Interim Legal Counsel

Clifton Search; Bradley Stoke; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Part-time option

Job summary

Clifton Search is seeking an interim In-House Lawyer to cover a maternity leave, starting September 2026 for 12 months. You will join an established, friendly legal team and handle drafting, negotiating and advising on commercial agreements, with a focus on pragmatic risk management.

The role requires a qualified solicitor with 2–5 PQE, in-house or equivalent commercial contracts experience, strong commercial acumen, a proactive, solution-focused approach, and excellent organisation.

Qualifications

• Commercial contracts experience, ideally in-house.
• Strong commercial acumen and pragmatism.
• Solution‑focused, proactive attitude.
• Excellent organisational skills with ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.
• Strong relationship-building skills and team spirit.

Responsibilities

• Drafting, negotiating and advising on a variety of commercial agreements.
• Providing legal advice on a range of issues, including cost-effective resolution of contentious matters.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with internal stakeholders and business partners.
• Identifying legal risks and communicating these to the Executive for risk acceptance in accordance with established procedures.
• Advising on operational and related issues and providing pragmatic advice on ongoing ad-hoc queries.
• Assisting in the management of other areas including disputes, employment, approving marketing materials, IP and IT.

Skills

Commercial contracts

Relationship building

Commercial acumen

Proactive attitude

Organisational skills

Education

Solicitor qualification

Job description

Interim In House Lawyer- Maternity leave from September 2026 for 12 months.

As part of an established and brilliantly friendly legal team, responsibilities will include;

• Drafting, negotiating and advising on a variety of commercial agreements.

• Providing legal advice on a range of issues, including but not limited to the cost-effective resolution of contentious matters.

• Building and maintaining strong relationships with internal stakeholders and business partners.

• Identifying legal risks and communicating these to the Executive for risk acceptance in accordance with established procedures.

• Advising on operational and related issues and providing pragmatic advice on ongoing ad-hoc queries.

• Assisting in the management of other areas including disputes, employment, approving marketing materials, IP and IT

Background required

A qualified solicitor with 2-5 years post-qualification experience;

• Commercial contracts experience, ideally in- house;

• Strong commercial acumen and pragmatism;

• A solution focused approach;

• A highly pro-active attitude

• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks, take initiative and produce work to tight deadlines while maintaining attention to detail;

• Strong relationship building skills ad someone who loves to work in great teams.

We would be happy to consider lawyers at a more senior level if there is flexibility on salary expectations.

Hybrid working pattern 2 days office per week required.

We are also open to part-time 3/4 days.