Commercial Legal Counsel

Wehave an exciting opportunityavailable for a Commercial Legal Counsel to join one of the world’s leading research Institutes at a crucial time in its evolution, and play a definitive role in shaping it for the future. You will join us on a full-time, fixed-term contract lasting 6-12 months, and in return, you will receive a competitive salary from £85,000 with benefits, subject to skills and experience.

The Commercial Legal Counsel role:

This is a busy role in a friendly team where colleagiality, professionalism and attention to detail are key.  You will provide Commercial Legal advice and transactional support for all parts of the Crick including the Science, Information Technology Office, Building Services, Communications, Translations, Human Resources, Grants, Finance and Procurement teams. The work is varied reflecting the range of activities at the Crick and the different types of relationships with commercial and academic organisations.

Responsibilities of our Commercial Legal Counsel:

These include but are not limited to:

• Stakeholder management: Develop and maintain excellent working relations with senior and/or key internal and external stakeholders. Support implementation of strategies and frameworks to pursue the Crick’s core purpose and long-term strategic plan
• Advisory: Provide or procure appropriate advice on laws and regulation (including those pertaining to research, philanthropic and charitable activities), commercial/contract law matters, contract disputes, laws and regulations, taking into account internal policy, process and governance
• Transactional support: Support contracts and or other legal matters, as lead lawyer or working with another team member. Prepare, negotiate and review contracts  and other legal documents at all stages of the lifecycle - RFP to in-life contract management variations and renewals. Co-ordinate between internal clients and third-parties (advisers, suppliers, collaborators or partners). Type of contracts: buying equipment and services, cloud agreements, employment and secondments, research collaborations, funding arrangements and protecting IP and personal data
• Legal services innovation: Develop new ways of working for LGC, improve legal operations and delivery of legal services.  As part of a key project to implement a new contract lifecyle management process, you will help streamline the Crick’s contracting process, legal approval process and contract documentation database, create/update processes, templates and knowhow, and create/deliver internal training and guidance supporting more self-serve
• Legal operations: Oversee day-to-day operations so that workflows and caseloads are managed effectively, accurately and in a timely manner. Use systems and software to optimise the contracting process for both Crick Research and Crick Operations
• Other: Support and supervise junior team members. Instruct, help select and manage external law firms

Skills and experience we are looking for in our Commercial Legal Counsel:

• Significant experience operating in a commercial or similar role and enjoy working in a fast paced energetic environment
• You think strategically. You are a problem-solver or gatekeeper, as the situation demands, delivering legal services to a good standard. You are confident to challenge previous ways of doing things and to drive a matter through to a successful conclusion
• You have excellent communication skills and an engaging delivery.  You present complex information as clear and simple communications.  You have a concise, compelling written style with strong written accuracy and excellent legal drafting skills
• You have experience of designing, delivering or using alternative and/or digital legal service models. You are a keen and confident user of technology and like to explore new technologies to foster team working, promote awareness, share knowledge and support compliance
• You have strong interpersonal skills and influencing skills (eg tact, integrity, confidentiality and patience) with highly developed emotional and political intelligence. You build personal credibility quickly and develop and maintain effective relationships with people with differing perspectives and needs. You exhibit presence and confidence when interacting with people at all levels across the organisation
• You are a positive, energetic self-starter and team player.  You work effectively in a collegiate environment and consult with colleagues to share expertise and ideas to deliver new outcomes.   You act authentically and consistently and develop self-awareness by seeking feedback from others
• You are highly organised with strong planning skills and the ability to prioritise competing demands and tight deadlines. You have a methodical approach and an excellent attention to detail. You are flexible, self-motivated and resilient under pressure

Closing date: 8th March 2024 at 23.59

If you feel you have the skills and experience to become our Commercial Legal Counsel, please click ‘apply’ today, we’d love to hear from you!

All offers of employment are subject to successful security screening (including enhanced DBS check) and continuous eligibility to work in the United Kingdom.