The role involves providing practical legal advice on a wide range of commercial, intellectual property, and compliance issues related to our offices in Cambridge, London, Ipswich, and Edinburgh. Responsibilities include supporting research, development, and manufacturing operations, as well as internal compliance, staff training, and other legal matters. As part of the UK and global legal team, you will collaborate with colleagues across the organization to implement legal best practices.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide legal advice on a full range of contracting matters, including procurement, research partnerships, business development, and marketing agreements.
* Review and draft various commercial contracts and legal documents, such as NDAs, master service agreements, procurement agreements, terms and conditions, intellectual property agreements (e.g., R&D contracts with academia or industry, IP provisions in commercial agreements, licensing agreements), and real estate agreements.
* Support compliance efforts in key areas, including anti-bribery, modern slavery, data protection, and export control.
* Conduct training sessions for non-legal staff on compliance and legal risk areas (e.g., anti-bribery, data protection, confidentiality, business conduct).
* Collaborate with the European legal team to address regional legal issues and provide solutions for research centres across the UK and EU.
* Monitor legal and regulatory developments, advising management on upcoming changes and external risks that could impact operations.
Essential Requirements
* UK-qualified solicitor with 2 to 4 years of post-SQE experience in a leading UK law firm specializing in technology or an in-house role at a recognized company in a technology-related sector.
* Strong knowledge of UK commercial law and contracts, including statutory compliance in areas such as bribery, modern slavery, and data protection.
* Good understanding of intellectual property law, particularly patents, copyrights, trade secrets, and data privacy issues.
* Ability to communicate legal concepts clearly, without unnecessary jargon.
* Strong drafting skills, with experience working from templates and creating bespoke legal documents as needed.
* Commercial mindset, with an understanding of business needs and the ability to collaborate with stakeholders at local and global levels.
* Excellent academic background from a top-tier university.
* Strong decision-making skills and ability to perform under pressure.
* Self-sufficient and able to work independently, as well as part of a team.
* Highly organized, with strong attention to detail, time management, and the ability to handle multiple priorities.
* Office-based role with some travel required.