Job Description

Salary: 90,100
Closing date: Wednesday, 23 July 2025
Contract type: Permanent
Interview dates: W/c 18 August

The Wellcome Trust is a global charitable foundation. We improve health for everyone by funding science, leading policy and advocacy campaigns, and building partnerships.

We plan to spend 16bn over the next ten years, funding new discoveries in life, health, and wellbeing, and taking on three global health challenges: mental health, infectious disease and climate and health.

These challenges need the bold science we support, but they won't be solved by science alone.
We are looking for a Legal Counsel to join our Legal - Commercial team

Where in Wellcome will I be working?
You will be working in the Commercial team within Legal reporting to the Associate General Counsel, Commercial.
The Commercial team provides expert legal advice that supports the organisation's broad range of charitable and operational activities. They work closely with internal teams to structure effective projects and partnerships, ensuring they are poised for success while carefully evaluating any associated risks. Our mission is to enable Wellcome to carry out its initiatives with confidence and legal clarity
What will I be doing?
As part of Wellcome's dynamic Legal team, you will be entrusted with providing high-quality legal advice across our diverse activities, particularly supporting Corporate Affairs, Wellcome Collection, and various operational teams. Your role will involve partnering with specified areas, understanding legal complexities in their context, and guiding colleagues through drafting and reviewing legal documents. You'll engage in horizon scanning to assess legislative trends, build strong stakeholder relationships, oversee junior colleagues, liaise with external legal counsel, and ensure adherence to compliance policies. Together, we'll foster an inclusive culture while managing risks and contributing to team objectives, all within Wellcome's collaborative environment.

As a Legal Counsel, Commercial, you will:Provide high-quality legal advice across Wellcome's activities, primarily supporting Corporate Affairs, Wellcome Collection, and operational teams. Act as a legal business partner, assessing legal issues, drafting and reviewing documents, and embracing business priorities. Conduct horizon scanning to offer advice on legislative changes and sector trends, enhancing the overall understanding of legal complexities. Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, oversee junior team members, and manage engagements with external legal counsel. Contribute to the development of an inclusive culture, manage team systems like knowledge-sharing platforms, and ensure compliance policies are upheld. Participate in Legal Team meetings and projects, collaborating across departments to confidently support Wellcome's broader mission and objectives.

Is this job for me?
If you're a qualified UK solicitor with strong post-qualification experience in commercial contracts and intellectual property law, this role is well-suited for you. Your excellent communication, organisational skills, and proactive approach will be vital in managing dynamic challenges at Wellcome. If you thrive in working with cultural and charitable sectors and possess a keen eye for detail, this opportunity aligns with your expertise and ambitions.
To apply for this role please submit an update CV and answer 2 application questions to demonstrate that you meet the minimum requirements for the role.
Minimum Criteria:Qualified as a UK solicitor and solid post qualification experience obtained in-house or in private practice Excellent drafting and commercial contracts experience. Experience of advising on commercial contracts. Good understanding of intellectual property law; and data and privacy

You can view the full job description on our website
You can read more about the benefits we offer our employees on our website

Our Hybrid Way of Working
We understand that our colleagues have commitments and personal interests outside of work and we strive to build a flexible working environment, in which people can perform at their best.
At Wellcome we have a hybrid way of working which is 3 days in our Euston Road offices (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) with the remaining 2 days working either remotely or in the office.
(update according to Area or Wellcome as it might be required to work more than 2 days in the office, I.e. Facilities, collections, etc.)
Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do
Diversity and Inclusion is a priority at Wellcome. We are committed to cultivating a fair and inclusive environment, where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We are happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles. We work to ensure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone. This includes making adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition. Please visit our website for more information on adjustments and accessibility, or contact us at jobs@wellcome.org.

Upon a conditional offer being made, the successful applicant for this position will be required to undertake a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (or equivalent) criminal record check to disclose any 'unspent' criminal convictions or conditional cautions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The criminal record check with not show anything that is 'spent'.

For further guidance on disclosure of criminal records please see this UK Government Guidance. You can view our Policy Statement on the Recruitment of Ex-offenders here. You can view our Privacy Statement here.
#LI-CD1
#LI-Hybrid