Legal Counsel

Acorn Care and Education; Bolton; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading special needs education provider is seeking a Legal Counsel to join their team in Bolton. This role offers a hybrid working model and focuses on drafting and negotiating contracts, corporate governance, and providing legal advice to teams. Ideal candidates are qualified solicitors with 2-5 years of experience in commercial, corporate, or technology law. Enjoy a competitive salary of up to £65,000, alongside a variety of benefits that support work-life balance.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Access to mental health support services

Family growth support

Flexible benefits platform

Cycle to Work Schemes

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Critical illness cover

Qualifications

• 2-5 years’ PQE in commercial, corporate, or technology law.
• Clear communicator with a pragmatic approach.
• Ability to manage multiple matters in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Draft, negotiate and advise on a wide range of commercial contracts.
• Support technology, IP, and software procurement.
• Assist with corporate governance and company secretarial duties.
• Provide pragmatic legal advice to operational and central teams.
• Contribute to compliance, risk management and legal frameworks.

Skills

Contract drafting

Negotiation skills

Commercial awareness

Detail-oriented

Education

Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales)

Job description

At OFG, we’re proud to offer a 4-Day Working Week – a bold step toward giving our teams more time to recharge, refresh, and enjoy life outside of work.

That means you could be working 80% of your usual hours, while still earning 100% of your pay.*

Job Title

Legal Counsel

Salary

Up to £65,000 per annum dependent on experience

Location

Bolton, Hybrid 2 office working days

Contract

Permanent

Hours

37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday

About us

At Outcomes First group, we believe every child can thrive when given the right environment for success. As a leading provider in our sector, we deliver exceptional, research‑led education tailored to each individual.

What you'll do

• Draft, negotiate and advise on a wide range of commercial contracts
• Support technology, IP and software procurement activity
• Assist with corporate governance and company secretarial duties
• Provide pragmatic legal advice to operational and central teams
• Contribute to compliance, risk management and legal frameworks

What we're looking for

• Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) with 2‑5 years’ PQE in commercial, corporate or technology law
• Strong contract drafting and negotiation skills
• Clear communicator with commercial awareness and a pragmatic approach
• Organised, detail‑focused and able to manage multiple matters in a fast paced environment

Why join Outcomes First Group

This is a varied in‑house role with a complex, highly regulated environment. You will play a key part in enhancing governance and consistency across the legal function, whilst supporting meaningful work that empowers children to thrive.

About the Group

Outcomes First Group is the largest independent provider of high quality special needs education and care. We are a vital part of local communities in England, Scotland and Wales with a renowned reputation for quality and positive outcomes for the people we educate and care for.

In 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

Our divisional brands include Acorn Education, Options Autism, Blenheim Schools and Momenta Connect.

Our Vision

Empower every child, whatever their ability, with a world‑class education that nurtures potential, inspires lifelong learning, and equips them to thrive in a diverse and evolving world.

Our Mission

We commit to unlocking our pupils’ potential through personalised learning, innovation, and opportunity, supporting growth and aspirations.

Our Promise

We Listen.

We never assume.

We work together. To make the remarkable happen.

We are accountable. To each other and for one another.

Benefits

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first‑class mental health support services and physical health checks
• Family Growth Support – inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support
• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all employees to share this commitment and undertake appropriate checks. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Please note: 4DWW is subject to successful completion of your probation period and is not a contractual benefit. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.