Interim Senior Counsel – Commercial Real Estate

I’m currently working with an established UK business operating across the commercial property and services sector that is looking to appoint an Interim Senior Legal Counsel for an initial 3-6 month period, while they recruit for the position permanently.

This is a broad, senior in-house role supporting across commercial contracts, commercial real estate, strategic projects, governance and wider legal risk, while partnering closely with senior stakeholders across the business.

The Role:

Strategic & Business Partnering

• Act as a senior legal adviser to key stakeholders across commercial, real estate, finance, operations, design & development, H&S and people teams.
• Partner closely with the General Counsel to shape and implement legal strategy and priorities.
• Support major business initiatives, acquisitions, disposals, financings and strategic projects from a legal and risk perspective.
• Provide clear, pragmatic advice on legal risk, governance and commercial decision‑making and help promote legal awareness across the business.

Commercial & Real Estate

This work shall take priority over other areas of work

• Lead the drafting, review and negotiation of complex commercial contracts, including leases, licences, framework agreements and non‑standard arrangements.
• Oversee and advise on real estate‑related matters, including development, construction, asset management and operational risk issues.
• Develop, maintain and continuously improve legal templates, playbooks and policies to support scalable growth.

Risk, Governance & Compliance

• Proactively identify, assess and manage legal and regulatory risks across the business.
• Support the development of strong governance frameworks and compliance processes.
• Advise on data protection, IP and wider regulatory matters, escalating issues to the General Counsel as appropriate.
• Support the resolution of disputes and claims (including debt recovery work), instructing and managing external counsel where appropriate.

We’re particularly interested in speaking with lawyers who have:

• 5+ years’ PQE
• Strong in-house commercial experience
• Good exposure to UK commercial real estate matters
• Broader experience across commercial contracts, corporate, construction and/or disputes
• The confidence to operate autonomously and advise senior stakeholders
• A pragmatic, commercially minded approach

This would be a great opportunity for an experienced in-house lawyer who can step into a senior, hands-on role and add value quickly. Our client is also open to those with a strong background and current career to date in Private Practice who are wanting to make a transition to in-house.

If you’re coming available for your next interim assignment, or would simply like to hear more, please get in touch with me directly for a confidential conversation.

The client is flexible on engagement structure and will consider either a day rate arrangement or fixed-term contract. Please note, remuneration will depend heavily on PQE, relevant experience and overall suitability for the assignment.

Location: London (4 days a week in central London office)

Duration: 3-6 month contract (Interim)

Engagement: Day rate or FTC