Senior Commercial Counsel

About the role

You will partner with executive sponsors to shape, draft, and negotiate complex commercial and professional service agreements that underpin client transformation initiatives. You will own the end-to-end management of high-value deals involving data, technology, cloud, and AI delivery frameworks while safeguarding Baringa's commercial position and risk appetite. You will lead the development and mentoring of a junior commercial lawyer team, setting clear work priorities, quality standards, and career growth pathways. You will act as the primary commercial legal advisor to consultants and leaders, translating business objectives into legally robust and commercially advantageous structures. You will collaborate closely with the Business Integrity function to ensure all transactions align with regulatory expectations and the firm's ethical standards. You will contribute to the design and maintenance of commercial templates, playbooks, and deal governance processes that scale across the global firm. You will represent Baringa in external negotiations and forums, ensuring that contracts reflect the firm's value proposition and support long-term client partnerships.

Key facts

What you'll do

Drive the negotiation and finalisation of strategic client agreements across energy, financial services, public sector, and digital markets.

Architect and evolve the firm's commercial contract framework, data and AI transaction playbooks, and associated risk mitigation strategies.

Lead the development, review, and quality assurance of complex technology, cloud, and digital delivery contracts to ensure enforceability and clarity.

Own the commercial risk assessment and documentation for partnerships, alliances, and third-party arrangements impacting Baringa's operations.

Champion the consistent application of contract lifecycle management practices across the Commercial Legal team and wider firm.

Provide authoritative legal interpretation and commercial guidance on regulatory changes affecting data, technology, and AI-related transactions.

Develop and deliver training and knowledge transfer sessions to consultants and junior legal colleagues on commercial best practices and contractual standards.

Build and maintain productive working relationships with internal stakeholders to accelerate deal progression and decision-making.

Analyse contract performance and commercial outcomes to identify improvements in terms, processes, and client value.

Represent Baringa in key discussions with clients, vendors, and external advisors to protect the firm's interests and reputation.

Contribute to the design and continuous improvement of Baringa's commercial operating model and governance structures.

Support the Commercial Legal Director in line management, resourcing, and capability development for the team.

Requirements

You must hold a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or a Master of Laws (LLM) degree and be fully qualified to practise law in England and Wales.

You must possess a minimum of eight years' post-qualification experience in commercial contracting, with a strong focus on technology, data, and AI-related transactions.

You must have demonstrable experience leading and managing a team of legal professionals, including setting priorities, conducting performance discussions, and supporting professional development.

You must have a proven track record of drafting, negotiating, and advising on complex commercial agreements, including services, outsourcing, and digital delivery contracts.

You must have in-depth knowledge of data protection, privacy, and cyber risk considerations relevant to commercial contracts and technology transactions.

You must be comfortable operating in a fast-paced, matrixed professional services environment with multiple competing priorities and tight deadlines.

You must hold a full, current driving licence and be willing and able to travel within the UK and internationally as required for client work.

You must be able to demonstrate consistent compliance with professional standards, legal regulations, and the firm's policies and codes of conduct.

Nice to have

Experience in the financial services, energy, resources, or public sector domains.

Familiarity with AI and emerging technology transaction structures and associated regulatory landscapes.

Experience with contract lifecycle management tools and legal operations initiatives.

Practical notes

This engagement is for a fixed term of 6 months on a day rate basis.

You will be required to travel within the UK and internationally as part of client commitments.

Visa sponsorship may be considered for eligible candidates depending on role and client requirements.