Legal Counsel – Defence AI (London)

About the role

Helsing, a defence AI company dedicated to protecting democratic societies, is seeking a Legal Counsel to join its London team. Reporting to the UK Lead Counsel and Group General Counsel, you will act as a strategic legal partner for UK and European operations, influencing decisions that shape high‑impact defence technology programmes.

Key responsibilities

• Advise UK and European teams on legal matters across AI, defence procurement, export controls and commercial contracts.
• Structure, draft, negotiate and finalize contracts and software licensing agreements with government customers and industry partners.
• Provide specialist guidance on UK/EU defence procurement regulations, including single‑source contracts.
• Ensure compliance with export control rules, intellectual property rights, data privacy and conflicts of interest under UK law.
• Support product teams with legal analysis of emerging regulatory requirements.
• Deliver corporate and regulatory support, including governance, filings and compliance obligations.
• Collaborate with legal colleagues across European offices to maintain consistency and share best practices.

Required profile

• Qualified to practise law in England and Wales.
• Significant post‑qualification experience in private practice, in‑house, or government settings.
• Strong commercial judgement and ability to work at a fast pace.
• Commitment to the ethical development and deployment of AI technologies.

Required skills

• Expertise in UK/EU defence procurement regulations.
• Knowledge of export control compliance.
• Understanding of intellectual property, data privacy and conflict‑of‑interest law.