Senior Legal Counsel - Construction & Commercial

BCL Legal In-House; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal firm in the UK seeks a Senior Legal Counsel specializing in Construction and Commercial law. This role offers a hybrid working model with the potential for career progression to Head of Department in 18 months. You will manage high-quality contracts for multi-million-pound projects, support strategic decision-making, and engage directly with senior leadership. The position fosters a collaborative environment to enhance your professional expertise while providing flexibility for work-life balance.

Benefits

Car allowance

Bonus

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in non-contentious construction law or in-house commercial contract work.
• Ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly and pragmatically.
• Experience providing legal advice on various contractual frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Review, draft and negotiate commercial contract terms.
• Advise on bespoke agreements and government frameworks.
• Support project managers on complex contract negotiations.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Commercial mindset

Education

At least 7-8+ years' PQE in non-contentious construction law

Job description

Senior Legal Counsel - Construction / Commercial

Leeds (Hybrid | 2 days office-based)

Excellent career development | High-quality work | Flexible working options

Are you an experienced Construction Projects or Commercial Contracts Lawyer looking to make a strategic in-house move? Our client is seeking an additional lawyer to join its highly respected in-house contracts team. A key attribute of this role is the built in career progression for you to move to Head of Department within 18 months.

This is a rare opportunity to step into a genuinely varied and influential role, working in a small, supportive team. If you are seeking a position offering autonomy, visibility with senior leadership, and guaranteed career progression, this could be the ideal next step.

The work is broad, high-quality and commercially engaging, offering exposure to multi-million-pound projects and a wide range of contractual frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Reviewing, drafting and negotiating commercial contract terms relating to the organisation's professional consultancy services, ensuring alignment with internal legal risk policies.
• Advising on a wide range of contracts, including bespoke agreements, industry-standard forms (such as NEC PSC), government frameworks and high-value commercial arrangements.
• Providing tender‑stage legal input, enabling you to contribute to strategic decision‑making and risk assessment.
• Supporting project managers on contract negotiations—particularly where terms are complex or commercially sensitive.
• Advising senior management on legal risk, compliance and operational impacts.
• Reviewing and advising on NDAs and liaising with insurers where required.
• Delivering legal training to project managers and other internal stakeholders.
• Contributing to the development of the team's solicitor apprentice through supervision and mentoring.
• Participating in the exploration of legal AI solutions to support business efficiency and innovation.

About You

• At least 7‑8+ years' PQE in non‑contentious construction law or strong in‑house commercial contracting experience.
• Experience advising on professional appointments and consultancy services.
• Strong analytical skills and excellent attention to detail.A commercial mindset, with the ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly and pragmatically.
• Confidence in managing multiple projects, balancing competing priorities and working proactively within a small team.
• The ability to build strong relationships across the business, from project managers to senior leadership.

Candidates from a commercial contracts background with a demonstrable interest in construction law, are also encouraged to apply. An interest in legal AI is beneficial but not essential.

Location: Ideally you will live within commuting distance of Leeds and be able to attend the office a couple of times a week. Hybrid working is standard, and flexible working arrangements (including reduced or compressed hours) are available.

Why Apply?

• Join a forward‑thinking, global organisation committed to innovation and professional excellence.
• Be part of a friendly, growing and diverse in‑house legal team with direct access to senior decision‑makers.
• Enjoy genuinely varied, interesting and high‑impact work across major UK and international projects.
• A strong remuneration package including car allowance and bonus.
• Benefit from a culture that supports development, including clear progression opportunities.
• Enjoy enhanced flexibility, work‑life balance and an inclusive working environment.

If you are a construction law or commercial contracts specialist seeking a rewarding in‑house role with real career development potential, we would love to hear from you.