Job Description
Key Responsibilities:
* Advise the business on a full range of contracting issues ranging from procurement through to research partnerships, business development or marketing arrangements.
* Responsibility for reviewing and drafting general commercial contracts and other documents, including NDAs, master service agreements, master procurement agreements, terms and conditions, intellectual property related agreements (e.g. research and development contracts with academia or industry, IP provisions in commercial agreements, licensing agreements) and real estate-related agreements;
* Support the business with key areas of statutory compliance including anti-bribery, modern slavery, data protection and export control.
* Conduct training sessions for non-legal staff on compliance issues and other legal risk areas (e.g. anti-bribery, data protection, confidentiality/trade secrets, business conduct, etc.).
* Work as part of the European legal team to identify issues of regional importance and provide solutions for research centres across the UK and EU.
* Horizon scanning and advising management on upcoming changes in the law or other external business risks which may impact operations in the UK.
Requirement:
* UK qualified solicitor with at least 2 years post SQE experience either in a UK law firm known for its technology work or in a relevant in-house role at a recognised company/institution in a leading technology area.
* Excellent knowledge of UK commercial law/contracts together with related areas of statutory compliance (e.g. bribery, modern slavery, data protection).
* Good knowledge of intellectual property (in particular patent, copyright, trade secret and know-how) and data privacy issues.
* Able to explain issues in plain English without legal jargon.
* Good drafting skills – able to work with existing templates and to create bespoke wording/documents as required by the business.
* An ability to work closely with a variety of stakeholders on a local and global basis to develop strong working relationships.
* A commercial outlook, understanding business needs.
* Good academic qualifications from a top tier university.
* Ability to work under pressure and to make sound decisions.
* Able to work unsupervised and as part of a team
* Excellent planning, attention to detail, organisational and time management skills with the ability to work to tight time schedules, prioritising and handling conflicting demands
* Office-based work pattern but willing to travel.
Preferred:
* Previous experience of an in-house environment
* Experience working on cross-border transactions
* Knowledge of employment law and/or real estate issues
* Familiarity with research projects between academia and industry – an understanding of university decision-making and stakeholder processes
* Experience working on intellectual property matters (protection, licensing, litigation, acquisition and divestment, etc.)
* Experience of working with ECJU and other government departments on export control and trade compliance issues
What we offer:
* 33 days annual leave entitlement per year (including UK public holidays)
* Group Personal Pension
* Life insurance
* Private medical insurance
* Medical expense claim scheme
* Employee Assistance Program
* Cycle to work scheme
* Company sports club and social events
* Opportunities for funded additional professional certification/training if relevant to the business