Legal Counsel, UK and Ireland

AtkinsRéalis is one of the most respected design, engineering and project management consultancies in the world. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems and we have the breadth and depth of expertise to respond to the most technically challenging and time-critical projects around the globe. Whether it’s responding to the challenges of climate change and urbanisation, providing social and economic infrastructure to enable cities to flourish, or using the latest technology to transform the way we design, we are working with clients to make a difference to the planet and its people.

If you connect with the O-Shaped Lawyer attributes, thrive in a collaborative team environment and take pride in delivering jargon free business-focussed legal counsel and want to understand where a career with AtkinsRéalis might lead to then we would love to hear from you.

We are looking for a self-motivated Legal Counsel with a willingness to learn and develop new skills, and who can deliver technical excellence across our different UK markets. As an integral part of our team, you will make a significant contribution to diverse projects spanning our Project Management, Transportation, Infrastructure, Defence and Security sectors. As part of the UK & Ireland team, you will be working on a variety of matters including contract reviews, setting up joint ventures or consortium arrangements, managing commercial disputes, advising on and conducting negotiations, assisting with live project issues and working with key stakeholders at every level from across the businesses.

This is a permanent role working closely with the senior business partner lawyers for UK and Ireland.  You will report into the Legal Director for Project and Programme Services (PPS) from a talent development perspective.  We are looking for someone who has experience working for a leading private practice law firm and/or who has relevant in-house legal experience. Your attributes should include possessing the professional characteristics and softer skills required in an in-house environment, enabling you to provide commercially astute advice and help the business to develop solutions to our customers’ biggest challenges. We are looking for a well-rounded lawyer who can combine technical excellence with an emotional intelligence, and who is adept at building rapport and fostering relationships with a range of stakeholders.  The successful candidate will contribute to driving successful project outcomes across all tiers of the organisation and help the business embrace new ways of working through their innovative, and adaptive style of legal advice. We are looking for a lawyer who will take responsibility for their work and career, and proactively seek out opportunities to improve.

We are a well-regarded, inclusive and supportive legal team focused on the development of individuals and fostering a collaborative, social and energetic dynamic. The nature of the work and the level of empowerment afforded to the lawyers combine to create a great environment to develop and succeed as commercially and strategically minded lawyers. And when you join us, you'll be a part of this genuinely collaborative environment, where everyone's voice is valued and treated equally.

Come be you, with us!

Location: Mix of home and office-based working (in Epsom or London), with travel as required to other UK offices.

Salary: Competitive compensation package.

Responsibilities:

• Reviewing a wide variety of contract documents, including professional service and framework agreements, subcontracts and procurement contracts, bespoke and industry standard documents (for example NEC3/4), development agreements and ancillary documents such as NDAs, parent company guarantees and collateral warranties.
• Advising on collaborative working agreements including memoranda of understanding, teaming agreements and consortia and joint venture agreements.
• Assisting in evaluating disputes brought against/by the company and in managing the resolution of those claims with the businesses, litigation team and external insurers.
• Liaising with and assisting in managing external lawyers on litigation and other matters including tribunal claims, large and complex non-contentious matters and professional negligence claims.
• Assisting in ad-hoc matters such as intellectual property, competition and procurement law issues.
• Liaising with other corporate functions (Tax, Treasury, Insurance, Company Secretary, Integrity) to ensure compliance with corporate governance requirements.
• Assisting in the maintenance, development and drafting of standard terms and conditions and policies, procedures and guidance notes.
• Assisting with the development of the department’s trainee solicitors.
• Training colleagues within the business on legal/commercial matters and recent developments.
• Attending commercial meetings, gated risk reviews (bid go/no go) and other business reviews.

Requirements:

Essential:

• Qualification as a solicitor in England & Wales.
• Experience in any of the following areas: engineering and design, consultancy, construction, energy, projects.
• Excellent drafting skills and attention to detail.
• Sound commercial judgement.
• Good organisational, prioritisation and time management skills.
• Good communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build relationships with in-house clients at all levels including the senior management of the organisation and the wider global legal team.
• Ability to thrive in a small, close-knit team.

Demonstration of O shaped lawyer mindset and attributes:

• Open mindset.
• Original ways of working/thinking.
• Seizing new opportunities.
• Taking ownership.
• Optimism.

A connection to our company purpose to engineer a better future for the planet and its people.

Meeting your needs:

When you start with us, you'll enjoy "Total Reward", a package that can be tailored to your lifestyle, career and personal needs. From flexible holidays to life assurance, health & wellbeing benefits, and career planning for the senior stage of your career.

Making sure you're supported is important to us. So, if you identify as having a disability, tell us ahead of your interview. And let's talk about any adjustments you might need.

New name, new era. We are AtkinsRéalis.  It will take some time for all our information to update – you can still refer to our fantastic benefits via the link below:

YourReward at SNC-Lavalin​ (snclavalin.com).

Training:

AtkinsRéalis is committed to developing its people both personally and professionally. Our colleagues have the advantage of access to a high ranging training portfolio and development activities designed to help make the best of individual’s abilities and talents. We also actively support staff in achieving corporate membership of relevant institutions.

More about us:

AtkinsRéalis is a leading global consultancy with over 100 years of design and engineering expertise. With us, you'll be surrounded by the skills, knowledge and support to help you succeed. Together, we can deliver projects which have a positive, sustainable impact on the world.

Check out some of our recent, most exciting projects.

Additional Information:

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance.  If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer. If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance.

We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop. To help embed inclusion for all, from day one, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee networks to support staff from different backgrounds. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability.