Senior Legal Counsel

Wood

Senior Legal Counsel providing legal expertise in complex multi-jurisdictional matters across various legal domains. Leading legal guidance on high-risk issues while managing team objectives.

Posted 4/28/2026full-timeReading • 🇬🇧 United KingdomSeniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

The role is responsible for leading the delivery of precise, commercial, timely and cost-effective legal counsel advice on complex, material and high‑risk matters, including those with potential or actual legal or reputational implications.
You will support the relevant geographic regions in achieving their short‑ and long‑term strategic priorities through effective legal risk management, sound judgement and cost discipline, and contribute actively to the leadership and development of the Eastern Hemisphere Legal team.
Lead the effective, timely and cost‑efficient delivery of legal advice, governance and compliance across assigned regions or matters, acting as the legal adviser on complex issues.
Manage complex disputes and litigation, including strategy development, instruction and supervision of external counsel, budget control and resolution planning.
Ensure the effective, timely and cost-effective delivery of legal counsel, support, governance, and compliance in the relevant geographic regions, including project management of external legal service provider engagement and related budgets.
Perform complex legal analysis and problem solving, research, counsel and guidance, including effective communication of the same.
Provide clear, pragmatic and commercially grounded advice to senior stakeholders, enabling informed decision‑making in ambiguous or high‑pressure situations.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Education and qualification as a lawyer, solicitor, barrister or equivalent qualification
Valid / current law license
Post-qualified experience in an in house or private practice environment
Strong commercial acumen and highly developed legal and analytical skills (e.g., negotiation, drafting, relevant legal knowledge)
Time management, use of IT systems and tools
Corporate governance and decision making
Changing regulatory environment
Current and future industry trends
Complex legal analysis and problem solving
Implementing effective legal training regime
Multiple legal practice areas to support the relevant service bundle(s), for example, commercial, dispute resolution, real estate, compliance and IP
Consistently model and lead on Wood’s values, working with integrity, respecting and valuing others and our communities
Energy and compassion
Balance of humility and self confidence
Good interpersonal skills, ability to communicate well at all levels of the organization and with staff at remote locations
Strong problem solving and creative skills and the ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions based on accurate and timely analyses
High level of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency and results-orientation
Anticipates the environment, is forward thinking and able to see the ‘big picture’
Creative in the achievement of stretching objectives; does not accept failure easily
Flexibility to adapt quickly to new challenges and environments
English language fluency
Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and development

Benefits

Comp & perks

Meaningful and interesting projects we support green hydrogen and fuel switching, as well as supporting local clients with energy transition
Flexible working arrangements that balance client, team and individual needs offering hybrid working arrangements
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion; we are an organisation actively committed to diversity and inclusion across our business with employee networks committed to giving all employees a voice
Competitive salary with regular salary reviews to ensure we are rewarding at the right level in line with the market
Flexible benefits package; inclusive of 33 days annual leave (including public holidays), generous contributory pension scheme, private medical cover, 4x base salary life insurance; all of these and more that can be adapted to suit your own lifestyle*
Commitment to continued professional development; development plans that are tailored to your individual needs and interests
Global connections; join experts around the world who are at the leading edge of our industry, shaping the standards of our profession

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

legal analysisnegotiationdraftingcommercial acumencomplex problem solvingcorporate governanceregulatory compliancemultiple legal practice areasproject managementbudget control

Soft Skills

interpersonal skillscommunicationleadershiptime managementintegritycreativityflexibilitysound judgmentresults-orientationforward thinking

Certifications

law licenselawyer qualificationsolicitor qualificationbarrister qualification