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.

IT IS A MANDATORY REQUIREMENT TO HOLD A CURRENT UK PRACTICING CERTIFICATE, PLEASE INDICATE CLEARLY ON YOUR CV. IF NOT, YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY REJECTED.

About the role (External)

Your Main Responsibilities will be to:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

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

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

6. Providing regular information and reports of work in progress to the Head of Legal (Regions) or General Counsel (Regions) as required., Diversity and inclusion are more than just buzz words for us. We’re constantly striving to make sure we provide a welcoming and safe environment for everyone. We recognise that certain groups are under-represented within our team and we’re working closely with our regional diversity and inclusion networks to make sure we support these groups as best as we can.

We are working in conjunction with the Cultural Fusion team. If you would like support with your application or interview please contact Wales&WesternCulturalFusion@networkrail.co.uk or visit the connect page: Wales and Western Cultural Fusion (sharepoint.com). For all other support please contact your HR Business Partner.

· 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

At Network Rail, we’re part of a large family serving millions of passengers and freight users throughout the UK every day. Our service impacts millions of people and we strive to become more efficient as we enhance, maintain, and operate our network.

Our passengers and freight users are at the heart of everything we do. We help connect people to their friends and families and get goods to their destination safely and efficiently. We’re an organisation where people matter. When you're part of our team, you matter to us, and you matter to millions. Watch our video to find out more!

The Wales & Western region includes more than 2,700 miles of railway and we serve communities and businesses of Wales, the Thames Valley, West of England, and the Southwest Peninsula.
Our ambition to be responsive to passengers and freight users drives us every day and we're empowered to do the right thing for those who use the rail network. We actively challenge unsafe practices and take responsibility for addressing risks, resolving issues, and protecting safety and wellbeing.

About our people and the recruitment process - We’re an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone!

· Privileged staff travel - Leisure travel discount of 75% on all leisure travel and includes family members.

· A subsidy of up to 75% on rail and underground season tickets if you travel to work on the train.

· GWR ticket alliance – Heavily discounted all day passes for you and up to 3 friends and family to use across the GWR network.

· Benefits package including healthcare offers, a cycle to work scheme, discounted healthcare club membership, and a discounted offers and benefits including childcare, healthcare and online shopping site.

· A range of Pension schemes to choose from

· Effectively manage work-life balance with a 35hrs per week contract, hybrid working, and enhanced family friendly support.

· 5 days paid volunteering leave.

· 2 weeks paid reserve leave for the Armed Forces community.