Solicitor / Legal Counsel


Company:	Centre for Process Innovation
Salary:	£49,058 to £56,999 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Sedgefield, TS21 3FG
Working pattern:	Hybrid - 3 days remote
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	28 Oct 2026
Closing date:	11 Nov 2026

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Summary

About the Role

CPI is looking for a Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive to join its legal team on a permanent basis, providing practical legal support across a range of commercial activities.

This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified legal professional with a background in commercial contracts, whether already working in-house or looking to make the move from private practice. We are looking for someone who can build strong relationships and become a trusted legal partner to the business.

The work will be varied but will predominantly involve reviewing and drafting commercial agreements, including non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), conducting legal research and providing day-to-day legal advice to internal stakeholders. A sound understanding of intellectual property will also be important for this role. Knowledge or experience in other areas, such as data protection, employment law, regulatory matters or litigation, would be beneficial, although not essential. The successful candidate will gain exposure to a wide range of commercial and contractual matters while working closely with colleagues across the organisation.

What You'll Be Doing

• Reviewing, drafting and negotiating NDAs and other commercial agreements.

• Providing practical legal advice to colleagues across the business on contractual and commercial matters.

• Conducting legal research and summarising findings for internal stakeholders.

• Assisting with intellectual property, contract law and commercial legal matters.

• Supporting the wider legal team with ongoing projects and business initiatives.

• Assisting with the maintenance of legal templates and documentation.

• Working collaboratively with teams across the organisation to provide practical and commercially focused legal support.

Essential requirements

About You We're looking for a solicitor who can quickly build relationships, provide pragmatic legal advice and confidently manage a varied workload. You will likely have: • Either Qualified Solicitor status in England and Wales with a current practising certificate or Chartered Legal Executive status. • Up-to-date knowledge of contract and commercial law. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. • Strong organisational skills and attention to detail. • The ability to prioritise work effectively and manage competing deadlines. • A commercial and pragmatic approach to legal problem-solving. • Experience gained in private practice or an in-house legal team. Particularly Relevant Experience Experience in one or more of the following areas would be advantageous: • Commercial contracts • NDAs and confidentiality agreements • Legal research • Intellectual property matters • In-house legal support • Corporate and commercial law • Stakeholder management • Contract review and negotiation • Employment • Data Protection • Regulatory

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