Legal Counsel - Corporate

JR United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to join their dynamic in-house legal team. This pivotal role focuses on UK and international M&A matters, providing strategic advice on a variety of transactions. You will lead global acquisitions, negotiate key documents, and manage legal queries across the business. The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years PQE and strong M&A experience, particularly in cross-border transactions. Join a forward-thinking company that values legal expertise and offers a fast-paced environment where your contributions will directly impact the firm's acquisition strategy.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years PQE as a common law qualified solicitor.
• Strong experience in M&A and cross-border transactions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and advise on global acquisitions and disposals.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts.

Skills

Mergers & Acquisitions

Commercial Contract Negotiation

Legal Advisory

Due Diligence

Cross-Border Transactions

Education

Common Law Qualified Solicitor

Job description

SSQ is exclusively partnering with a highly acquisitive international distribution and services Group and a prominent member of the FTSE 100. It has a presence in over 30 countries offering solutions to its customers across a variety of sectors.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Our client is looking for an experienced and motivated Legal Counsel to join their dynamic in-house legal team. The core focus of the role (70%) will be on UK/international M&A matters which will involve providing advice on a wide range of strategic transactions. The role will report to the Group General Counsel in London and work closely with the Corporate Development team and senior management at a Group and local level to drive forward acquisition strategy.

Mergers & Acquisitions

1. Lead and advise on global acquisitions and disposals across the full transaction lifecycle
2. Advise on deal structures and review due diligence reports
3. Negotiate and draft key documents, including letters of intent, purchase agreements, and shareholders’ agreements

UK General Support

1. Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts (e.g., supply, customer, and IT agreements)
2. Manage day-to-day legal queries from across the business (employment, IP, property, compliance and disputes)
3. Advise the Company Secretarial and Tax Department on the legal implications of Group re-organisations and drafting/reviewing short form agreements and minutes.

Candidate Background

1. Common law qualified solicitor with between 3-5 years PQE
2. Strong experience in M&A, advising on cross-border transactions is highly desirable.
3. Ability to work in a high-pressure, fast-moving environment with multiple ongoing deals.