BAE Systems
Legal Counsel – Commercial & Technology
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Legal Counsel – Commercial & Technology
Location: Frimley; Surrey. We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.
Salary: Negotiable depending on experience + executive benefits
Who we are
Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.
From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.
Job Description
As Legal Counsel, you will provide commercially focused legal support across a diverse range of commercial, intellectual property and technology matters, partnering with stakeholders across the business to help achieve strategic objectives while effectively managing legal risk. You will play a key role in supporting contract negotiations, advising on intellectual property matters and contributing to the delivery of complex projects within highly regulated environments. This opportunity is suited to a qualified solicitor, patent attorney or barrister ideally with a minimum of 2 years post-qualification experience, gained in-house, and exposure to the defence sector, government contracting environments, aerospace, engineering or manufacturing industries would be highly advantageous.
Core duties
- Provide proactive, commercially focused legal support on technology and IP-related matters across the BAE Systems group
- Advise on complex contracts involving intellectual property and technology
- Support engagement with the MOD and wider UK Government on IP-related issues, ensuring alignment with BAE Systems policy positions
- Build solid working relationships across all levels of the business to become a trusted legal adviser
- Promote awareness of IP and technology-related legal risks and ensure compliance with applicable policies, regulations, and procedures
- Contribute to the implementation of BAE Systems Intellectual Property Policy within the business
- Deliver or support legal training sessions on IP, technology law, and related topics
- Collaborate with technical and commercial teams to develop solutions that maximise value from intellectual property
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Essential Skills
- Qualified solicitor, patent attorney or barrister with ideally a minimum of 2 years post-qualification experience (PQE)
- Experience in commercial, technology and/or intellectual property law, ideally gained in-house, with exposure to the defence sector, government contracting environments, aerospace, engineering, or manufacturing industries
- Interest in technology and ability to understand complex technical and legal issues
- Ability to deliver practical legal advice across functions, including Commercial, Engineering, and Legal, in a multi-jurisdictional environment
- Confident negotiator with well-developed influencing and stakeholder engagement skills
- Commercially aware with the ability to support business objectives in technically complex areas
The Intellectual Property legal Team
Join the Intellectual Property and Technology Law team at BAE Systems Head Office and play a pivotal role within the Commercial team supporting our defense, security and aerospace businesses worldwide. This is an exciting opportunity to provide practical, solutions-focused advice on complex IP and technology law matters, working alongside a team of specialists dedicated to delivering a world-class service. You will engage closely with key stakeholders to manage valuable IP portfolios and contribute to negotiating and drafting important contracts. Reporting to Senior Counsel – Intellectual Property and Technology Law, you’ll be part of a collaborative and dynamic environment that values expertise and innovation in protecting and leveraging cutting-edge technology within the defense sector. This role offers a unique chance to develop your legal career within a global organisation.
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Why BAE Systems?
Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.
A place where everyone can thrive:
We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.
Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.
Closing Date
18th September 2026
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
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