Legal Counsel

Leonardo; Basildon; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global high-tech company in Aerospace, Defence and Security is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to join their UK team in Basildon. The successful candidate will provide legal support across various business units, focusing on intellectual property and contract negotiations. This role requires robust analytical skills, commercial awareness, and at least 6 years of post-qualification experience in a commercial legal context.

Qualifications

• At least 6 years PQE in a Commercial Legal Team.
• Experience in Defence, Aviation, Manufacturing or Technology sectors preferred.
• Must achieve full security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal support to business units and programmes.
• Review and draft international agreements.
• Lead contract negotiations and manage claims.

Skills

Commercial Awareness

Analytical Skills

Negotiation Skills

Intellectual Property

Education

Post Qualification Experience (PQE)

Job description

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Leonardo is a global high-tech company and one of the key players in Aerospace, Defence and Security. Headquartered in Italy, our Group has over 45,000 employees, of which 8,500 are with Leonardo UK and based in the UK.

Leonardo UK’s Legal team provide support across the UK business units and divisions covering a diverse range of products and services from high-energy military lasers, to cyber and physical security solutions, through to the design, manufacture and supply of rotary aircraft for commercial, public utility, security and defence applications.

Leonardo UK have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced commercial lawyer to join team of legal professionals supporting our Electronics Division.

Location – Basildon, Southampton or Bristol with occasional travel to other UK sites.

What you’ll do as a Legal Counsel;

Reporting into the Chief Lawyer, and indirectly to VP Legal firstly and Leonardo UK’s General Counsel ultimately, you will provide legal support to designated lines of business, programmes or campaigns;

Providing commercially focused and pragmatic legal advice and services to internal stakeholders (particularly Commercial and Intellectual Property);

Reviewing and drafting a broad range of complex, international agreements with a diverse range of customers, partners and suppliers, including collaboration agreements, terms and conditions of sale and IP licences;

Working collaboratively as a recognised legal expert integrated in a multi-disciplinary team, including liaising with and advising senior management;

Actively contributing to direct contract negotiations, ensuring robust protection for the company while supporting business winning and retention;

Supporting tender activities;

Assess, lead, and manage claims and dispute resolution processes;

Providing support and guidance on the protection, exploitation and enforcement of the company's intellectual property rights;

Monitoring and keeping up to date with legislative changes and relevant case law and being responsible for communicating bespoke and practical advice to colleagues both within the Legal team, and to colleagues within the business as applicable;

Leading and assisting with wider business and ad-hoc legal activities as required; and

Deputising for the Chief Lawyer within that division as required.

Key Responsibilities

Leading the provision of legal support to designated lines of business, programmes or campaigns;

Providing commercially focused legal support to designated division(s) and site(s) of Leonardo in the UK.

Contributing to the function development and strategy.

What we need from you:

A strong background in a Commercial Legal Team, with an Intellectual Property focus;

Demonstrated ability to analyse complex legal and regulatory issues, assess risks, and provide practical solutions that align with business goals.

Post Qualification experience (PQE) of at least 6 years.

Familiarity with the defence, aviation, manufacturing, or technology sectors is advantageous;

In-house experience beneficial.

Due to the nature of the role you must be able to achieve full security clearance without caveats, therefore only UK nationals can be considered for this opportunity. For more information and guidance please visit :