Requirements
* You’ll be a qualified solicitor in England & Wales with experience in one or more of the following areas: engineering/design, consultancy, construction, energy or broader projects work—whether from private practice or an in‑house role
* Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders, challenge constructively and navigate complex delivery environments
* An appetite to understand the wider business context, including strategy, delivery pressures and commercial drivers—not just contractual documentation
* Innovative, solution‑oriented, organised, and proactive
* You think creatively, spot opportunities, and bring new ideas into how we deliver legal support
* Collaborative and aligned with O‑Shaped behaviours
* And above all: you connect with our purpose to engineer a better future for the planet and its people
What the job involves
* AtkinsRéalis is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to support its Nuclear EMEA and Technology & Environmental Remediation businesses, advising on complex nuclear projects across the nuclear fuel cycle, including delivery through joint ventures, alliances and strategic partnerships
* This is an exciting role supporting major projects in a highly regulated, technically complex environment. Although preferred, prior nuclear sector experience is not required; strong experience in construction, engineering or infrastructure is essential
* Reporting to the Legal Director, you will act as a trusted legal business partner to project, commercial and business leaders, providing pragmatic, outcome‑focused advice that supports safe, compliant and successful project delivery
* As part of a close knit Nuclear EMEA legal team, you will be part of AtkinsRéalis’ Global Nuclear Sector and a global legal function of over 100 lawyers offering strong collaboration, technical depth and opportunities for career development
* The role aligns with the O‑Shaped Lawyer philosophy, combining technical excellence with collaboration, accountability, trust and impact
* Support complex nuclear projects across their full lifecycle, with a strong emphasis on win‑work and bid support
* Review, draft and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts, including professional services agreements and subcontracts. Familiarity with market‑standard forms such as NEC, FIDIC and JCT
* Lead or support joint venture, consortium and alliance arrangements, including drafting and negotiating JV and shareholder agreements
* Provide practical legal advice on risk allocation, incentivisation, liability, insurance, performance security and project governance in a regulated environment
* Support dispute management and resolution where required, working closely with internal teams, external counsel and insurers, with a focus on early resolution and dispute avoidance
* Provide pragmatic guidance on procurement, competition, intellectual property, governance and broader risk management issues affecting projects
* Experience with export control, sanctions, M&A or broader corporate transactions is desirable but not essential
* De‑risk the business through targeted legal support and training, including practical briefings, guidance and lessons learned for commercial and project teams
* Build strong working relationships with commercial, technical and project stakeholders across Nuclear EMEA and Technology
* Work autonomously on complex matters while supporting and developing trainee and junior lawyers through effective delegation, guidance and feedback
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