Interim Senior Legal Counsel

Cezanne HR; Brighton; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in education is seeking an Interim Senior Legal Counsel for a 12-month fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave. The position allows for remote work within the UK, with occasional travel to Brighton. The ideal candidate will provide legal advice, draft contracts, and support corporate governance while working collaboratively in a varied legal role. Strong analytical, communication, and relationship-building skills are essential for this challenging and impactful position.

Benefits

Flexible, remote-first approach to work

Intellectually stimulating and purpose-driven work

Opportunities to influence strategy

Qualifications

• Approximately six years post-qualification experience.
• Experience in an in-house legal environment.
• Strong experience in commercial and general corporate law.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day legal advice across multiple areas.
• Draft, negotiate, and review commercial agreements.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior teams.
• Support development of legal policies and compliance practices.
• Lead or assist with regulatory matters and disputes.

Skills

Legal advice

Contract negotiation

Corporate governance

Regulatory compliance

Dispute resolution

Education

Qualified lawyer

Job description

Interim Senior Legal Counsel (12-Month Fixed-Term Contract - Maternity Cover)

Location: Remote within the UK, with occasional travel to Brighton and other locations

Salary: £80,000 - £90,000 PA depending on experience

Band: E

INTO is seeking an Interim Senior Legal Counsel to join our welcoming, collaborative Legal team on a 12-month maternity cover contract. This role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a global organisation that supports learners and partners in international education.

If you are an experienced legal professional who values variety, inclusive teamwork, and impactful work across multiple jurisdictions, we would be delighted to hear from you.

This is a maternity leave cover due to start in March 2026, so ideal for a February 2026 start for an adequate handover.

Why join INTO?

At INTO, we believe in creating a supportive, accessible, and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. You’ll work alongside colleagues across the world in an organisation that is innovative, people-focused, and committed to equity and continuous learning.

This role offers:

• Work that is intellectually stimulating and purpose-driven
• The chance to engage with a broad range of legal areas
• Opportunities to influence strategy and support organisational growth
• A flexible, remote-first approach to work

About the Role

Reporting to the VP, Head of Legal, you will provide clear, pragmatic, and accessible legal advice to colleagues across INTO’s global operations. This is a varied generalist position offering exposure to a wide range of commercial, corporate, regulatory, and project-based work as well as legal operations development.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial & General Legal Support

• Provide day-to-day, commercially focused legal advice across areas such as commercial contracts, intellectual property, competition law, sanctions, corporate governance, data protection, dispute resolution, consumer, property, and other regulatory matters.

Contract Drafting & Negotiation

• Draft, negotiate and review commercial agreements related to our global partnerships, programmes, and suppliers.
• Support the full contract lifecycle including renewal and termination.

Corporate & Operational Support

• Partner with corporate teams (Finance, Compliance, Tax, IT, HR, Operations, Marketing, Property, Recruitment and more) to help manage legal risk and support informed decision-making.
• Work on company secretarial matters across the global Group.

Business Partnering

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior teams, providing legal and strategic support across multiple regions and functions.
• Liaise with external parties to build and maintain relationships, obtain and provide information.

Governance & Compliance

• Support the development and implementation of legal policies, compliance practices, and risk management frameworks.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements across the higher education sector.

Projects & Bids

• Contribute to strategic projects and advise on RFIs/RFPs throughout the bid process.

Dispute & Litigation Support

• Lead or assist with dispute resolution and regulatory matters, including draft responses and engagement with external counsel where appropriate.

Training & Knowledge Sharing

• Create and deliver clear, inclusive legal training and resources for colleagues across the business.
• Develop and deliver Legal Operations efficiencies.

Team Leadership & Support

• Support and, when required, deputise for the VP, Head of Legal.
• Line management of a junior team member.
• Collaborate with and coach members of the Legal and Data Protection teams.

About You

We welcome applications from candidates with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds. You will be a qualified lawyer with approximately six years’ post-qualification experience, ideally including experience gained in an in‑house environment and strong experience in commercial and/or general corporate law, and you will bring:

• The ability to communicate complex information clearly and accessibly
• A collaborative working style and commitment to building strong relationships and supporting colleagues
• Sound judgement and a balanced, pragmatic approach to legal risk
• Comfort working in a varied role that spans multiple jurisdictions
• An interest in continuous learning and staying informed about legal developments

If you’re excited by a role with scope, diversity, and real impact, this may be an excellent fit.

Work Location & Flexibility

This role is offered on a predominantly remote‑working basis within the UK. Some travel to our Brighton head office and other locations will be required for key meetings or events. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments and supporting flexible working where possible.