Senior Legal Counsel

Overview

In this role you will lead high-value transactions and strategic legal initiatives to support Riverlane’s growth in quantum error correction. You will advise senior leadership and collaborate with R&D, Operations, Commercial and HR to balance legal risk with business opportunities. You will design scalable legal processes, risk frameworks and training to empower teams. The opportunity offers influence across a science-led company at the forefront of quantum tech, with a focus on big contracts, governance and compliance.

Pay / Benefits

• annual bonus
• private medical insurance
• life insurance
• pension scheme
• equity
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Responsibilities

• Lead negotiation and risk allocation on complex commercial agreements, including partnerships, government-funded projects, IP licensing, and enterprise-level contracts.
• Draft bespoke arrangements and templates as needed for the evolving quantum ecosystem.
• Develop the business’s legal risk and prioritisation framework.
• Design the legal intake and self-serve model, oversee templates and contract automation tools.
• Monitor legal and regulatory trends and translate them into actionable strategies.
• Create internal training to upskill the business on legal/regulatory risks.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives with R&D, Operations, Commercial and HR.
• Oversee high-impact legal and operational projects aligned with growth and risk appetite.
• Own complex transactions end-to-end, negotiating with senior counterparts.
• Lead compliance initiatives, including data, export control and AI governance projects.

Key requirements

• 6+ years PQE as a solicitor (England & Wales or equivalent) with significant in-house experience.
• Proven track record of leading high-value, complex commercial transactions and strategic projects.
• Deep expertise in commercial contract law.
• Strong business acumen; ability to balance legal risk with commercial objectives and influence senior stakeholders.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication; experience advising executives.
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring ability for junior team members and non-legal colleagues.
• Highly organized, able to prioritize in a fast-paced, scaling environment without close supervision.
• Trusted advisor with ability to build relationships with executives, regulators and external counsel.
• Proactive, solutions-oriented approach with history of process improvements and legal innovation.

• commercial mindset
• excellent communication
• leadership and mentoring
• commercial contract law
• risk assessment and management
• designing legal processes and training

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