you to move to Head of Department within 18 months.
This is a rare opportunity to step into a genuinely varied and influential role, working in a small, supportive team. If you are seeking a position offering autonomy, visibility with senior leadership, and guaranteed career progression, this could be the ideal next step.
The work is broad, high-quality and commercially engaging, offering exposure to multi-million-pound projects and a wide range of contractual frameworks.
You will be responsible for:
* Reviewing, drafting and negotiating commercial contract terms relating to the organisation's professional consultancy services, ensuring alignment with internal legal risk policies.
* Advising on a wide range of contracts, including bespoke agreements, industry-standard forms (such as NEC PSC), government frameworks and high-value commercial arrangements.
* Providing tender-stage legal input, enabling you to contribute to strategic decision-making and risk assessment.
* Supporting project managers on contract negotiations—particularly where terms are complex or commercially sensitive.
* Advising senior management on legal risk, compliance and operational impacts.
* Reviewing and advising on NDAs and liaising with insurers where required.
* Delivering legal training to project managers and other internal stakeholders.
* Contributing to the development of the team's solicitor apprentice through supervision and mentoring.
* Participating in the exploration of legal AI solutions to support business efficiency and innovation.
This is a role with genuine scope to shape your career trajectory, develop specialist expertise and become a highly valued part of a collaborative in-house function.
About You
* At least 7‑8+ years' PQE in non-contentious construction law or strong in‑house commercial contracting experience.
* Experience advising on professional appointments and consultancy services.
* Strong analytical skills and excellent attention to detail.
* A commercial mindset, with the ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly and pragmatically.
* Confidence in managing multiple projects, balancing competing priorities and working proactively within a small team.
* The ability to build strong relationships across the business, from project managers to senior leadership.
Candidates from a commercial contracts background with a demonstrable interest in construction law, are also encouraged to apply. An interest in legal AI is beneficial but not essential.
Location: Ideally you will live within commuting distance of Leeds and be able to attend the office a couple of times a week. Hybrid working is standard, and flexible working arrangements (including reduced or compressed hours) are available.
Why Apply
* Join a forward-thinking, global organisation committed to innovation and professional excellence.
* Be part of a friendly, growing and diverse in‑house legal team with direct access to senior decision‑makers.
* Enjoy genuinely varied, interesting and high‑impact work across major UK and international projects.
* A strong remuneration package including car allowance and bonus.
* Benefit from a culture that supports development, including clear progression opportunities.
* Enjoy enhanced flexibility, work‑life balance and an inclusive working environment.
If you are a construction law or commercial contracts specialist seeking a rewarding in‑house role with real career development potential, we would love to hear from you.
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