Managing Commercial Lawyer - In House Legal

Our high-performing Inhouse Commercial Legal Team is at the heart of delivering pragmatic, accurate, and commercially focused legal advice to the business. We are now seeking an exceptional Managing Lawyer to join this dynamic team and play a pivotal role in supporting our global operations.

Key Responsibilities and Deliverables

Working alongside the Global Head of Commercial and other members of the Commercial Team, you will be responsible for providing pragmatic, accurate and commercial legal advice to both lawyers and non-lawyers across all the firm’s offices. In particular you will:

• initiate and lead projects to their conclusion while delivering the best results for the firm;
• proactively develop and manage positive working relationships with senior stakeholders across the firm;
• demonstrate excellent drafting and negotiation skills while working across a broad range of contracts, including reviewing, advising on and negotiating contractual terms with our clients and advising on a broad range of procurement projects with our suppliers;
• initiate and lead on the development and delivery of training to lawyers and non-lawyers across the firm;

Experience Required

• A qualified lawyer (solicitor, barrister, or equivalent) with at least nine years’ experience from a leading law firm or multinational corporation.
• Proven ability to manage complex commercial and technology contracts (including AI) and procurement agreements.
• Strong knowledge of UK, European, and US regulatory frameworks, including data protection and compliance requirements.
• Experience supervising and mentoring junior team members.
• Exceptional drafting, negotiation, and communication skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Experience of working in-house at a law firm or other professional services firm, preferred.

What Sets You Apart

• Professional credibility and the ability to build trust at all levels.
• Resilience and composure in a fast-paced environment.
• A proactive mindset—ready to take ownership and deliver first-class service.
• A passion for the law and a commitment to excellence.

About Our Legal Department

Our Legal Department comprises qualified lawyers and non-lawyers, dedicated to managing the firm’s risk exposure and advising partners on legal and compliance issues. We support effective management of regulatory, legal, operational, and information security risks to protect and enhance the firm’s long-term value. We achieve this through proactive risk management, training, awareness initiatives, and providing relevant intelligence and resources.

Our vision is to be recognised as a leading legal team among elite law firms—delivering excellent, commercial, and empathetic service while remaining agile, cost-effective, and responsive to evolving business needs and risks.

Inclusion

Freshfields is an equal opportunities employer and all applications received by the firm will be considered by the firm on the basis of their merit alone and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background. All offers of employment will be conditional on the candidate having/securing the right to work in the UK and providing the firm with evidence of that right (as required by the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006) prior to employment commencing.

Freshfields is a Ban the Box employer. We ask applicants to disclose criminal convictions only when a conditional job offer is made. A conviction does not automatically lead to withdrawal of the offer: we make decisions on a case by case basis and take a number of factors into account (eg the role you are applying for and the circumstances of the offence). You would have the opportunity to discuss the matter with us before we make a decision