General Counsel – Maternity Cover

Interim General Counsel – Maternity Cover

South West London | Flexible remote working

Full-time | Approximately 7–8 months

Target start: November or December

Liberty Towers is supporting a clinical research organisation in the appointment of an Interim General Counsel to provide maternity cover.

This is a hands‑on opportunity for an experienced commercial lawyer who enjoys taking ownership of a busy legal workload, building effective working relationships and providing clear, practical advice.

The role

You will manage day‑to‑day legal matters, working alongside an existing Legal Counsel to ensure continuity across commercial contracts, data protection and commercial intellectual property matters.

The assignment focuses on operational legal support and does not include leadership team membership or attendance at board meetings.

Key responsibilities

• Draft, review and negotiate a high volume of commercial contracts, particularly master services agreements (MSAs).
• Provide pragmatic legal advice that balances commercial objectives with appropriate risk management.
• Advise on data protection matters and commercial intellectual property issues.
• Work closely with scientific and commercial colleagues, explaining your advice and the reasoning behind it clearly.
• Support the existing Legal Counsel, who will continue to handle matters including non-disclosure agreements.
• Manage competing priorities and maintain a responsive, thorough legal service.
• Ensure an effective handover at the beginning and end of the assignment.

About you

You will be an experienced commercial lawyer with the confidence and judgement to work independently and take responsibility for the day‑to‑day legal workload.

We are particularly interested in candidates who offer:

• Strong experience negotiating MSAs and other commercial agreements.
• Relevant expertise in data protection and commercial intellectual property.
• Meticulous attention to detail and a willingness to get into the substance of complex contracts.
• A commercial, practical and relationship-focused approach.
• The ability to explain legal issues thoroughly to an analytical, science‑led audience.
• A collaborative style and the ability to provide guidance to a legal colleague.

Experience within Pharma / Clinical

The office is in South West London, with a pragmatic and flexible approach to remote working. Office attendance arrangements will be agreed with the successful candidate.

The assignment is expected to last approximately 7–8 months, including handover, with a target start in November or December.

The salary is £110,000–£130,000 per annum, pro rata for the duration of the assignment.