Legal Counsel - Group & EMEA (9-12 Month FTC)

Dr. Martens is a globally recognisable and culturally influential British brand, with over 60 years of rich heritage. As brand custodians, we are lucky to work for a dynamic, thriving, and ethical business, with people from diverse backgrounds, who bring their true selves to work, and where anyone can grow their career.

We are guided by three core values that are at the heart of everything we do: be yourself, act courageously, and show you care. They make us who we are and inspire us to push boundaries, embrace our individuality, and stand up for what's right.

THE GIG

We are looking for a mid-senior level solicitor who will act as a trusted legal advisor to the business, providing high quality legal advice on commercial issues and projects at all stages, managing the balance between legal risk and commercial reward.

You will be reporting into the Deputy General Counsel and Company Secretary and working with lawyers in each region as well as stakeholders at all levels across the business. It is an impactful role working in a very busy and fast paced environment.

The Group and EMEA legal team provide legal and compliance support to Dr. Martens Group functions and the EMEA region. The Group functions include Global Supply Chain, Technology, Marketing, HR, Strategy and Finance and the broader legal team.

You will be part of a committed, passionate, supportive and collaborative legal team.

*This role may also be considered on a part-time basis.*

As our Legal Counsel (Group & EMEA) you will be responsible for:

• Review, draft, and negotiate various legal documents, including high-value contracts (e.g., technology, SaaS, supplier agreements), to safeguard the business, enhance value, and manage legal risks.
• Act as a legal business partner, providing timely advice on commercial transactions and risk management to support key functional areas.
• Identify and implement improvements in processes and legal service delivery across the UK, including developing templates, precedents, and know-how within the legal team.
• Work with global and regional teams across all levels to support Group and Global Supply Chain operations, particularly within the Technology function to develop scalable, efficient processes.
• Stay informed on legal developments, share insights with relevant teams, and educate functions on legal compliance, empowering them to handle routine legal matters independently.

THE STUFF THAT SETS YOU APART

Put simply, for this role the key things we’re looking for are:

• Qualified solicitor with 3-5 years PQE in general commercial law in the UK or a similar jurisdiction, with a background in a mid-to-top-tier firm or similar in-house role, showing strong technical expertise and a history of accurate legal counsel in complex transactions.
• Uses professional judgment to impact business operations, working directly with stakeholders across functions (e.g., Legal, Compliance, Technology) to guide decisions and influence outcomes through specialist expertise.
• A collaborative, influential team player with strong communication skills, able to deliver clear messages and work effectively with teams across functions and regions.
• Demonstrates a proactive, flexible approach with a "can-do" attitude, adapting to meet fast-paced, changing business needs, including handling deadlines across time zones.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and dependable with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks, solve problems, and plan strategically for future business needs.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Hybrid working
• Welcome to the family free pair of Docs
• 65% off all Docs
• Award-winning ‘Buy As You Earn’ Dr. Martens share plan
• Private healthcare
• A dedicated culture team
• 2 paid volunteer days per year
• Amazing Camden based offices with roof terrace overlooking the canal

Are you ready to fill your boots? Apply now.

At Dr. Martens, we are committed to creating an environment in which we can all be our best and bring our authentic selves to work. We encourage applications, regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, veteran status, or disability. Diverse and inclusive teams have a positive impact on our brand; helping us to speak authentically to our consumers.

We strive to develop a business where our people can thrive and feel empowered to express themselves. Because we believe everyone should feel supported and included whatever their role in the Dr. Martens community.

YOUR FUNDAMENTAL QUALITIES

It’s never just a job at Dr. Martens. It’s a way of life. We live and breathe our Fundamentals - INTEGRITY. PROFESSIONAL. PASSIONATE. TEAM PLAYERS. They define who we are and how we get the job done. We believe each role is as unique as the person who does it.