Lead Legal Counsel (US)

Page Executive; Remote; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm in the United Kingdom is seeking a US Lead Legal Counsel to manage legal compliance and contract negotiations. This position, lasting approximately six months, offers competitive hourly pay equivalent to an annual salary of $200,000-$250,000. The ideal candidate will have more than 10 years of legal experience, including in-house work, and possess a state bar admission in the US. This role requires managing a small global legal team and advising senior leadership on legal matters. Exceptional communication and collaboration skills are essential.

Benefits

Competitive hourly pay

Collaborative work environment

Direct contact with senior leadership

Qualifications

• Candidates must be based in the US and authorized to work indefinitely.
• Understanding of industrial/manufacturing legal matters required.
• Ability to travel occasionally for team meetings.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel on compliance and risk management.
• Draft and negotiate large, complex contracts.
• Advise senior leadership on legal strategies.
• Manage a small global legal team.

Skills

State bar admission in the US

10+ years legal experience

In-house legal work experience

Line management experience

Expertise in global contracts

Compliance and risk management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Negotiation abilities

Collaborative approach

Job description

• Remote Lead US Legal Counsel working with the senior leadership team.
• Listed company, leading a small global legal team.

About Our Client

Listed on the London Stock Exchange, successful industrial/ manufacturing business with true global footprint. Well‑known and well‑respected organization looking to appoint an interim for c. six months whilst they recruit a permanent US Lead Legal Counsel (open to temporary to permanent conversion). The organization is well recognized for their extensive market presence and commitment to delivering high‑quality products and services.

Job Description

The US Lead Legal Counsel will handle varied matters:

• Provide expert legal counsel on various industrial/ manufacturing legal, compliance and risk management matters.
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and agreements to protect the company's interests – oversee the contracts team and assist with large, complex, enterprise contracts.
• Advise senior leadership and the US Managing Director on risk management strategies and effective solutions.
• Collaborate with internal departments to address legal concerns and provide guidance.
• Manage legal disputes, including litigation and arbitration, if necessary.
• Manage a small global legal team, providing mentoring, training and support to staff on legal and compliance matters.

Page Executive is the specialist search arm to PageGroup/ Michael Page International, other brands include Michael Page, Page Personnel and Page Outsourcing. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, we have local specialist search consultants in 36 countries worldwide. Founded in 1976, originally focusing on Financial Services, we now recruit across multiple practice groups with legal and professional services search consultants worldwide.

Candidates must be based in the US and able to work on Eastern Time, occasional travel to the office for key leadership team meetings, must have US work authorization now and indefinitely.

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.

The Successful Applicant

The US Lead Legal Counsel will have demonstrable skills:

• State bar (flexible on which state), admitted in good standing to practice in the US.
• 10+ years legal experience, some of which needs to be in‑house legal work in the industrial/ manufacturing or other highly regulated technical, industry.
• Prior line management experience.
• Proven expertise in handling complex global contracts, compliance, and risk management.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.
• Highly collaborative approach.
• The ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, large organization environment.

What's on Offer

The US Lead Legal Counsel will benefit from:

• Competitive hourly pay (permanent base salary equivalent is between $200,000-$250,000 USD, rate depends on relevant experience and qualifications).
• Estimated six month contract (covering this role whilst the organization hires a permanent US Lead Legal Counsel – they are open to the interim converting to permanent employee).
• Direct contact and work with the US senior leadership team.
• Highly supportive and collaborative work environment.

If you are available for a January 2026 start we encourage you to apply – interviews commence mid December 2025!