Associate Legal Counsel

JR United Kingdom; Watford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global sportswear brand is seeking an Associate Legal Counsel in Watford. This in-house role involves drafting and negotiating commercial contracts, providing legal advice, and ensuring compliance within the business. The ideal candidate is a qualified lawyer with 2–3 years of PQE and experience in a commercial environment. This is a maternity cover position with potential for extension or permanent placement.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2–3 years PQE (UK or common law jurisdiction).
• Proven ability to independently draft and negotiate contracts.
• Prior in-house experience in a commercial environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements.
• Provide clear legal advice to management and directors.
• Support corporate governance and HR documentation.

Skills

Commercial contract expertise

Strong communication skills

Proactive legal problem solving

Education

Qualified lawyer (UK or common law)

Job description

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Associate Legal Counsel, watford, hertfordshire

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Client:

Location:

watford, hertfordshire, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Views:

2

Posted:

22.08.2025

Expiry Date:

06.10.2025

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Job Description:

Step into a pivotal in-house role with a leading global sportswear brand house, where you will take full ownership of drafting and negotiating commercial contracts and deliver pragmatic legal advice across the UK and European markets.

Working closely with senior leadership, you will manage a variety of matters — from supply and distribution agreements to internal policies and governance — always balancing legal risk with commercial priorities.

If you are a qualified lawyer (UK or common law) with proven commercial contract expertise and a hands-on, business-focused approach, we would like to hear from you.

About the Role

This maternity cover role is for 12 months with potential to extend or go permanent. You will work at the heart of the business, providing strategic and hands-on legal support while ensuring compliance, mitigating risk, and enabling commercial success.

Key Responsibilities

Contract Drafting & Negotiation

• Independently draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements, including distribution, supply, agency, consultancy, sourcing, and service contracts.
• Lead negotiations to secure favourable commercial outcomes.
• Ensure all contracts are legally compliant, commercially viable, and aligned with business strategy.

Legal Advisory & Compliance

• Provide clear, concise legal advice to management and directors across the Group.
• Draft and update internal company policies, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Assess legal risk and recommend commercially practical solutions.

Corporate & HR Support

• Support corporate governance requirements, including maintaining legal records and filings.
• Draft employment-related documentation and advise on non-contentious HR matters.
• Liaise with external counsel where specialist expertise is required.

Operational Support

• Maintain and update the legal contracts database and legal resource library.
• Ensure Group-wide processes and policies are consistently applied.
• Report regularly to the Group CEO and participate in cross-functional meetings

Requirements

• Qualified lawyer with minimum 2–3 years PQE (UK or other common law jurisdiction).
• Proven ability to draft and negotiate contracts from start to completion (not just assist).
• Prior in-house experience in a commercial business environment preferred.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly.
• Commercially astute, proactive, and able to balance legal risk with business needs.
• Organised, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple matters under tight deadlines.

This is an excellent opportunity for a capable, self-sufficient legal professional who enjoys working closely with the business, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and wants the potential to secure a long-term in-house role.