Description:
Legal Counsel
Role Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Location: Greater Cambridge area
We are exclusively partnering with a forward thinking organisation operating at the forefront of the life sciences sector. As the business continues to scale, they are seeking a Sole Legal Counsel to establish and lead the legal function.
As Sole Legal Counsel, you will take full ownership of all legal matters across the organisation, providing pragmatic, commercially focused advice. This is a hands-on position offering broad exposure across contracts, IP, compliance, and strategic risk.
Key responsibilities include:
- Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a wide range of commercial agreements (e.g. NDAs, MSAs, licensing, supply, collaboration and services agreements)
- Advising on and supporting intellectual property strategy, working closely with external IP counsel
- Leading on data protection and regulatory compliance, including GDPR
- Supporting corporate governance, including board matters and statutory compliance
- Identifying and mitigating legal and commercial risks across the business
- Developing and implementing legal policies, procedures and training
- Managing external counsel relationships to ensure efficient and cost-effective support
- Partnering with teams across R&D, commercial, operations and finance to deliver clear, actionable legal guidance
About You
You will be a commercially astute lawyer who thrives in an autonomous environment and enjoys being embedded within a fast-paced, innovative business.
Key requirements:
- Qualified lawyer (Solicitor or equivalent qualification) with a minimum of seven years’ experience
- Strong experience in commercial agreements and data protection
- Background in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, life sciences or a related sector would be an advantage
- Strong drafting, negotiation and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to translate complex legal and technical concepts into practical business advice
Desirable:
- Exposure to intellectual property and/or regulatory frameworks
- Experience supporting international operations or partnerships
Why Apply?
- Opportunity to build and shape a legal function
- Work at the cutting edge of biotech innovation
- High level of senior stakeholder exposure and strategic input
- Flexible hybrid working with a Cambridge base
- Competitive salary and excellent benefits package