Legal Counsel

Science Group; Harston; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading science and technology consultancy based in Harston is seeking a qualified lawyer to join their legal team. The successful candidate will manage client and supplier contracts, provide legal advice, and collaborate with business units across all offices. This role requires strong commercial skills and the ability to operate in a fast-paced environment. The firm is committed to training and personal development.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Career development and training

Qualifications

• 2-4+ years’ PQE with a commercial background.
• Current practicing certificate (or entitlement to obtain one).
• Experience in service contracts/advising consultants.

Responsibilities

• Review and negotiate contracts and proposals.
• Advise business managers on legal risks.
• Act as a point of contact for client contracts.

Skills

Commercial background

Strong academic credentials

Good drafting skills

Ability to multi-task

Good organizational skills

Teamwork

Effective communication

Education

2-4+ years’ PQE

Current practicing certificate

Job description

Department: Legal

Location: Cambridge

Description

Science Group plc is an international science and technology consultancy and systems organisation operating at the cutting edge of science and technology innovation. The core business is an international science and technology consultancy providing technical/scientific advisory, product development and regulatory services to the Industrial, Defence & Aerospace, Medical and Consumer (including Food & Beverage) sectors. The Group also has two systems businesses, both of which have leading positions in their niche Defence and Consumer Electronics markets. The Group’s operating businesses are supported by corporate and shared services infrastructure and underpinned by a robust balance sheet including significant cash resources and freehold property assets, including two state-of-the‑art development centres in Cambridge and Epsom. The Group has a multinational workforce of approximately 550 scientists, engineers and regulatory advisors in the UK (70%), North America, Europe and Asia.

Opportunity

We are seeking a commercially focused, enthusiastic, qualified lawyer to join our busy legal team. Most legal work for the Group is managed in house, combining a rigorous assessment of risk and corresponding protections for the Group with a flexible and commercial approach to individual circumstances. Reporting to and working closely with the Group Legal Counsel & Company Secretary, this role spans all consultancy business divisions and will be working with business managers, delivery and sales staff across all offices. It will include responsibility on a day to day basis for client and supplier contracts across the Group, as well as involvement in other contract and related matters handled by the team (this may include IP matters, corporate projects, employment matters, tenant and lease issues). The Group is acquisitive and therefore the role may also include assisting with the integration of new companies. The successful candidate will demonstrate high standards of drafting and technical legal skills as well as a proactive attitude and the ability to provide robust advice to all levels of the business. They will work closely with all other team members and will need to quickly develop an understanding of the Group’s various businesses, key individuals and priorities. This role is office‑based in Harston, Cambridge and the successful candidate will be happy to travel to the Group’s other UK locations from time to time.

Key Responsibilities

• Reviewing, amending and negotiating contracts and proposals, including advising business managers and escalating to senior managers/executive team as appropriate
• Attending bid review meetings to advise on relevant legal risks/issues
• Being a day to day point of contact for the business and sales teams in respect of client contracts, ad hoc queries and requests
• Reviewing and advising on other matters handled by the legal team
• Providing support to the Group Legal Counsel in corporate matters

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• 2-4+ years’ PQE with a commercial background
• Strong academic credentials
• Current practicing certificate (or entitlement to obtain one)
• Experience of service contracts and/or advising consultants or other service providers
• Experience of working with/advising the technology sector and/or an interest in technology and science
• Previous in‑house experience would be beneficial but not essential
• Motivation to be involved in new areas, expand expertise and get to know the businesses closely
• Ability to multi‑task, prioritise and operate effectively and efficiently in a fast moving environment
• Good drafting skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Good organisational and communication skills

We are committed to career development and seek to offer bespoke training and mentoring to allow everyone to thrive within their environment and realise personal potential. The successful candidate will be required to obtain at least BPSS (baseline) security clearance which would be undertaken in house prior to commencement.

Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.