Job Title: Legal Counsel - Air Sector
Location: Samlesbury Aerodrome, Lancashire
Contract: 12‑month Contract (Inside IR35)
Rates: £101.41 ph Umbrella* | £75.00 ph PAYE
*Umbrella rate quoted is the gross rate paid to the umbrella company (inclusive of all costs). Take‑home pay will be lower - please get in touch for a full breakdown.
Due to the nature of the role, this position requires Security Clearance (SC), including the ability to obtain SC, complete BPSS checks, and comply with ITAR restrictions.
The Opportunity
We're seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to join the Air Operations team within a leading Defence organisation. You'll act as a trusted legal partner, providing commercially focused advice across complex, high‑profile programmes including F‑35, Typhoon and future combat air initiatives.
This role offers exposure to multi‑jurisdictional work within a collaborative, global legal function.
What You'll Be Doing
- Draft, negotiate and finalise commercial contracts with customers and partners
- Provide practical, risk‑balanced legal advice to support business objectives
- Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks (including H&S, procurement law, export control and ethics)
- Support dispute management and resolution strategies
- Work closely with internal legal teams and business stakeholders across projects
- Contribute to the wider legal function and continuous improvement initiatives
What You'll Need to Succeed
Essential:
- Qualified Solicitor or Barrister (UK)
- Experience providing commercial legal advice in a corporate or in‑house environment
- Strong technical legal knowledge with the ability to apply it commercially
- Ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly and concisely
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills
Why Apply?
This is a unique opportunity to work on some of the UK's most significant defence programmes, influencing complex commercial decisions while developing your expertise within a global legal function.
What's My Next Step?
If you're a commercially minded Legal Counsel ready to work on high‑profile defence programmes, apply now.
