Legal Counsel

Description A little bit about us:             | East West Rail is an infrastructure programme linking communities between Oxford and Cambridge.
The area is currently let down by a lack of transport choices, and we have a once in a generation opportunity to fix that – improving prosperity for people and places along the way.
East West Railway Company (that's us) was created by the Department for Transport (DfT) to oversee the delivery of East West Rail from construction through to wheels in motion, making sure the railway comes together in the right way.
At East West Railway Company, we're committed to building an inclusive railway for all.
We believe that to do that, we must nurture a diverse team that represents the UK communities that we impact.
Our approach is simple – to create an environment where everyone is welcome and able to be themselves.
We celebrate diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
We encourage applications of all backgrounds and experiences.
Role Summary: This role will opportunity support the development of a nationally significant infrastructure project at an exciting point within its lifecycle, providing legal support and advice to the wider business.
Function:   As Legal Counsel at EWR Co you will work across a variety of practice areas including commercial, corporate, governance, property, planning, IP/data, and government policy matters.
If you have an interest in a particular area (e.g., commercial, property, rail operations and regulation, etc.)
you will have the opportunity to shape your own path within the legal team Reporting directly to the General Counsel and Company Secretary.
Key Responsibilities The legal team at EWR Co has a clear mandate to act as a trusted advisor and critical friend to both the management team and the EWR Co business.
Not only providing day-to-day legal advice, but the legal team is also proactive in integrating and aligning with the strategic needs of EWR Co. We are focussed on recruiting someone with strong drafting and advisory skills.
We regularly engage specialist planning, rail, and regulatory lawyers so experience in these specialisations is less essential than strong legal skills like drafting and advising.
Team fit is crucial.
This role is perfect for someone looking to make their first jump into the in-house world and wanting to gain broad experience.
As Legal Counsel you will report directly into a more senior lawyer providing coverage in areas including but not limited to:  Negotiating, drafting, and reviewing key commercial contracts across EWR Co's operational remit.
Advising on property matters such as the negotiation and drafting of access licences.
Supporting the preparation of a DCO application to authorise the construction and use of the railway  Supporting the Operations Team in respect of rail matters, including depot and stabling agreements, track access, rolling stock and other associated matters  Liaising with external legal advisers on commercial, environmental, planning, policy, and regulatory matters.
Collaborating with key stakeholders across the EWR Co business to mitigate risk.
Assisting with the delivery of several legal team activities relating to governance, good decision making, establishing standard form legal documents and processes etc.
You will also identify and develop your own remit within this space.
As a legal team, the business areas that we regularly support include External Affairs, Commercial, Operations (rail), Consenting, Land and Property, HR, Health and Safety and Information Technology.
In carrying out the above duties, you will need to:  Take responsibility of your own and others' health and safety by adopting and working to the EWR Co Health and Safety principles.
Demonstrates a cost-conscious mindset, keeping taxpayers' money at the forefront of decisions.
Shows a commitment to innovation by proactively seeking creative solutions to challenges and opportunities.
Act as a role model for EWR Co's vision and behaviours, working in ways that are aligned with EWR Co's Ways of Working, as well as encouraging and supporting others to do so too.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise Experience of corporate, commercial contracts, infrastructure projects property matters and/or advising in a public sector environment would be advantageous but not essential.
If you are a lawyer with strong commercial acumen and an eagerness to learn, do not feel at a disadvantage simply because you do not come from a rail, infrastructure projects or construction environment background.
Good contract drafting experience and strong commercial acumen.
We are agnostic as to your drafting background, whether it's in M&A, finance, corporate, commercial, construction, property, projects, etc.
Excellent analytical skills and independent thinker.
Many of the issues we come across are unique, so being a keen problem solver is essential.
Experience in delivering legal advice in plain English.
Our clients want straightforward legal advice.
Being able to simplify complex issues is crucial.
Experience of resolving and escalating risks, issues and conflicts as necessary.
A project of this scale has complex dynamics, we are looking for someone who can smoothly navigate and resolve issues.
Excellent communication skills with a strong ability to engage and manage a variety of stakeholders.
We work with a huge variety of stakeholders, from the Secretary of State, regulators to executive directors, suppliers, and members of the public.
An ability to adapt your communication style is invaluable.
Demonstrable negotiation and persuasive skills to ensure the right decisions are made.
Your clients will rely on you to guide them through difficult negotiations.
Having a diverse range of negotiation experience is key.
Displaying a collegiate and collaborative approach We are a small team with big plans.
Being a team player is vital.
Education and qualifications: We are looking for a solicitor in the 3 – 6 PQE range.
However, we are very happy to consider candidates outside of this range.
Benefits What we offer: •     Competitive base salary  •     Up to 12% employer's pension contribution  •     36 days holiday a year (including bank holidays) + up to 2 days to buy  •     Life assurance  •     Employee Assistance Programme  •     Perks platform with hundreds of discounts and freebies  •     On-the-spot and annual awards  •     Advanced learning and development programmes  •     Great work-life balance and flexible working opportunities  •     Enhanced family-friendly policies  •     Exceptional IT tools EWR Co strives to embrace a flexible working environment, where a degree of flexibility is maintained to accommodate both the needs and preferences of employees and what is required to achieve business objectives.
EWR Co will always work with any individual to assess and accommodate an individual's work life balance and style Diversity and Inclusion: To discover the best solutions, it's important we embrace diversity of thought.
That's why we aim to ensure our colleagues feel included, engaged and valued.
Inclusiveness is not a buzzword, but a way of being.
Our approach to diversity is simple – a workplace where everyone is welcome and everyone is encouraged to be themselves.
It helps fuel our innovation and connects us with the customers and communities we serve.
If you want to connect lives and unlock the future, then we'd love to hear from you.
East West Railway Company is a new and exciting venture at the forefront of the changing landscape of the rail industry, delivering substantial fast-paced improvement to modernise the railway.