Senior Legal Counsel – Construction / Commercial (Leeds)

Hybrid – 2 days office‑based

Excellent career development | High‑quality work | Flexible working options

Are you an experienced Construction Projects or Commercial Contracts Lawyer looking to make a strategic in‑house move? Our client is seeking an additional lawyer to join its highly respected in‑house contracts team. A key attribute of this role is the built‑in career progression for you to move to Head of Department within 18 months. This is a rare opportunity to step into a genuinely varied and influential role, working in a small, supportive team. If you are seeking a position offering autonomy, visibility with senior leadership, and guaranteed career progression, this could be the ideal next step. The work is broad, high‑quality and commercially engaging, offering exposure to multi‑million‑pound projects and a wide range of contractual frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Reviewing, drafting and negotiating commercial contract terms relating to the organisation's professional consultancy services, ensuring alignment with internal legal risk policies.
• Advising on a wide range of contracts, including bespoke agreements, industry‑standard forms (such as NEC PSC), government frameworks and high‑value commercial arrangements.
• Providing tender‑stage legal input, enabling you to contribute to strategic decision‑making and risk assessment.
• Supporting project managers on contract negotiations—particularly where terms are complex or commercially sensitive.
• Advising senior management on legal risk, compliance and operational impacts.
• Reviewing and advising on NDAs and liaising with insurers where required.
• Delivering legal training to project managers and other internal stakeholders.
• Contributing to the development of the team's solicitor apprentice through supervision and mentoring.
• Participating in the exploration of legal AI solutions to support business efficiency and innovation.

About You

• At least 7–8+ years' PQE in non‑contentious construction law or strong in‑house commercial contracting experience.
• Experience advising on professional appointments and consultancy services.
• Strong analytical skills and excellent attention to detail.
• A commercial mindset, with the ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly and pragmatically.
• Confidence in managing multiple projects, balancing competing priorities and working proactively within a small team.
• The ability to build strong relationships across the business, from project managers to senior leadership.

Candidates from a commercial contracts background with a demonstrable interest in construction law, are also encouraged to apply. An interest in legal AI is beneficial but not essential.

Location: Ideally you will live within commuting distance of Leeds and be able to attend the office a couple of times a week. Hybrid working is standard, and flexible working arrangements (including reduced or compressed hours) are available.

Why Apply?

• Join a forward‑thinking, global organisation committed to innovation and professional excellence.
• Be part of a friendly, growing and diverse in‑house legal team with direct access to senior decision‑makers.
• Enjoy genuinely varied, interesting and high‑impact work across major UK and international projects.
• Benefit from a culture that supports development, including clear progression opportunities.
• Enjoy enhanced flexibility, work‑life balance and an inclusive working environment.

If you are a construction law or commercial contracts specialist seeking a rewarding in‑house role with real career development potential, we would love to hear from you.