Legal Counsel (Regions)

As Legal Counsel (Regions) you will provide high quality legal advice, aligned to a region or regions within Network Rail. You will have regard to the need for appropriate management of corporate legal risk and delivery of legal services to the Company, advising across all areas of law which affect the regional business, with an emphasis on commercial and litigation law. Your day to day workload will include advising on a wide range of matters including in the areas of commercial, litigation, employment, health and safety, procurement, construction, planning, public and regulatory law. As a strategic business partner of Region you will support the business to achieve its strategic priorities and be integral to the delivery of these aims. With appropriate supervision, you will have a high degree of autonomy in the work you deliver and the support of experienced colleagues, the Head of Legal and General Counsel for the Region. You will work closely with colleagues
across the business, including in respect of frontline railway operations, nationally and politically significant infrastructure projects, major railway enhancements and industry initiatives. As part of a national Legal community, you will work cooperatively and collaboratively with other members of the Legal team across the Regions and National functions, and support matters on the agenda of the Board

About the role (External)

Assisting and working alongside either the Head of Legal (Regions) or General Counsel (Regions) on complex and/or high value legal matters, whether complex alliance arrangements, joint ventures, purchasing contracts, corporate reorganisations, acquisitions/disposals, material litigation etc. Responsible for delivery of legal advice that is business –focused, accurate and appropriate so allowing the company to reduce its risk of exposure and achieve its commercial and business objectives.

Drafting and negotiation of commercial agreements whether in respect of such complex and/or high value legal matters (in which case with supervision) or in support of more day to day business; or advising the business on resolution of day to day disputes whether regulatory, criminal or commercial in nature and assisting the Head of Legal (Regions) in resolution of more material disputes.

Assisting the Head of Legal (Regions) on the development of appropriate company policies, processes and/or training for the areas covered by the Regions legal team.

Participation in various ad hoc multi-function project teams advising on legal aspects and problem solving in order to achieve commercial objectives.

Instruct and supervise external lawyers to support their areas of responsibility when required.

Providing regular information and reports of work in progress to the Head of Legal (Regions) or General Counsel (Regions) as required.

• Qualified solicitor or barrister with previous experience.

• Legal background to be gained across a number of legal areas whether commercial, corporate, competition, litigation, property or otherwise – but must have substantial commercial or litigation experience.

• Ability to identify and minimise corporate legal risk

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills both verbally and in writing.

• Proactive and Commercially minded

• Creative problem solver with can do attitude

• Works well under pressure, with the ability to prioritise and handle competing demands.

• Basic financial/accounts understanding accessible to everyone.

We're dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the passengers we serve. To achieve this, we're committed to becoming an open, diverse, and inclusive workplace, leveraging the skills and expertise of our talented workforce. Together, we strive to create a safe and accessible railway for everyone. Discover more about the importance of Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail by clicking here.

Investing in our people is key to enhancing the safety, reliability, and efficiency of our railway system. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact, then this opportunity is for you!

About our people and the recruitment process - We're an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone! We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly, as we know traditional working patterns don't always fit. If you want to consider working flexibly, just let us know and we'll do our best to help and invest in your career with us, whilst you have a healthy work life balance.