Senior In-House Lawyer – Commercial

UK Research and Innovation

. Provide clear, pragmatic, legally robust advice across a broad range of commercial matters .

Posted 10/23/2026full-timeSwindon • United KingdomSenior💰 £58,589 - £65,100 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates strong technical legal expertise in commercial and contract law, with a focus on providing pragmatic legal advice and managing high-performing legal teams. Capable of navigating complex legal frameworks and fostering stakeholder relationships within public sector organizations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, Or Chartered Legal ExecutiveSubstantial Post-Qualification Experience In Commercial And Contract LawExperience Advising On Grant Funding And Research ContractsStrong Legal Judgment And Appreciation Of Legal RiskAbility To Manage And Develop Legal Professionals

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Commercial LawContract LawLegal ResearchPublic ProcurementSubsidy ControlLegal Risk AssessmentStrategic ThinkingAnalytical SkillsClient Relationship ManagementTeam Leadership

Soft Skills

Excellent Written CommunicationExcellent Verbal CommunicationProactive ApproachAttention To DetailAbility To Prioritize Workload

Certifications & Qualifications

GDL/CPELPCBPTCBaseline Personnel Security Screening (BPSS)

Industry Keywords

UKRIPublic SectorLegal FrameworkGovernanceStatutory Functions

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide clear, pragmatic, legally robust advice across a broad range of commercial matters
Advise on commercial and contract law, grant funding, and research contracts
Advise on complex commercial matters and transactions within the statutory framework applicable to UKRI
Support UKRI's effective operation and statutory functions
Work with minimal supervision
Develop expertise in new or unfamiliar legal areas as UKRI's remit evolves
Potentially line-manage a small team of legal professionals
Support team members' development and foster continuous professional growth
Manage, lead, develop, and support high-performing legal professionals
Work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders and clients
Travel periodically to other UKRI locations as business needs require

Requirements

What you’ll need

Minimum 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, or demonstrable equivalent academic or professional achievement
Relevant experience and successful completion of the GDL/CPE, LPC, or BPTC may form part of equivalent achievement
Qualified to practise as a Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive in England and Wales
Admitted to the Roll of Solicitors where applicable
Substantial post-qualification experience in commercial and contract law
Extensive experience providing pragmatic, business-focused legal advice on commercial and contract law matters, including grant funding and research contracts
Experience advising on subsidy control, public procurement, or public law is advantageous
Experience managing, leading, developing, and supporting high-performing legal professionals
Strong technical legal expertise and commercial awareness
Strong legal judgment and appreciation of legal risk
Ability to think strategically and creatively and understand wider legal context
Strong analytical skills and ability to provide timely, proportionate advice based on sound legal research
Ability to build strong client relationships and champion Legal Team work
Understanding of lawyers' roles in public sector organisations and UKRI's governance and statutory framework
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proactive approach and ability to manage and prioritise a varied, demanding workload
Strong attention to detail and proven ability to meet deadlines
Valid identification and original documentation confirming right to work in the UK, or eligibility to obtain it
Successful completion of Baseline Personnel Security Screening (BPSS)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
30 days' annual leave
10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent)
Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities
Employee assistance programme providing confidential help and advice
Flexible working options, including the opportunity to work part of the week from home
Salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme
Wellbeing initiatives
Potential reimbursement of some or all UK visa sponsorship application fees after becoming an employee
Reasonable accommodation for candidates with disabilities
Continuous learning and employee development support