Legal Counsel

Job Description

Job Title: Legal Counsel- 12 month fixed term contract

Location: Warton- Hybrid

We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role

Salary: £70,000+ (DOE)

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

What you’ll be doing:

In this role, you’ll act as a trusted legal partner to the business, providing practical and commercially focused legal advice to teams across multiple jurisdictions. You’ll draft, negotiate and finalise contracts with customers and partners, helping to support successful commercial outcomes and the continued growth of the business. You’ll also play an important role in ensuring the organisation remains compliant with key legal and regulatory requirements, including health and safety, procurement law, product safety, export control and ethical business conduct. From an early stage, you’ll help manage disputes and contribute to developing effective resolution strategies, ensuring risks are addressed in a timely and constructive way. Working closely with colleagues across the wider legal team at BAE Systems, you’ll contribute to the organisation’s global legal function while supporting the needs of the business.

Core duties:

• You’ll have a UK qualification as a Solicitor or Barrister, with experience in a leading law firm or in-house legal team
• You’ll have experience working in a commercial environment, providing practical legal advice that helps the business succeed while managing risk
• You’ll have solid technical knowledge of the relevant areas of law, with the ability to apply it effectively in real-world business situations
• You’ll have the ability to explain complex legal issues clearly and simply, so colleagues and stakeholders can take action with confidence
• You’ll have good interpersonal skills, helping you build trusted relationships, influence decisions, and work well with teams across the business
• You’ll have the confidence to take ownership of specialist legal advice, acting as a trusted business partner and working closely with senior stakeholders to support key initiatives

The Air Operations Legal Team:

Join BAE Systems Air Sector and be part of a leading-edge team driving some of the world’s most complex defence programmes, including the F-35 Lightning II, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Team Tempest – the future of UK combat air technology. You’ll work within a collaborative and supportive global legal function, gaining wide-ranging exposure to challenging, high-profile work while receiving industry-focused training and development. The role also offers opportunities for short- and long-term mobility, both nationally and internationally, enhancing your experience and career growth

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a good sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 27th March 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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