Legal Counsel

About us
The Francis Crick Institute is Europe's largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions.

The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. We've removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to take risks and carry out high-quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy.

About the role
In this role, you will be helping the Crick deliver its scientific and commercial strategy in compliance with its legal and regulatory requirements and internal policies and procedures. You will be part of the Crick's Legal and Governance team (also known as L&G) - our team includes lawyers, company secretariat managers, contract managers, paralegals and a legal operations manager.

This is a busy role in a friendly team where collegiality, professionalism and attention to detail are key. You will provide high quality commercial legal advice and transactional support for all parts of the Crick including to our scientific community and our operations teams. The work is varied reflecting the range of activities at the Crick and the different types of relationships with commercial and academic organisations.

You will also help to deliver L&G's strategic initiatives and legal operations initiatives. Working closely with our legal operations manager and non-legal colleagues, you will help develop and streamline ways of working to help deliver our ambition to run best-in-class legal operations, contributing to improving legal operations and delivery of legal services. You will also play a key role in supporting knowledge and learning within the team, especially mentoring junior team members.

If you are a qualified lawyer and have experience of providing high quality commercial advice as well as transactional support, this may be a perfect role for you.

What you will be doing
As a Legal counsel at the Crick, you will:

- Stakeholder management: Develop and maintain excellent working relations with all levels of our organisation including senior and/or key internal and external stakeholders

• Advisory: Provide or procure appropriate advice on laws and regulation (including those pertaining to research, philanthropic and charitable activities), commercial/contract law matters, contract disputes, laws and regulations, taking into account internal policy, process and governance.
• Transactional support: Support contracts and or other legal matters, as lead lawyer or working with another team member.
• Legal services innovation: Develop new ways of working for L&G, improve legal operations and delivery of legal services. As part of the L&G team, you will help streamline the Crick's contracting process, legal approval process and contract documentation database.
• Knowledge and learning: Support, supervise, and mentor junior team members
  
  This advert shows a brief summary of the role, for a full overview of the key responsibilities, experience, and competencies, see the job description here .
  
  About you
  You will bring .
  (Minimum criteria
• A solicitor or barrister admitted in England & Wales (or other common law jurisdiction) with a current practicing certificate, and with two or more years post qualification experience.
• General commercial contracting experience, ideally in a science or technology sector, and a sound understanding of the legal and regulatory context in which the Crick operates as a charitable company and biomedical research institute.
  - Experience of using or developing ways of working and alternative legal service models, and using a matter management system.
• You think strategically. You are a problem-solver or gatekeeper, as the situation demands, delivering legal services to a good standard. You are confident to challenge previous ways of doing things and to drive a matter through to a successful conclusion.
• Excellent communication skills and an engaging delivery. Able to present complex information as clear and simple communications. A concise, compelling written style with strong written accuracy and excellent legal drafting skills.
• Experience of designing, delivering or using alternative and/or digital legal service models, including a matter management system. Keen and confident user of technology and interest in exploringnew technologies to foster team working, promote awareness, share knowledge and support compliance.
• Strong interpersonal skills and influencing skills (eg tact, integrity, confidentiality and patience) with highly developed emotional and political intelligence. Able tobuild personal credibility quickly and develop and maintain effective relationships with people with differing perspectives and needs. Exhibit presence and confidence when interacting with people at all levels across the organisation.
• A positive,self-starter and team player. Able towork effectively in a collegiate environment and consult with colleagues to share expertise and ideas to deliver new outcomes. Act authentically and consistently and develop self-awareness by seeking feedback from others. Withexperience of supporting more junior colleagues.
• Highly organised with strong planning skills and the ability to prioritise competing demands and tight deadlines. A methodical approach and an excellent attention to detail. Flexible, self-motivated and resilient under pressure.
• A commitment to the Crick's vision and core values.
  
  For the full criteria, please see the job description here .
  
  About Working at the Crick
  Our values
  Everyone who works at the Crick has a valuable role to play in advancing the Crick's mission and shaping our culture!
• We arebold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We're not afraid to do things differently.
• We areopen. We're highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world.
• We arecollegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community.
  At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences. Weare aDisability Confident: Committedemployer andwant to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and sowe'llmake reasonable adjustments if you need them - just let us know when you apply. If you needassistancewith applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post)please email:
  
  Find out more about working at the Crick.
  
  What will you receive?
  At the Francis Crick Institute, we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well-being and development:
• Visas: Applicants for this role will be eligible for sponsorship to work in the UK
• Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays.
• Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%.
• 24/7 GP consultation services.
• Occupational health services and mental health support programs.
• Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans.
• Work-Life Balance:
• Childcare support allowance.
• Annual leave purchase options.
• Crick Networks offering diverse groups' support, community and inclusive social events.
• Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts.
• Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.
• Development & Recognition: Comprehensive training, mentoring, and a pay structure with performance-linked progression.