Legal Counsel – UK & Ireland

McDonald's Corporation; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A global fast-food leader is looking for a qualified solicitor with at least 3 years of experience. The role involves managing governance and compliance matters and collaborating with senior stakeholders. The ideal candidate has a strong background in commercial, corporate, and compliance law, with excellent communication skills. You will enjoy a competitive salary with a comprehensive benefits package, including bonus and hybrid working options.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Access to training and career development

Hybrid working

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with 3+ years PQE.
• Experience from a top-tier law firm preferred or in-house experience valued.
• Positive, self-motivated and able to work in a team.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex governance and compliance matters.
• Drive strategic initiatives across the organisation.
• Lead on policy management.

Skills

Qualified solicitor

Commercial law background

Corporate law background

Compliance law background

Excellent communication skills

Strong drafting skills

Ability to explain complex concepts

Relationship building

Job description

Company Description

McDonald’s has run its business in the UK since 1974 and currently operates over 1500 restaurants across the UK and Ireland, serving almost four million customers each day. McDonald’s is one of the UK’s largest private sector employers, employing over 170,000 people.

Hybrid Working

This role is based in our East Finchley office working 3 days in the office and 2 days remotely.

Job Description

What You’ll Be Doing

• Manage complex governance and compliance matters, including board meetings, corporate transactions, and regulatory reporting.
• Drive strategic initiatives and influence best practice across the organisation.
• Lead on policy management, including gifts and hospitality and conflict of interest management.
• Advise on franchisee transactions and support franchising recruitment campaigns and respond to operational queries.
• Deliver directors’ duties training and monitor legislative changes to ensure compliance.
• Work closely with senior stakeholders, including regular interaction with the C‑Suite.
• Participate in cross-functional projects and risk management strategies.
• Engage with the wider legal team and business through collaborative meetings and social activities.

Qualifications

What You’ll Bring

• Qualified solicitor with 3+ years PQE.
• Background in Commercial, Corporate and/or Compliance law.
• Experience from a top‑tier law firm preferred; in‑house or secondment experience also valued.
• Litigation experience beneficial.
• Bright, enthusiastic, and well organised.
• Positive, self‑motivated, authentic, pragmatic, open‑minded, and curious.
• Effective communicator with strong drafting skills; able to explain complex concepts clearly to non‑legal stakeholders.
• Strong relationship builder, efficient, commercially minded, and able to see the big picture.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and creating an environment where everyone can be their authentic self.

What You’ll Get

• Access to industry‑leading training and career development opportunities.
• A collaborative and inclusive culture, where your ideas are valued.
• Competitive salary, plus a comprehensive benefits package including bonus, cash allowance, free parking, lunch, and gym access.
• Hybrid working, offering a mix of office and remote flexibility.
• The chance to make a tangible impact in a dynamic, fast‑growing business.