Legal Counsel – In‑house Advisor (London)

About the role

Our client is looking for an experienced Legal Counsel to join a high‑performing in‑house legal team in London. The role offers exposure to a wide range of commercial and regulatory matters, allowing you to act as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders while balancing legal risk with business objectives.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage commercial real estate transactions, including leasing and asset‑management matters.
• Instruct and oversee external legal advisers, monitoring performance and transaction progress.
• Serve as the primary legal contact for designated business locations, providing ongoing support to stakeholders.
• Draft, review, negotiate and manage a broad portfolio of commercial contracts for goods and services.
• Lead negotiations on complex, high‑value contractual arrangements.
• Support property‑management and development teams on enhancement projects, construction contracts, professional appointments and planning matters.
• Assist with ESG‑related initiatives that impact legal operations and the wider business.
• Manage debt‑recovery, insolvency and dispute‑resolution processes, aiming for commercially focused outcomes.
• Support corporate‑governance, risk‑management, anti‑bribery and data‑protection procedures.
• Prioritise, allocate and oversee legal work across the function and mentor junior team members.
• Conduct legal research and provide advice on ad‑hoc matters.
• Prepare reports, maintain legal trackers and contribute to internal legal training.

Required profile

• Qualified lawyer with 3–6 years post‑qualification experience (PQE).
• Strong legal experience gained either in‑house or in private practice.
• Proven ability to manage matters independently and engage directly with stakeholders.
• Commercially minded with the capacity to balance legal risk against business objectives.
• Experience in commercial property, contracts or related practice areas is advantageous.

Required skills