Senior Legal Counsel

Cancer Research UK (CRUK)

. Provide high-quality, pragmatic and commercially focused legal advice on complex and strategically important matters .

Posted 11/6/2026full-timeLondon • United KingdomSenior💰 £75,000 - £88,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in providing high-quality legal advice on complex commercial matters, with a focus on innovative solutions and legal technology to enhance service delivery. Proven ability to act as a trusted business partner while managing legal risks and contributing to strategic initiatives.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Senior Legal Counsel ExperienceCommercial Contracting ExpertiseLegal Negotiation SkillsLegal Technology InnovationRisk Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Legal AdvisoryContract NegotiationGovernanceRegulatory ComplianceLegal Operations ImprovementCommercial PartnershipsSponsorship AgreementsFundraising ActivitiesDigital Legal ServicesUser-Centric Legal Solutions

Soft Skills

Dynamic Problem-SolvingAgile Decision-MakingStakeholder ManagementCoaching and MentoringCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

Legal TechnologyGenerative AIProcess Improvement Tools

Industry Keywords

Charity Sector ExperienceLegal Services EnvironmentCommercial LawStrategic InitiativesOperational Improvements

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide high-quality, pragmatic and commercially focused legal advice on complex and strategically important matters
Advise on commercial contracts, corporate partnerships, sponsorships, fundraising and income-generating activities, marketing and advertising, events, digital and online activities, governance and regulatory matters, and strategic organisational projects
Act as a trusted adviser and business partner to stakeholders while managing risk
Contribute to strategic initiatives, service redesign, operational improvements and development of a modern, user-centric Legal function
Champion legal technology, data, process improvement and generative AI to enhance legal service delivery and client experience
Develop innovative, practical and risk-based solutions to complex challenges
Manage a diverse and complex portfolio of legal matters independently
Act as a recognised subject matter expert and build legal capability across the organisation and Legal team
Share expertise, coach colleagues and provide technical guidance
Work closely with the Legal Lead to identify risks, resourcing pressures and opportunities for improvement

Requirements

What you’ll need

Significant experience operating as a Senior Legal Counsel, Senior Solicitor, Senior Commercial Solicitor, Senior Lawyer or equivalent within a fast-paced or complex legal services environment
Charity sector experience advantageous but not essential
Broad commercial, contracting and advisory experience
Dynamic and agile approach to navigating complexity, managing competing priorities and enabling decision-making
Strong legal negotiation and advisory experience across complex matters
Good understanding of commercial contracting
Ability to act as a trusted business partner and provide pragmatic, solutions-focused advice
Experience driving improvements in legal service delivery, processes, ways of working or legal operations
Genuine interest in innovation, legal technology and new approaches
Commitment to an empowered, user-centric legal service balancing legal risk with organisational objectives
Eligible to work in the UK
Must be aged 18 or over

Benefits

Comp & perks

Generous benefits package
Substantial retirement plan
Generous and flexible leave allowance
Discounts on travel and technology
Gym membership
Career and personal development opportunities
High-quality tools, policies and processes
Flexible working culture
High flexibility, including 2 days per week in the office
Compressed hours considered