Legal Counsel

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

Job summary

A leading financial services group in the North East is seeking a Legal Counsel to provide legal advice and support to their business. The role involves drafting contracts, managing a variety of legal matters, and collaborating with different departments. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication skills and commercial experience, preferably with 2-5 years PQE in a relevant field. The position offers a competitive salary and hybrid working options.

Benefits

Hybrid working – 2 days in the office and 3 days working from home

25 days annual leave, increasing with service

Discretionary annual bonus

Pension scheme – 5% employee, 6% employer

Healthcare Cash Plan

Enhanced parental leave

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

• You will work in collaboration with other departments on commercial contracts.
• Responsible for your own matters from initial instruction through to completion.
• Develop understanding of commercial property, litigation, IP, and data protection law.

Skills

Contract drafting

Verbal communication

Written communication

Decision making

Job description

Legal Counsel

Application Deadline: 13 February 2026

Department: [SBSS] Legal

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Newcastle

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