Internal Legal Counsel

Quell; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Quell, a British defence and security AI tech start-up, is seeking an Internal Legal Counsel to shape the company’s legal function and support fast growth near Cambridge. You will advise across commercial, regulatory, IP and data protection matters, working closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.

Ideal candidates bring in-house or top-tier experience, strong commercial instinct, and the ability to provide pragmatic, risk-aware guidance in a rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales with post-qualification experience.
• In-house or top-tier firm experience preferred.
• Strong drafting and negotiation of commercial contracts.
• Knowledge of technology law, IP, data protection and licensing.

Responsibilities

• Provide practical, commercially focused legal advice to the business across a wide range of matters.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and manage commercial agreements, including customer, supplier, partnership, licensing, SaaS, and confidentiality agreements.
• Advise on legal issues relating to AI technologies, software licensing, data protection, privacy, IP, and emerging regulatory frameworks.
• Support the business on corporate governance, compliance, and risk management matters.
• Monitor developments in UK and international legislation relevant to AI and technology businesses, advising stakeholders on potential impacts.
• Work with external legal advisers where specialist support is required.

Skills

Commercial contracts negotiation

Legal advisory

Regulatory compliance

AI governance awareness

Cross-functional collaboration

Risk assessment

Education

Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales

Job description

Quell is a British defence and security AI technology start-up developing solutions to counter drone, vehicle, and human threats across the military, civilian and critical national infrastructure sectors. At Quell, we see legal as a strategic business partner that enables the company to move quickly, responsibly and with confidence.

About the Role

We are seeking a commercially experienced Internal Legal Counsel to join our fast-growing company and help build a legal capability that supports our continued growth. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of artificial intelligence, providing strategic legal guidance across a broad range of commercial, corporate, regulatory and intellectual property matters. We are looking for someone who combines strong legal expertise with sound judgement, commercial awareness, professionalism, emotional intelligence and agility. Based near Cambridge, you will work closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to help shape business decisions, manage risk and ensure legal compliance in a rapidly evolving industry. This is a key role in a scaling organisation, offering the opportunity to have a meaningful impact by helping to shape Quell’s legal function and support the company’s next phase of growth.

Responsibilities

• Provide practical, commercially focused legal advice to the business across a wide range of matters.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and manage commercial agreements, including customer, supplier, partnership, licensing, Software as a Service (SaaS), and confidentiality agreements.
• Advise on legal issues relating to AI technologies, software licensing, data protection, privacy, intellectual property, and emerging regulatory frameworks.
• Support the business on corporate governance, compliance, and risk management matters.
• Monitor developments in UK and international legislation relevant to AI and technology businesses, advising stakeholders on potential impacts.
• Work with external legal advisers where specialist support is required.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales (or equivalent recognised jurisdiction).
• Significant post-qualification experience gained in-house and/or within a leading commercial law firm.
• Strong experience negotiating and drafting commercial contracts.
• Knowledge of technology law, intellectual property, software licensing, and data protection legislation.
• Excellent understanding of commercial risk and the ability to provide pragmatic legal advice.

Required Skills

• Previous experience working within an AI, software, SaaS, or high-growth technology company.
• Familiarity with AI governance, emerging AI regulation, and responsible AI frameworks.
• Experience supporting fundraising, venture capital investment, mergers and acquisitions, or international expansion.
• Knowledge of international commercial contracts and cross-border legal matters.Experience implementing legal operations, contract management systems, or compliance programmes.

Details

• Location: North Uttlesford / Greater Cambridge area, on-site
• Five days a week on-site (ie: this is not a hybrid role)
• Full UK driving licence required. If this isn't held, candidates will need to commit to obtaining within 6 months of their start date
• Applicants must be fully eligible to work in the UK without restriction, time limit, or the need for current or future sponsorship.