Legal Counsel

Job Description

Overview

A role for a lawyer who wants to grow, innovate and shape real‑world impact.

At AtkinsRéalis, we’re designing the future—quite literally. From reimagining transport networks and revitalising cities to transforming energy systems and accelerating the transition to net zero, our teams are tackling some of the biggest challenges facing the planet.

Our Legal team is right at the heart of this. We partner closely with the business, using our legal expertise and commercial mindset to unlock opportunities, solve problems creatively, and help build a better, more sustainable world. If you’re a junior lawyer who is curious, adaptable, collaborative and excited by the idea of using your legal skills in a fast‑moving commercial environment, this is a place where you can thrive.

Real responsibility from day one — you’ll work directly with senior stakeholders across multiple markets, with genuine influence over how projects and deals land.
A supportive, close‑knit team — we share knowledge, celebrate each other’s success, and prioritise development.
A varied portfolio — from major infrastructure programmes to cutting‑edge digital innovation, no two weeks look the same.
A culture that encourages new ideas — we value fresh thinking, new approaches and people who are willing to challenge the status quo.
A purpose‑driven organisation — your work will help shape safer, more resilient and more sustainable communities.
An award‑winning business — AtkinsRéalis is consistently recognised across the UK & Ireland for the quality and impact of its work, including multiple national awards for excellence in the built environment, education and consultancy, as well as recognition for our workplace and culture.

This is a permanent role based in London or Epsom (with hybrid flexibility involving three days a week in an office), reporting into one of our senior business partner lawyers.

Your role

We’re looking for a Legal Counsel to join our UK & Ireland Legal Team, supporting an exciting mix of markets including Buildings & Places, Transport, Complex Projects, Secure Government and Growth Markets. You’ll be part of an experienced and highly collaborative group of lawyers who partner with the business on all kinds of matters, including:

• Reviewing and negotiating a wide range of commercial contracts (professional services agreements, subcontracts, NEC3/4, frameworks and more).
• Helping set up joint ventures, consortia and collaborative working arrangements.
• Supporting the business with dispute management and resolution, working with external counsel and insurers where needed.
• Providing clear, practical advice on everything from procurement and competition to IP, governance and risk management.
• Working with other corporate functions to ensure we meet high standards of integrity and compliance.
• Shaping and improving our internal policies, templates and ways of working.
• Playing a role in developing trainee solicitors and sharing knowledge across the business.
• Joining commercial meetings, bid reviews and project discussions where your input will directly influence business outcomes.

About you

• You’ll be a qualified solicitor in England & Wales with experience in one or more of the following areas: engineering/design, consultancy, construction, energy or broader projects work—whether from private practice or an in‑house role.

Equally as important, we’re looking for someone who is:

• Adaptable and business‑minded, with excellent communication skills.
• You enjoy learning, can pivot quickly, and take a pragmatic approach to helping the business move forward.
• You can build relationships at every level, explain complex issues simply, and collaborate across multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Innovative, solution‑oriented, organised, and proactive.
• You think creatively, spot opportunities, and bring new ideas into how we deliver legal support.
• You take ownership of your work, manage competing priorities effectively and continuously look for ways to improve.
• Aligned to the O‑Shaped Lawyer attributes.
• Open‑minded, optimistic, commercially aware and ready to seize new opportunities.
• And above all: you connect with our purpose to engineer a better future for the planet and its people.

Reward & benefits

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career. Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a brilliant range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Make the most of a myriad of opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise. And combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life.

Be rewarded. Find out more.

About AtkinsRéalis

We're AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We're committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.

Find out more.

Additional information

Security clearance

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 creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop to be the best we can be. So, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups to support all employees. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability.

Worker Type

Job Type

At AtkinsRéalis, we seek to hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly believe that world-class talent makes no distinctions based on gender, ethnic or national origin, sexual identity and orientation, age, religion or disability, but enriches itself through these differences.