Legal Counsel

NQ–1 PQE Legal Counsel

Location: London

Salary: £70,000–£80,000 + benefits

PQE: NQ–1 PQE

Start Date: September 2026 (earlier start available and preferred)

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a high-calibre NQ–1 PQE lawyer to join the legal team of a rapidly growing business operating within the energy and commodities trading sector.

This is a newly created role driven by significant business growth and increased transactional activity. The successful candidate will join a highly commercial legal team supporting a broad range of work across trading, finance, derivatives, corporate and commercial matters. The role offers exceptional variety and exposure, making it one of the broadest opportunities available for junior lawyers looking to develop a well-rounded in-house skillset.

The legal team is closely integrated with the business and regularly works alongside commercial, finance and trading stakeholders on complex and high-profile matters, including strategic acquisitions and corporate growth initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Advising on a wide range of commercial contracts and trading-related agreements.
• Supporting finance and derivatives matters, including documentation and regulatory considerations.
• Assisting on corporate transactions, including M&A activity and strategic acquisitions.
• Providing legal support to commercial and operational teams across the business.
• Working closely with senior lawyers on complex cross-border matters.
• Advising on general legal and risk issues arising from the company's trading and commercial activities.
• Contributing to legal process improvements within a fast-growing environment.

This opportunity is ideally suited to a lawyer who:

• Is qualified in England & Wales and has between NQ and 1 year's PQE.
• Has experience in one or more of the following areas: finance, derivatives, corporate, commercial or energy-related matters.
• Is intellectually curious, commercially minded and eager to learn.
• Demonstrates strong adaptability and the ability to work across a broad range of legal disciplines.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Is confident building relationships with stakeholders across the business.

Applications from exceptional NQs are particularly encouraged.

Why Apply?

• Rare opportunity to gain exposure across finance, derivatives, corporate, commercial and trading work.
• Join a business experiencing significant growth and expansion.
• Work on exciting M&A and strategic transaction activity.
• Highly visible role with direct exposure to senior stakeholders.
• Excellent platform for a lawyer looking to accelerate their in-house career.
• Competitive salary of £70,000–£80,000, with flexibility for outstanding candidates.

Candidates available immediately or with a shorter notice period will be viewed favourably, although September qualifiers are encouraged to apply.