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Senior Legal Counsel (6 months FTC)

We are looking for a Senior Legal Counsel to join our growing Ethics, Compliance & Governance team who will provide strategic legal advice and guidance to the Executive team and the wider organisation with a focus on commercial aspects of the organisation. 

The successful candidate will help develop the newly established Legal function by serving as the Senior Legal Advisor and providing proactive advice and counsel on complex legal issues relating to a variety of agreements including commercial contracts, collaboration agreements, intellectual property, confidentiality, corporate law, and other laws and regulations including but not limited to the area of health research. 

Our Future Health will be the UK’s largest ever health research programme, bringing people together to develop new ways to detect, prevent, and treat diseases. We are a charity, supported by the UK Government, in partnership with charities and industry. We work closely with the NHS and with public authorities across all nations and regions of the UK.

What you’ll be doing:

You will serve as the organisation's principal Legal Advisor, providing strategic counsel to executive leadership on legal risks, opportunities, and implications associated with key business decisions and initiatives. Your key responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

  • Giving accurate and timely counsel to the organisation in legal matters relating to commercial, IP, charity and corporate law. 
  • Assisting relevant business functions in the drafting, review and negotiation of a number of commercial contracts (including investor commercial terms, licences, non-disclosure agreements, sponsorship agreements etc.) to best protect the commercial and legal interests of the business and create added value. 
  • Working alongside colleagues to support procurement activities by providing legal advice on a wide range of supplier contracts (professional services, IT, logistics, lab services and data protection agreements) to protect Our Future Health’s commercial and legal position in order to minimise risk. 
  • Contributing to legal discussions on topics such as charity law and partnerships, and assisting in drafting agreements and contracts with industry and charity partners, while consulting subject matter experts as needed.
  • Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, including Regulatory, Ethics, Compliance & Governance, Procurement and Strategic Partnerships, to address legal challenges and support the successful implementation of organisational projects and their overall design and underlying strategic approach. 
  • Leading the development and implementation of the organisation's legal strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements. 
  • Conducting comprehensive legal analysis and risk assessments, identifying potential issues and developing proactive strategies to mitigate risks and achieve organisational objectives. 
  • Staying abreast of emerging legal and regulatory developments in the health research sector, anticipating potential impact on the organisation and advising on appropriate courses of action. 
  • Advising on the management of disputes and advising on strategy for resolution including risk assessment, negotiating settlements, and drafting correspondence.  
  • Providing training and awareness on key regulations to relevant organisational functions in relation to key workstreams. 
  • Specifying internal governance policies and regularly monitoring compliance. 
  • Providing mentoring and supervision to the Legal Counsel.  

The successful candidate will demonstrate expertise in providing strategic legal advice and support to organisations operating in highly regulated environments, and to their executive leadership, with a track record of serving as the primary Legal Advisor in complex and high-stakes matters. To succeed in this role, you will also have some of the following skills: 

  • English law qualified solicitor with a minimum of 8-9 years of post-qualification experience (PQE) in a leading law firm and/or in-house legal department. 
  • Excellent knowledge of contract, commercial and corporate law.
  • Previous experience or background of working in the Life Sciences and ideally health research specifically.
  • Proven track record of leading and executing complex transactions and negotiations, with strong drafting and negotiation of a variety of agreements including commercial contracts and in drafting grant funding, and charity partnership agreements.
  • Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to distil complex legal concepts into clear and actionable guidance for non-legal stakeholders and merge input from across the board. 
  • Experience in risk assessment, good judgement, and risk mitigation. 
  • Strong leadership abilities, with experience in mentoring and supervising junior legal team members.  
  • Ability to support the successful implementation of organisational objectives and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. 
  • Business-oriented, quick to understand and analyse new business and technology. 
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. 
  • Curiosity and willingness to learn about the science which underpins Our Future Health. 
  • Detailed knowledge of procurement of goods and services e.g., PCR 2015 Guidelines is desirable.  
  • Involvement in strategic programmes involving third party suppliers.
  • Previous experience or background of working in a charity or in a start-up environment is advantageous.
  • £110,000- £120,000 per annum basic salary.
  • Generous Pension Scheme – We invest in your future with employer contributions of up to 12%.
  • 30 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays – Enjoy a generous holiday allowance with the flexibility to take bank holidays when it suits you.
  • Enhanced Parental Leave – Supporting you during life’s biggest moments.
  • Career Growth & Development – £500 per year to spend on Learnerbly, our learning platform, plus regular appraisals and development opportunities.
  • Cycle to Work Scheme – Save 25-39% on a new bike and accessories through salary sacrifice.
  • Home & Tech Savings – Get up to 8% off on IKEA and Currys products, spreading the cost over 12 months through salary sacrifice.
  • £1,000 Employee Referral Bonus – Know someone amazing? Get rewarded for bringing them on board!
  • Wellbeing Support – Access to Mental Health First Aiders, plus 24/7 online GP services and an Employee Assistance Programme for you and your family.
  • A Great Place to Work – We have a lovely Central London office in Holborn, and offer flexible and remote working arrangements.

Join us - let’s prevent disease together.

Average salary estimate

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$120000K

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What You Should Know About Senior Legal Counsel (6 months FTC), Our Future Health

We're excited to invite applications for the role of Senior Legal Counsel at Our Future Health, a leading charity dedicated to pioneering groundbreaking health research across the UK. In this dynamic position, you'll be stepping into the shoes of the Senior Legal Advisor, providing strategic legal counsel to our Executive team and ensuring we navigate the complexities of legal aspects related to commercial contracts, corporate law, intellectual property, and compliance with health research regulations. Your insights will help shape our newly established Legal function, and your expertise will be crucial in protecting our commercial interests while supporting our mission to prevent and treat diseases. In an organization that collaborates with public authorities and the NHS, you'll engage in mentoring less experienced legal team members and strive to influence legal strategies that align with our business objectives. With a salary range of £110,000 to £120,000 and an array of benefits including a generous pension and a commitment to your career growth, this is more than just a job; it’s an invitation to be part of an ambitious initiative aimed at improving health outcomes across the nation. If you're passionate about using your legal expertise to make a difference and excel in a leadership role, then we would love to hear from you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Senior Legal Counsel (6 months FTC) Role at Our Future Health
What qualifications are needed for the Senior Legal Counsel position at Our Future Health?

For the Senior Legal Counsel role at Our Future Health, candidates should be English law qualified solicitors with a minimum of 8-9 years of post-qualification experience. A strong background in contract, commercial, and corporate law is essential, along with previous experience in the Life Sciences sector, particularly in health research. Skills in negotiation, risk assessment, and leading complex transactions are crucial.

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What are the main responsibilities of the Senior Legal Counsel at Our Future Health?

The Senior Legal Counsel at Our Future Health will serve as the principal legal advisor, providing crucial legal counsel on a variety of matters including commercial contracts, corporate governance, and compliance with charity law. Key responsibilities include drafting and negotiating contracts, conducting legal analysis, advising on disputes, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to align legal strategies with organizational goals.

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Can you outline the benefits offered in the Senior Legal Counsel role at Our Future Health?

Our Future Health offers a competitive salary ranging from £110,000 to £120,000, along with a generous pension scheme with employer contributions of up to 12%. Additional benefits include 30 days of holiday plus bank holidays, enhanced parental leave, professional development funds, support for mental health, and flexible remote working arrangements to ensure a healthy work-life balance.

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How does the Senior Legal Counsel contribute to Our Future Health’s mission?

The Senior Legal Counsel plays a vital role in advancing Our Future Health's mission by providing strategic legal guidance on pivotal business decisions. By drafting, reviewing, and negotiating agreements, as well as offering input on compliance and dispute management, this position directly supports our efforts in developing innovative solutions for health research, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes across the UK.

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What kind of legal matters will the Senior Legal Counsel at Our Future Health deal with?

In the Senior Legal Counsel role at Our Future Health, you will address a diverse range of legal matters including commercial and collaboration agreements, confidentiality clauses, intellectual property issues, and compliance with regulatory requirements. This multifaceted position also involves overseeing contracts related to procurement and advising on legal implications in health research projects.

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Common Interview Questions for Senior Legal Counsel (6 months FTC)
What experience do you have in advising on commercial contracts?

When answering this question, emphasize specific instances where you drafted, negotiated, or managed commercial contracts in previous roles. Discuss the types of agreements you have worked on, challenges you faced, and how your legal insights contributed to protecting the organization’s interests.

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Can you provide an example of a complex legal issue you resolved?

In your response, outline a specific complex legal issue you encountered, detailing how you approached the situation, the stakeholders involved, and the ultimate resolution. Highlight your problem-solving abilities and any innovative strategies you implemented to navigate the challenge.

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How do you stay up-to-date with legal developments affecting the health research sector?

Discuss the resources you utilize to keep informed about changes in laws and regulations, such as industry publications, professional associations, and seminars. Mention your proactive approach to applying this knowledge to inform your legal practices and support your team.

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Describe a time when you had to mentor a junior legal team member.

Share an instance where you provided guidance or support to a less experienced colleague, detailing how you identified their needs, the mentoring techniques you used, and the positive outcome that resulted from your collaborative efforts.

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How do you assess the risks associated with a particular legal decision?

Explain your method for conducting risk assessments, including the key factors you consider, the stakeholders you involve, and how you communicate potential risks to the relevant teams. Providing a concrete example can strengthen your answer.

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What is your understanding of charity law as it relates to Our Future Health?

Demonstrating your knowledge of charity law is critical. Discuss key principles, compliance requirements, and how charity law impacts organizational governance. Relate your understanding to how it would influence your work at Our Future Health.

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How do you approach negotiations on high-stakes contracts?

Outline your negotiation style and strategies you use to ensure favorable outcomes, including preparation, building rapport, and knowing the priorities of each party. Highlight successful negotiations you've led and the results achieved.

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What collaborative experiences have you had with cross-functional teams?

Share examples of projects where you worked closely with other departments, detailing how you ensured legal considerations were integrated into their processes and how effective communication contributed to the project's success.

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How would you handle a dispute that arises from a contractual obligation?

Address your approach to conflict resolution, including assessing the situation, communicating with involved parties, and strategies you would employ to reach a settlement. Stress the importance of maintaining relationships and minimizing disruption.

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What motivates you to work in the field of legal counsel, particularly for health research?

Express your passion for using your legal skills to contribute to meaningful projects, emphasizing the impact that health research can have on communities. Discuss how this motivates you to seek innovative legal solutions to support organizational missions.

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Our Future Health will be the UK’s largest ever health research programme, designed to help people live healthier lives for longer through the discovery and testing of more effective approaches to pre...vention, earlier detection and treatment of ...

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DATE POSTED
April 14, 2025

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