LEGAL COUNSEL

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A global construction company, is seeking a Legal Counsel for their UK HQ Office.
The Company has a strong presence in the UK with around 20 subsidiaries. The main area of work is construction of power plants, waste management, boiler services (design,installation etc) and other similar projects.

The London HQ where the role is based is a small office, albeit it sees a large amount of traffic the MD frequently visits, alongside Board Directors and other professionals from UK and France where the company is Headquartered. Client meetings are often held there and contracts and projects negotiated.

The candidate must be based at the London City office, home working may only be considered on an exceptional basis and agreed in writing by the business.

There is a part time and full time option for this role.

• Day to day commercial legal advice for UK companies within the CLIENT group and/or group companies working in the UK, this includes current construction projects, joint venture partners, operation companies based in the Midlands and boiler manufacture based in Borehamwood.
• Construction Transactional Contract – end-to-end process. You will be involved in bidding, drafting the contracts (public and private) that are often of extremly high value, take part in tendering/bidding, answering all contract related queries, lialising with Project Managers and Directors as required, seeing the negotiations and concluding the project and contract.
• Management of existing projects including advice on claims management, adjudications and dispute resolution, including drafting and advising on notices required under the Contract.
• Provide Corporate Support to CLIENT and its subsidiaries in the UK.
• Contract interpretation and explanations required for the project teams/ project directors.
• Guidance and assistance for the Purchasing Team (based in France) on procurement strategies and sub-contract negotiation.
• Assist H&S UK team with any related legal advice or contract interpretation.
• Able to give presentations on aspects of English law and contracts to French colleagues.
• Suggest and consider commercial solutions and be able to discuss these in a cooperative and positive way with internal colleagues.
• Contract negotiation for EPC Contracts as part of UK PFI.
• Must be able to work without significant supervision.
• May be required to manage external lawyers, but the expectation will be that most of the work is dealt with in house where possible.
• Possible assistance on Projects in the Middle East/Far East which are currently at an early stage in the procurement process.
• The workload is varied and contains IP, Companies House filling duties , SLA’s, outsourcing agreements and many others.

• At least 5+ PQE UK Qualified Solicitor –  no upper limit
•Construction experience (contentious and non-contentious)
• Ideally a previous In House experience
• Must be able to hit the ground running (albeit a handover period is scheduled in)
• Able to work in a small office at their own initiative with minimal supervision
• Able to get involved and have a hands on approach
• Personable and approachable
• Keen to learn any new areas of law as required and flexible approach
• Willing to go the extra mile where required
• Has a strong gravitas and confidence 
• Motivated self-starter required.
• Must be willing to travel within the UK and France from time to time, on occasion with minimal notice.
• Reporting to MD and functional line to Head of Legal, both France based.

Reed Specialist Recruitment Limited is an employment agency and employment business