Legal Counsel (6-month FTC)


Company:	Hays Specialist Recruitment
Salary:	£480 to £520 a day
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	London, EC2V 6DN
Working pattern:	Hybrid - 2 days remote
Job type:	Temporary
Posting date:	14 Sept 2026
Closing date:	21 Sept 2026

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Summary

Your new company

A leading global pharmaceutical organisation is seeking a Legal Counsel to join its UK legal team, on an initial 6-month contract, with the potential for extension. Based in London on a hybrid basis, the contract is full-time, though part-time working arrangements could be considered for the right candidate.

Working within an established in-house legal function, you will advise on matters relating to the commercialisation of medicines in the UK while also supporting legal operations and process improvement initiatives. This is an excellent opportunity for a junior commercial lawyer to develop their experience within a complex, highly regulated life sciences environment.

Your new role

Reporting into the Legal Director, you will provide pragmatic commercial legal advice and work closely with stakeholders across commercial operations, finance, procurement and other business functions.

Your responsibilities will include:

Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a broad range of commercial agreements

Providing day-to-day commercial legal advice and supporting stakeholders in identifying and managing legal risk

Contributing to legal operations and process improvements, including reviewing and updating templates and guidance

Developing and delivering legal training materials and supporting improvements to ways of working across the business

What you'll need to succeed

You will be a junior commercial lawyer, likely 2-5 years' PQE as a guideline, with strong commercial contracting experience and an interest in developing your career within the pharmaceutical sector.

You will demonstrate:

Strong experience drafting and negotiating a broad range of commercial agreements

Previous experience within a life sciences or related environment; pharmaceutical or biotechnology experience is highly desirable but not essential

Strong attention to detail with the ability to review processes, update guidance and contribute to legal operations improvements

A proactive approach, strong stakeholder skills and enthusiasm for developing your knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry

Experience within medical devices, healthcare/NHS, supply and logistics or another science-related sector would also be advantageous.

Legal operations and process improvement experience would be particularly beneficial.

Current SRA Practicing Certificate, although candidates with a current overseas practicing certificate and considerable UK experience may also be considered.

What you'll get in return

£480-£520 per day PAYE, dependent on experience

Hybrid working (3 days per week in the London office)

Opportunity to gain high-quality commercial legal experience within a leading global pharmaceutical business

Broad exposure across commercial legal work, legal operations and process improvement

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

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