Legal Counsel

Company Description

Egis is a leading global consulting, construction engineering and operating firm. We work together with our clients, across every aspect of transport, energy, and the built environment to build a more balanced, sustainable, and resilient world. The Egis Group has more than 50 years of experience and a team of 23,500 employees in over 70 countries around the world. Joining our Group means, above all, sharing our values as a people-first company, strongly committed to sustainability and innovation. 

In the UK and Ireland, we are proud to be delivering some of the most iconic projects which help connect people, protect our environment, and meet emission reduction targets. From highways, rail and operations and maintenance, to energy, water, nuclear and smart infrastructure, clients choose us to help them solve their most complex challenges - delivering climate-responsible growth that meets the needs of communities, industry and the planet. 
 

Job Description

We are looking for an ambitious and commercially minded Legal Counsel to join our UK and Ireland Legal Team, based in our London office.

This is an exciting opportunity for an England and Wales-qualified solicitor with at least 2 years’ post-qualification experience to move into, or continue developing within, an in-house legal role in a fast-growing, multidisciplinary business.

You will have trained and gained relevant experience within a reputable UK private-practice law firm, with a strong grounding in non-contentious construction, engineering or projects work.

The role offers genuine variety, with the opportunity to work closely with senior stakeholders and operational teams across consulting, engineering, construction and infrastructure. The complexity and level of responsibility will grow as you build your knowledge and experience of the business.

Key responsibilities

• Draft, negotiate and advise on commercial, construction and engineering contracts entered into by Egis subsidiaries in the UK and Ireland with clients, suppliers and delivery partners
• Advise on consultancy and sub-consultancy agreements, framework contracts, NEC3 and NEC4 contracts, bespoke engineering and construction agreements, collateral warranties, memoranda of understanding, teaming agreements and deeds of novation
• Provide commercially focused and pragmatic legal advice to senior leaders and operational teams, balancing legal risk with the needs of the business
• Support the UK corporate restructuring programme
• Support company secretarial matters, including attending board meetings and drafting minutes and board resolutions
• Support debt recovery processes, including statutory demands and letters before claim under the Pre-Action Protocol for Construction and Engineering Disputes
• Support litigation and dispute management, coordinating with internal stakeholders and external legal counsel
• Support the management of the UK insurance certificate database
• Support the implementation of UK and Group ethics and compliance programmes
• Liaise with external legal counsel in line with agreed policy and the budget set by the General Counsel

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales with at least 2 years’ PQE
• Training contract completed within a reputable UK private-practice law firm
• Strong post-qualification experience in non-contentious construction, engineering or projects work
• Hands-on experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating construction, engineering and commercial contracts
• Experience of consultancy agreements and standard-form or bespoke project contracts. Exposure to NEC, JCT or FIDIC contracts would be beneficial
• Minimum 2:1 law degree or equivalent qualification route, including the SQE
• Previous in-house experience is preferred but is not essential
• An interest in legal technology and/or experience using AI tools to improve legal service delivery, contract review, matter management or legal processes

Additional Information

Personal characteristics

• Able to work autonomously while collaborating effectively as part of a team
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with excellent attention to detail
• Able to translate complex legal issues into clear, pragmatic and user-friendly advice and documentation
• Able to prioritise competing demands and deliver high-quality work on time and within budget
• Commercially minded, proactive and keen to develop trusted relationships across the business
• Motivated to broaden their experience and take on increasing levels of responsibility

What’s in it for you

• The opportunity to join a growing UK and Ireland legal function and work closely with senior stakeholders across a diverse, international business
• Exposure to varied and increasingly complex legal matters across consulting, engineering, construction and infrastructure
• A supportive environment with genuine scope to broaden your experience, strengthen your commercial judgement and take on greater responsibility
• Access to learning and development opportunities, including the use of legal technology and AI to improve how legal services are delivered
• A competitive salary and benefits package, with hybrid working from our London office

This is a London-based hybrid role, with regular collaboration across the UK and Ireland business. Some travel to other Egis offices or project locations may be required.

We are committed to our planet

In each project we design, engineer and operate we care deeply about the legacy we’re leaving behind. As part of our team, you’ll have a unique opportunity to use your skills and expertise to shape a better future for our communities in the UK, and all around the globe.

Our commitment is translated in the work carried out by our Egis Foundation, which funds concrete actions to address the climate crisis and is focused on educational and social initiatives that will help in the responsible and sustainable shift towards a sustainable world.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We are an Equal Opportunities employer and we strive to build a workforce that truly reflects the communities we represent. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds, regardless of age, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and any other protected characteristic. If you decide to apply for an opportunity with us, your application will be assessed based purely on your experience, the essential and desirable criteria, and your suitability for the role. We value each and every one’s contribution as this builds our culture and means that if you work with us, you will be included, listened to, and respected.