Legal Counsel

Barbour; South Shields; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary company bonus scheme

Staff shop

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Training and development opportunities

Free onsite parking

Subsidised canteen

Hybrid and flexible working

4pm finish on Fridays

Refer a friend bonus scheme

Reward & Recognition Program

Length of Service Rewards

Job summary

A reputable lifestyle brand in South Shields is seeking a Legal Counsel with substantial experience in commercial law. This role involves providing practical legal advice across the global business, engaging with diverse stakeholders, and managing various legal projects. The ideal candidate should be a UK Qualified Solicitor with 2-3 years of relevant experience. This position offers a flexible working environment, a discretionary bonus scheme, and 25 days of holiday, progressing with length of service.

Qualifications

• UK Qualified Solicitor with substantial experience in Commercial Law.
• Ideally 2-3 years' commercial legal experience (post-qualification) in either a law firm or in-house.
• Proactive, solutions-focused approach.

Responsibilities

• Provide clear, practical commercial legal advice across the Global business.
• Engage with projects involving supplier agreements and intellectual property protection.
• Advise diverse stakeholders across the organisation.

Skills

Commercial law expertise

Strong communication skills

Commercial awareness

Education

UK Qualified Solicitor

Job description

The Barbour story began in 1894 in South Shields in the North East of England. Founder John Barbour began supplying oilskins and other garments to protect the growing community of sailors, fishermen, and dockers. Still family‑owned and now fifth generation, Barbour HQ remains in South Shields. Under the leadership of Chairman Dame Margaret Barbour, Barbour has grown into a lifestyle brand sold in over 55 countries worldwide, offering a wardrobe of stylish functional clothing, footwear, and accessories inspired by the unique values of the British countryside. Our iconic wax jackets continue to be made by hand in our South Shields factory. We are committed to circularity through our Wax for Life and Barbour Re-Loved initiatives, which see over 70,000 garments returned annually for repair or upcycling.

Position Overview

We are looking to appoint a Legal Counsel with a strong commercial law background to join our well‑established legal team. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to join a team responsible for a broad range of operational legal work across the Global business. The successful candidate will provide commercial legal advice, engaging with projects that include the full range of in‑house legal work while advising stakeholders across the business. We value approachability, proactive problem‑solving, and commerciality.

*The role is based at head office in South Shields and the expectation is 4 days in the office and 1 day of home‑working.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide clear, practical commercial legal advice across the Global business.
• Engage with projects covering the full range of in‑house legal work. This includes global supplier and distribution agreements, Talent and influencer agreements, International Intellectual property protection and many more.
• Advise and liaise with diverse stakeholders across the organisation.
• Manage multiple priorities with confidence in a fast‑paced environment.
• Contribute to a supportive team environment where proactive problem‑solving is a priority.

Skills and Experience

• Qualifications: UK Qualified Solicitor with substantial experience in Commercial Law.
• Experience: Ideally 2‑3 years' commercial legal experience (post‑qualification) in either a law firm or in‑house.
• PQE Range: While 2‑3 years PQE is ideal, we are happy to consider candidates outside this range who can demonstrate the required skills (e.g., newly qualified with relevant pre‑qualification experience).
• Commercial Acumen: Strong commercial awareness with a proactive, solutions‑focused approach.
• Communication: Excellent communication skills, capable of working effectively within a team.
• Discretionary Company bonus scheme
• Staff shop
• 25 days holiday as standard increasing with length of service plus bank holidays
• Access to training and development activities to support your career development
• Free onsite parking
• Subsidised canteen
• Operate hybrid & flexible working
• 4pm finish on a Friday
• Refer a friend bonus scheme
• Reward & Recognition Program
• Length of Service Rewards

Note:

In the event that a sufficient volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested