Legal Counsel, Central Europe

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At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

Job Description

As Legal Counsel you will report to the Regional Legal Counsel for Northern Europe and work with the wider Central Europe legal team to support the strategic objectives of WSP. You will be based in the United Kingdom and will be responsible for ensuring client contracts are reviewed and risks are managed (including implementing training, policies and procedures within the business).

A Little More About Your Role

• Review, draft and negotiate legal documents between WSP and its clients and suppliers, including professional services agreements, reliance letters, framework agreements and warranties
• Provide legal advice and support to the WSP business
• Maintain WSP standard terms and conditions for use with clients and suppliers wherever possible
• Support the business to manage claims and disputes, collating documentation, working with the business to articulate facts and circumstances and liaising with the wider Central European legal team to notify claims to professional indemnity insurers
• Implement policies and procedures around client contract review, signature etc.
• Provide advice, support and training to the business to ensure compliance with WSP’s processes and policies including the Risk Grading Tool and the Delegation of Authority policy
• Ensure WSP complies with national as well as local statutes and regulations
• Develop and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders within WSP across Legal, Ethics and Compliance, Insurance, Internal Audit, Human Resources, Communications and Finance functions
• Prepare and submit reports on key metrics and initiatives
• Manage and deliver training to upskill the business to be able to better understand contractual risks
• Minimize and manage reliance on external legal counsel, where necessary utilising agreed protocols and managing agreed budgets to minimise and control costs
• Support the implementation of WSP’s strategy in Central Europe

What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate

• Qualified solicitor (or an equivalent qualification) with demonstrable Post Qualification Experience
• Experience of working in a large multi‑national corporate environment balancing local requirements with considerations relevant to a large international company
• Fluency in German and English is essential
• Experience within an in‑house legal team implementing policies and procedures
• Good knowledge of contract law and experience negotiating contracts with clients and vendors, including with outside counsels representing them
• Demonstrable track record of providing commercial, pragmatic and high‑quality legal advice
• Exceptional communication skills for this collaborative and interactive environment, including working at distance from other team members
• Ability to explain complex and sometimes challenging issues in simple ways
• Strong interpersonal skills, resourcefulness and an ability to participate in a highly collaborative team environment
• Experience working in the built and natural environment sector a plus

What’s In It For You

Work‑life balance – Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging – We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We encourage people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society.

Health & Wellbeing – We support our people through the Thrive programme, Virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, Gymflex scheme and a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time – WSP offers “WSP My Hour” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities. We also provide part‑time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development – We foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth through training, mentoring and Chartership.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion