Legal Counsel

Somerset Bridge; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal services provider in Bristol is seeking a Legal Counsel to support the Head of Legal Services. The successful candidate will provide legal advice, manage commercial contracts, and collaborate with multiple departments. The role requires strong drafting skills and excellent communication abilities. Benefits include hybrid working, generous leave policies, and a pension scheme. Ideal for candidates with 2-5 years PQE from in-house or commercial law firm environments.

Benefits

Hybrid working

25 days annual leave

Discretionary annual bonus

5% employee, 6% employer pension

Flexible working hours

Healthcare Cash Plan

Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme

25% Car Insurance Discount

Community support day

Qualifications

• Commercial experience of drafting and negotiating contracts.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle conflicting priorities and provide timely legal advice.

Responsibilities

• Work on commercial contracts and project work.
• Manage matters from initial instruction to completion.
• Develop understanding of various legal areas including intellectual property and employment law.

Skills

Drafting and negotiating contracts

Verbal and written communication

Handling conflicting priorities

Commercial decision-making

Education

2-5 years PQE

Degree in Law

Job description

Legal Counsel

Application Deadline: 29 January 2026

Department: [SBSS] Legal

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Bristol

Compensation: £60,000 - £70,000 / year

Description

The role of Legal Counsel is to support the Head of Legal Services and Senior Legal Counsel to provide legal advice and support to Somerset Bridge Group. The Legal Counsel will perform their role by using their legal and commercial knowledge to be a trusted advisor to support the business in achieving its strategic objectives whilst safeguarding the Group’s interests, protecting customers and upholding our reputation.

What you’ll be responsible for:

• You will work in collaboration with the other departments primarily on commercial contracts and project work.
• You will be responsible for your own matters from initial instruction through to completion.
• You will have the opportunity to develop your understanding of commercial property, litigation, intellectual property, employment and data protection law.
• Reporting into the Senior Legal Counsel.

What you’ll need:

Essential

• Commercial experience of drafting and negotiating contracts.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle conflicting priorities, provide legal advice in an appropriate and timely manner and demonstrate a delivery focussed mindset.
• Ability to make commercial decisions quickly and confidently.

Desirable

• Experience in the Financial Services industry or other regulated industry.
• An understanding of data protection law.
• We would encourage applications from candidates from 2 -5 years PQE, either from an in-house environment or recognised commercial law firm.

Our Benefits

• Hybrid working – 2 days in the office and 3 days working from home
• 25 days annual leave, rising to 27 days over 2 years’ service and 30 days after 5 years’ service. Plus bank holidays!
• Discretionary annual bonus
• Pension scheme – 5% employee, 6% employer
• Flexible working – we will always consider applications for those who require less than the advertised hours
• Flexi-time
• Healthcare Cash Plan – claim cashback on a variety of everyday healthcare costs
• Electric vehicle – salary sacrifice scheme
• 100’s of exclusive retailer discounts
• Professional wellbeing, health & fitness app - Wrkit
• Enhanced parental leave, including time off for IVF appointments
• Religious bank holidays – if you don’t celebrate Christmas and Easter, you can use these annual leave days on other occasions throughout the year.
• Life Assurance - 4 times your salary
• 25% Car Insurance Discount
• 20% Travel Insurance Discount
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Employee Referral Scheme
• Community support day