In-House Counsel (Commercial Lawyer - 12-Month FTC)
Marsden
last date
Open Access
Location/Place/Mode
Central London (Hybrid: 1-2 days in office)
Eligibility
English-qualified lawyer with 4–5 years’ PQE (slightly more senior candidates with strong in-house experience considered); background in corporate/commercial law with strong contract drafting skills; strong academic background.

Opportunity
Complete Guide: In-House Counsel (12-Month FTC) at Marsden
Marsden, a premier legal search and recruitment firm, is currently seeking a bright, motivated, and articulate Corporate / Commercial Lawyer to join a high-performing in-house legal team in Central London. This opportunity is structured as a 12-month Fixed Term Contract (FTC), offering a broad and varied remit suitable for a professional looking to transition or progress within a strongly commercial in-house environment.
Role Overview & Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will act as a trusted, pragmatic legal adviser to stakeholders across the business. The core responsibilities are divided into two primary areas:
- Commercial Contracts: Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial and procurement contracts. This includes IT/SaaS agreements, third-party funders, private medical insurers, and clinical and non-clinical suppliers. Additionally, the counsel will handle sponsorship agreements, sub-contracts, and licenses, while collaborating with litigation colleagues to advise on commercial disputes.
- Corporate Transactions & Strategic Projects: Provide support for mergers and acquisitions (M&A), disposals, joint ventures, financing arrangements, and other strategic initiatives. The role also involves assisting with the legal integration of new subsidiaries and advising on group restructurings and intragroup arrangements.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Qualification: Must be an English-qualified lawyer.
- Experience: Ideally 4–5 years of Post-Qualified Experience (PQE). Slightly more senior candidates with robust in-house experience are also encouraged to apply.
- Background: Strong foundation in corporate and/or commercial law, with robust contract drafting and negotiation skills forming the core of their day-to-day work.
- Desirable Skills: Prior exposure to M&A and/or private equity-backed environments is highly desirable. In-house experience and exposure to the healthcare sector are considered advantageous but not mandatory.
- Academics: A strong academic background is required.
Compensation, Location, and Work Structure
- Salary Range: £80,000.00 to £90,000.00 per year (base pay, depending on skills and experience).
- Location: Central London, United Kingdom.
- Work Mode: Hybrid model, requiring 1–2 days in the office per week.
- Duration: 12-month Fixed Term Contract starting in early July.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who possess the necessary skills and experience can apply directly through the official job posting on LinkedIn. Ensure your resume highlights your commercial drafting experience and any relevant corporate transaction exposure.