Job Description
Job Description – Legal Counsel
Contract Overview
* Duration: 6 months
* Pay Rate: £30.48 per hour
* Working Pattern: 4‑ or 5‑day working week
* Location: London Office – 3 days onsite (hybrid working)
Purpose of the Role
To provide effective legal counsel to assigned business functions, business units, and corporate teams. The Legal Counsel will act as a trusted business partner, supporting contract negotiations, litigation, compliance, and complex legal transactions. The role requires the ability to work independently on substantive legal matters, including licensing and divestment.
Major Accountabilities
Business Partnership & Advisory
* Act as a business partner in all contractual negotiations and statutory compliance activities.
* Provide substantiated legal recommendations to Senior Legal Counsels and the Head of Legal.
* Advise and assist management in decision‑making regarding contract risks and propose solutions.
Contracting & Transactions
* Draft basic transactions and contracts independently.
* Review, negotiate, and assess contractual terms across diverse business activities.
Litigation & Dispute Management
* Manage disputes, litigation matters, and investigations.
* Oversee and monitor the work of external legal counsel and other legal experts.
Compliance & Regulatory
* Support compliance activities, including anti‑trust and regulatory matters.
* Partner and liaise with external local counsel on country‑specific legal issues.
* Ensure reporting of technical complaints, adverse events, or product‑related scenarios within 24 hours of receipt.
* Oversee distribution of marketing samples (where applicable).
Industry Knowledge
* Ideally, possess experience within the life sciences sector.
Policy & Governance
* Participate in the development and implementation of legal policies, guidelines, and processes.
* Ensure alignment with internal standards and external regulations.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
* Quality of case assessments and ability to manage budget for assigned cases.
* Timeliness and accuracy of reporting and communication.
* Contribution to the perception and overall performance of the legal practice (via pulse checks).
* Effective external counsel management and cost efficiency.
* Compliance with regulatory, statutory, and internal governance requirements.
Minimum Requirements
Work Experience
* Demonstrated industry or business exposure.
* Strong operational execution capabilities.
* Comfortable working in ambiguous environments.
* Accountability and ownership of deliverables.
* Project management experience.
* Functional breadth across several legal domains.
Skills & Competencies
* Ability to manage high‑volume, low‑complexity legal tasks.
* Experience as a legal generalist across multiple practice areas.
* Cost‑effective spend management.
* Understanding of core legal and business processes.
* Solid knowledge of legal practices and standards.
* Problem‑solving skills and sound judgement.
* Ability to manage stress and operate effectively under pressure.