Legal Counsel - Contracts

Legal Counsel - Contracts

Job Title: Legal Counsel – Commercial Contracts

Reports to: Senior Legal Counsel

Job Type: Permanent / Full Time / Monday to Friday / 37.50 hours

Location: Hybrid working model (happy to discuss working location at interview)

Salary: £DOE

Purpose of the Role:

The Legal Department strives to be a strategic business partner to Bright Horizons, providing legally sound solutions that support the commercial needs of the business. Our mission is to be a trusted partner that provides high quality services to our internal and external stakeholders while at all times protecting the best interest of the business. The Department’s goals and objectives are aligned and measured against the business’ vision, mission, values and strategies.

The work within the Legal Department is highly varied and covers all legal issues arising from operating a business in the early years, wellbeing and work/life sector. We work in partnership with many departments covering a variety of legal areas such as contracts, leases, employment, acquisitions, risk mitigation, legal dispute resolution, litigation and general legal advice. Much of the legal work is at the cutting edge of business practice as Bright Horizons continues to grow and find innovative ways to help support its customers.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Draft, review and negotiate a broad range of commercial contracts.
• Provide legal advice on commercial matters, contract interpretation, legislation and compliance and the identification and mitigation of risks.
• Produce precedents and provide guidance documents and updates to various departments and training as required.
• Promote, support and implement the Legal Department’s mission, initiatives, goals/objectives.
• Protect/represent the business’ interests and support maintaining its operations within the scope of the law.
• Stay abreast of legal developments affecting the business, its clients, and sector and synthesize the information to incorporate it into the business’ transactional practices.
• Understand the business, including its financial models and services.
• Structure commercial transactions to be most advantageous from a legal and business perspective.
• Support acquisitions as required.
• Counsel, advise, and consult company stakeholders based on accurate interpretation of the law, commercial documents and the facts of a business opportunity or risk.
• Support, promote and implement initiatives in partnership with various departments such as operations, acquisitions, client services, client relations, facilities and marketing.
• Support and implement the management of legal systems and processes including databases and legal drives.

Essential Experience:

• Experience drafting, negotiating and reviewing commercial contracts and providing advice.
• Ability to work autonomously but also collaborate effectively as part of the wider team.
• Excellent communication and time management skills.
• Ability to plan large workloads and execute implementation to plan.
• Experience and understanding of commercial considerations and drive to obtain best outcome for the business.
• Ability to know when to consult or seek advice from Senior Legal Counsel/Head of Legal or in other professional areas, including tax and finance.
• Ability to effectively manage risks while maximising commercial opportunities.
• Demonstrated ability to perform consistently under pressure and meet demanding deadlines.
• Ability to present alternative and proposed solutions.
• A commercial mindset, interest to help the business achieve its goals and grow.
• Track record in providing practical legal advice in one or more of the following areas - commercial contracts, disputes or corporate.
• Committed to driving continuous improvement in how legal services are provided.

Desirable Experience:

• Post-qualified experience working in house is desirable.

Qualifications:

• Fully qualified solicitor with minimum of 5 years’ relevant post qualification experience.

We look forward to receiving your application!