Senior Legal Counsel - In-house

QED Legal; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A legal recruitment firm is seeking an experienced Senior Legal Counsel to provide dedicated legal support across various business areas in Reading. The role requires strong commercial awareness and excellent communication skills, ideally suited for individuals with over 5 years’ PQE in legal practice. This position offers a competitive salary and a hybrid work model within a supportive culture.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Benefits

Supportive work culture

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with at least 5 years’ PQE in-house or in private practice.
• Experience in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts.
• Ability to balance legal risk with business needs.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts with suppliers and third parties.
• Provide compliance and operational support.
• Guide on risk management and lease renewals.

Skills

Broad commercial legal experience

Strong commercial awareness

Excellent communication skills

Stakeholder management

Education

Qualified solicitor with 5+ years PQE

Job description

Senior Legal Counsel – Commercial | Hybrid | Berkshire

Location: Reading (4 days in the office per week)

Experience: 5+ years PQE

Salary: Competitive + Benefits

The Opportunity

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Legal Counsel to provide dedicated, on‑site legal support across all areas of their business.

You’ll play a key role in ensuring legal, commercial, and compliance objectives are met while working closely with senior management and various operational teams. This is a hands‑on, varied position where no two days are the same — ideal for a commercially minded solicitor who enjoys working in a dynamic business environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts with suppliers and third parties to minimise risk and maximise commercial value.
• Provide compliance and operational support.
• Provide guidance on risk management, insurance matters, and lease renewals or terminations.

About You

You’ll be a qualified solicitor with at least 5 years’ PQE, gained in‑house or in private practice. You’ll bring:

• Broad commercial legal experience.
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to balance legal risk with business needs.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with a collaborative approach.

Why Apply?

• Work closely with senior leadership and make a visible impact.
• Enjoy abroad and stimulating in‑house role with exposure to commercial, compliance, and employment law.
• Be part of a supportive, values‑driven culture with opportunities to develop and grow.

For more information about this outstanding in‑house Senior Legal Counsel opportunity, please contact Simon Campbell at QED Legal.

If this role isn’t quite right for you but you know someone who may be a good fit, please let us know — we offer a referral reward for successful recommendations.