Your Complete Guide to Securing a Legal Counsel Job in the UK

Are you considering a legal counsel job but not sure where to start? Or maybe you’re already a solicitor and want to transition into an in-house role. Either way, you’ve landed in the right place.

As legal recruiters at The Legists, we work with in-house teams across the UK who are actively hiring talented legal professionals. Whether you’re newly qualified or a seasoned solicitor, the demand for legal counsel has never been stronger. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know  from responsibilities and required skills to salary expectations and how to land the job that suits your goals.

What Is a Legal Counsel Job?

A legal counsel — often called in-house counsel  is a lawyer employed directly by a business or organisation. Unlike solicitors in private practice, legal counsel works within the company, offering legal advice on a broad range of issues that affect day-to-day operations.

What Do Legal Counsels Actually Do?

Let’s break it down. Legal counsel typically:

• Drafts and reviews contracts

• Manages compliance and risk

• Provides legal advice to internal teams

• Supports mergers and acquisitions

• Oversees regulatory issues and data protection

• Liaises with external law firms when needed

In other words, legal counsel ensures the business functions smoothly, legally, and safely.

Why Pursue a Legal Counsel Job?

Making the move from private practice to in-house comes with clear benefits. Many lawyers choose this path to align their work more closely with commercial strategy, enjoy better work-life balance, and contribute to one organisation in a more meaningful way.

1. Broader Business Involvement

In a legal counsel role, you don’t just advise  you collaborate with finance, HR, marketing, and leadership teams. You influence decisions and see the bigger picture.

2. More Predictable Hours

While private practice often means long hours and billable targets, in-house roles tend to offer a more structured schedule. Of course, deadlines still exist, but the pace feels more balanced.

3. Opportunity to Specialise

Some companies seek generalists, but others want subject matter experts — especially in areas like data privacy, employment law, or IP. You can shape your career based on your interests.

Who Hires Legal Counsel?

Legal counsel jobs span almost every industry. While financial services and tech companies lead the demand, businesses in retail, healthcare, real estate, education, and manufacturing also hire in-house lawyers.

Top Employers Hiring In-House Legal Counsel Include:

• Financial institutions (e.g., Barclays, Lloyds)

• Tech giants (e.g., Google, Meta, Amazon)

• Automotive firms (e.g., Jaguar Land Rover, BMW UK)

• Energy companies (e.g., BP, Shell)

• Pharma and healthcare brands (e.g., GSK, Bupa)

• Start-ups and scale-ups in fintech and SaaS sectors

And here’s the good news: not every role demands years of experience. Some companies now hire NQ solicitors or offer rotational legal graduate schemes.

What Skills Do You Need for a Legal Counsel Job?

Landing a legal counsel job requires more than legal qualifications. You need a commercial mindset, flexibility, and a strong set of soft skills.

Essential Skills for Legal Counsel Success:

• Commercial Awareness: You must understand how legal advice impacts the bottom line.

• Communication: You need to explain legal risks in plain English — not legalese.

• Negotiation: Drafting contracts often involves back-and-forth with suppliers or partners.

• Time Management: You’ll juggle multiple priorities and support several teams.

• Problem Solving: You must find practical legal solutions that work for the business.

• Adaptability: Every day brings different legal challenges, especially in fast-paced industries.

If you already tick a few of these boxes, you’re well on your way.

Qualifications and Routes Into Legal Counsel Jobs

1. The Solicitor Route

Most legal counsel jobs require you to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. Here’s the usual path:

• Complete a Law Degree (LLB) or a non-law degree + GDL

• Pass the SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination)

• Undertake 2 years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)

• Apply for admission to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)

Once you qualify, you can move into private practice or go straight into an in-house role if a company is open to training and development.

2. The Legal Executive Route

The CILEX pathway offers an alternative route. If you want to qualify while working, CILEX allows you to build up experience and study part-time — a great option for career changers.

What’s a Day in the Life of a Legal Counsel Like?

Your day could look something like this:

• 9:00 am: Review supplier contracts and flag risks

• 10:30 am: Join a meeting with HR about new employment policies

• 12:00 pm: Advise marketing on ad campaign compliance

• 2:00 pm: Work on an ongoing merger deal with external lawyers

• 4:00 pm: Provide input on new software terms with IT

The variety keeps things exciting. You’ll touch every part of the business, and no two days feel the same.

How Much Can You Earn as a Legal Counsel?

Legal counsel salaries vary depending on experience, industry, and company size. Here’s a rough guide for 2025:

London roles usually pay more, but legal counsel jobs in Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and Bristol also offer strong salaries with a lower cost of living.

How to Find Legal Counsel Jobs in the UK

Here’s where the job search gets easier. With so many job boards and platforms, where should you begin?

1. Use a Specialist Legal Recruiter Like The Legists

We work closely with hiring teams that trust us to shortlist only the best candidates. That means less competition and more relevant roles for you.

2. Optimise Your LinkedIn Profile

Hiring managers will almost certainly check your online presence. Use your profile to highlight legal projects, industry knowledge, and commercial value.

3. Stay Updated on Legal Trends

Companies want legal professionals who follow industry developments — especially around data, ESG, AI, and evolving regulations.

4. Network with In-House Lawyers

Join legal events, webinars, or in-house legal communities. Connections matter more than you might think.

Tips to Stand Out in Your Legal Counsel Application

Want to move past the pile of CVs? Then keep these tips in mind:

Tailor Every Application

Don’t use a generic cover letter. Align your experience with the company’s industry and challenges.

Speak the Language of Business

Don’t just talk about law mention ROI, cost-saving initiatives, and efficiency.

Show Proactivity

Companies love legal professionals who don’t just identify risks — they prevent them before they appear.

Mention Cross-Functional Work

Highlight collaborations with HR, finance, operations, or marketing. Employers want to see that you fit into the wider business.

Why Choose The Legists to Land Your Legal Counsel Job?

At The Legists, we go beyond job listings. We understand that legal counsel roles demand more than legal expertise. You need a commercial mindset, emotional intelligence, and long-term career support.

Here’s What We Offer You:

• Exclusive In-House Roles you won’t find elsewhere

• Personalised Career Advice to guide your next move

• CV and Interview Coaching tailored to the legal market

• Nationwide Opportunities with top employers in every industry

Whether you’re making the switch from private practice or moving up the in-house ladder, we’re here to make it happen.

Final Thoughts: Your Legal Counsel Career Starts Here

Legal counsel jobs offer the perfect blend of law and business. If you’re seeking variety, responsibility, and meaningful impact — this is the career path for you. The job market remains competitive, but the opportunities are real, and the rewards speak for themselves.