Senior Legal Counsel - Commercial Contracts

As a Senior Legal Counsel - Commercial Contracts at DEPT®, your primary responsibilities include drafting, reviewing, and negotiating various commercial agreements such as master service agreements and licensing contracts. You'll also provide insights on UK contract law and work closely with cross-functional teams to mitigate legal risks while aligning with the company's commercial objectives. Your role ensures that all agreements comply with relevant regulations and best practices.

To apply for the Senior Legal Counsel - Commercial Contracts position at DEPT®, you must be a qualified solicitor in England and Wales, with a minimum of 6 years of post-qualification experience. A comprehensive understanding of UK contract law and experience in the digital marketing or technology sectors are highly desirable. Proficiency in additional European languages would also be an advantage in this role.

DEPT® values personal growth by providing each Senior Legal Counsel - Commercial Contracts with a tailored development plan and a generous training budget. We believe that as you grow professionally, the company benefits as well, creating a supportive environment for continuous learning and skill enhancement in the legal landscape.

At DEPT®, the culture is one of innovation and collaboration. As a Senior Legal Counsel - Commercial Contracts, you will join a passionate team that feels like family. Our diverse environment encourages creative freedom and personal autonomy while supporting you in tackling challenges and fostering professional growth.

DEPT® offers an excellent salary package, flexible hybrid working conditions, pension plans, and free private healthcare. Other benefits include a generous holiday allowance, mental health support, and various initiatives that celebrate team successes. The nurturing environment ensures you can thrive both personally and professionally.

In preparing for this question, reflect on specific instances in your career where you've worked on commercial contracts within a service industry. Detail the types of contracts you dealt with, your role in negotiating terms, and any particular challenges you overcame. This will showcase your relevant experience and ability to handle complex agreements.

A strong answer involves detailing your approach to continuous learning. Mention attending legal seminars, subscribing to legal journals, engaging with professional networks, or leveraging online legal platforms to keep abreast of developments in UK contract law and related regulations relevant to your position.

Illustrate your risk management strategy by discussing your analytical approach to identifying potential risks within contract clauses. Emphasize being proactive, preparing for negotiations with a clear understanding of both your interests and the other party's, and being skilled in articulating solutions that address concerns while maintaining beneficial terms.

When answering, choose a situation that highlights your problem-solving skills. Describe the challenge, the steps you took, the resources you utilized, and the final outcome. Consider emphasizing your ability to consult with various stakeholders and communicate effectively under pressure.

To tackle this, focus on your diplomatic skills and ability to mediate between conflicting interests. Share examples where you've successfully resolved disputes by facilitating discussions, providing legal insight, and working collaboratively to find a solution that aligns with both business goals and compliance.

Explain your drafting process, emphasizing clarity and simplicity in language, while ensuring all essential terms are thoroughly covered. Discuss the importance of utilizing templates, consulting with relevant teams, and rigorous proofreading to avoid ambiguity that may lead to future disputes.

Illustrate your organizational skills by discussing specific tools or methods you use for prioritizing tasks, such as scheduling, project management software, or checklists. Highlight your ability to remain adaptable and effective under pressure, ensuring deadlines are respected while maintaining high standards of quality.

Articulate your understanding of how a Legal Counsel provides crucial support for operational functions, ensuring compliance across various jurisdictions. Emphasize the importance of being a strategic partner to business teams, navigating complexities related to international contracts, and addressing diverse legal issues that may arise in an international context.

Prepare to discuss your work related to data protection, focusing on specific cases where you ensured compliance with GDPR or other relevant legislation. Mention your understanding of data handling principles, advisory roles you’ve taken, or any audits or training conducted in this domain.

Use this question to convey your enthusiasm for the role and alignment with DEPT®'s values. Mention how DEPT®’s commitment to innovation, diversity, and its positive impact on the planet resonates with you. Discuss your eagerness to collaborate with creative teams and positively influence the agency's legal landscape.