Senior Legal Counsel

Overview

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 like to hear from you.

Your role

• We’re looking for a Senior Legal Counsel to join our UK & Ireland Legal Team, supporting an exciting mix of markets including Buildings & Places, Transport, Complex Projects, Secure Government, Power and Renewables, Aviation and Water.
• 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 be able to drive successful project outcomes across all tiers of an 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.
• You’ll be part of an experienced and highly collaborative group of lawyers who partner with the business on a variety 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 law 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.
  • Attending commercial meetings, bid reviews and project discussions where your input will directly influence business outcomes.
  • This is a permanent role based in Epsom or London (with hybrid flexibility involving three days a week in an office), reporting into a Senior Legal Director.

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.
• We will consider applicants who already hold an applicable visa and the right to work in the UK; however, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• We’re looking for someone who is:
  • Adaptable & business‑minded.
  • You enjoy learning, can pivot quickly, and take a pragmatic approach to helping the business move forward.
  • An excellent communicator.
  • You can build relationships at every level, explain complex issues simply, and collaborate across multi‑disciplinary teams.
  • Innovative & solution‑oriented.
  • You think creatively, spot opportunities, and bring new ideas into how we deliver legal support.
  • Organised & proactive.
  • 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.

Essential

• Qualification with relevant years of PQE as a solicitor in England & Wales.
• Experience in any of the following areas: construction, energy, projects, property.
• 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.
• Resilience – including the ability to manage a demanding workload and juggle competing priorities.
• This is a fantastic opportunity to join 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.
• Whilst we are passionate about what we do, we also do not take ourselves too seriously. Simply put, this a great place to be.

Rewards & 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.

Rewards and benefits – Careers at AtkinsRéalis

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. As a Disability Confident Leader, we are committed to offering an interview to all applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria. If you would like to be considered under this commitment, please let us know at the application stage.

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.