Senior Legal Counsel - M&A

Job Title: Legal Counsel - Mergers & Acquisitions
Location: London - Hybrid 3 days in office
Contract Type: Permanent

Morgan McKinley are working with a high-growth international group seeking a skilled Legal Counsel to join its in-house legal team, with a core focus on supporting global M&A transactions. This is a key role supporting the Group's strategic expansion, providing end-to-end legal support across the entire M&A lifecycle.

The role will work closely with the Head of Corporate & Commercial and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that deals are executed smoothly, risks are mitigated, and value is delivered. The Legal Counsel may also be involved in broader corporate projects including development, leasing, and construction-related legal work.

Key Responsibilities

• Work day-to-day with the Head of Corporate & Commercial on global M&A transactions, primarily on the buy-side.

• Provide legal support across all stages of M&A transactions-from initial scoping and due diligence through to post-closing integration.

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of legal documents including NDAs, LOIs, SPAs, Finders Fee Agreements, and other ancillary contracts supporting M&A.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Corporate Development, Tax, Finance, and Operations to ensure the efficient and timely progression of deals aligned to annual business targets.

• Lead the legal aspects of greenfield/brownfield developments, construction, and lease-related projects as required.

• Oversee the appointment, management, and performance monitoring of external legal counsel and advisors supporting M&A and development transactions.

• Ensure all legal advisors and service providers operate within agreed budgets and engagement terms.

• Maintain clear records and up-to-date legal documentation across all M&A transactions and advisor relationships.

• Provide legal support for claims and disputes arising from historic M&A activity and respond to internal queries relating to legacy transactions.

• Contribute to strong working relationships with internal stakeholders (e.g., CFO, Chief Corporate Development Officer, Regional MDs, and SLT), and ensure projects are delivered with minimal disruption and legal risk.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Lawyer, qualified in the UK or another common law jurisdiction.

• Trained in an international law firm, with substantial experience in cross-border M&A transactions across the full deal lifecycle.

• Excellent drafting skills and high attention to detail.

• Strong English communication skills-both written and verbal.

• Excellent communication and diplomacy skills, with the ability to manage and influence stakeholders at all levels.

• Strong organisational skills with a proactive approach to record keeping and project documentation.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

• Demonstrated ability to take feedback constructively and follow instructions with professionalism and adaptability.

• Resilient, with the ability to maintain composure under pressure and handle challenges with a 'thick skin' attitude.

• Strong problem-solving skills, capable of working both independently and collaboratively.

Desirable Experience

• Experience in real estate, greenfield/brownfield development, and/or corporate finance transactions.

• Knowledge of international laws and experience working on cross-border transactions.

• Prior in-house legal experience within a multinational corporate or fast-paced environment.