Senior Legal Counsel

Job description
Great British Nuclear (GBN) is a new government arm's length body supporting the delivery of Britain's energy security and net zero, making sure that we can power Britain from Britain sustainably. It has been set up to turn nuclear ambition into reality. This is an exciting and critical time to bring your experience and expertise to GBN.

The Senior Legal Counsel will support the Legal Director and represent the Legal Function on legal matters, including the establishment of future Development Companies, and handle day-to-day legal issues in a fast-paced, growing organisation. This will involve supporting front-line business teams within GBN, either directly or through external legal counsel, collaborating with other central functions, and acting as the primary point of contact for external legal support.

Day to day duties:
• Support the Legal Director in the provision of legal advice and guidance to the business and strategic projects to further the interests of GBN and minimise potential risks.
• Provide the appropriate level of legal support to business teams and central functions within GBN relative to the strategic importance of the work at hand.
• Support the appointment of external legal advisers and influence the outcome, quality, timely delivery and value for money of external legal work.
• Provide input into legal advice on key business decisions, investments and opportunities and enable the assessment of balanced risk decision-making on significant opportunities.
• Represent the Legal Function on key working groups and take responsibility for legal deliverables.
• Support the Legal Director in working with GBN Commercial, Strategy and Technical colleagues to engage with HMG, political and regulatory stakeholders to (prudently) lighten the regulatory load on new nuclear power projects.
• Develop, review and approve contracts (especially for procurement processes and future Development Companies) which limit GBN's risk and exposure, under the supervision of the Legal Director.
• Manage the settlement of any disputes and resolution of any litigation/proceedings, under the supervision of the Legal Director.
• Manage one direct report and take responsibility for their supervision, performance and development.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience required:
• Deep technical knowledge and experience of projects, infrastructure, energy and related areas of law and regulation are a strong preference.
• Knowledge of national and international nuclear law and regulation is desirable, but not mandatory, as training and support will be provided.
• Prior in-house experience, e.g. through secondments, is an advantage.
• Practical experience of dispute resolution and/or regulatory proceedings is an advantage.
• Knowledge of one or more of public procurement, subsidy control, public law, freedom of information and judicial review is strongly preferred, but not mandatory, as training and support will be provided.
• Demonstrable experience in negotiating, reviewing and drafting substantial and complex commercial contracts and handling a broad range of issues.
• General commercial, financing and/or corporate skills and an aptitude for handling any and all matters that are likely to arise in an in-house environment.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and willing to work outside of comfort zone.
• Leadership and management experience. A desire to take responsibility and accountability for your own work and its outcomes.
• Strong communication skills and confident handling internal stakeholders at all levels of seniority.
• A demonstrable ability to "step up" and provide principal advice on behalf of the Legal Function.
• Team player, "can do" attitude, with good interpersonal skills and a mature outlook.

Qualifications
• English qualified solicitor or barrister (with current practising certificate). 5+ years PQE indicative, though candidates with significantly more experience are welcome.

Please complete our short application form to apply for this role. If shortlisted, one of our Talent Attraction Leads will be in touch to discuss the position in more detail. Good luck with your application!

At GBN, we are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups. If you require any support or adjustments to help you with your application, please contact us at , and we will be happy to provide assistance. Read more