Legal Counsel - Contracts

Purpose & Scope of the Role

As part of Tetra Tech’s contracts team, you will provide practical legal support across the business, advising on contract terms, professional appointments and legal risk. Working within a small team led by a former partner of a leading national law firm, you will review, advise on and negotiate agreements governing Tetra Tech’s professional consultancy services, supporting compliance with corporate legal risk management policies.

Your Impact in this position

You will work across a varied portfolio of bespoke, industry-standard and government contracts, including NEC PSC agreements and multi-million-pound framework arrangements. Your advice will support tenders, prospective projects and complex negotiations, helping project managers and senior management make informed, commercially sound decisions. You will also review NDAs, advise on compliance, liaise with insurers, deliver legal training and contribute to the supervision and development of the team’s solicitor apprentice. The role also offers the opportunity to support the investigation and implementation of legal AI solutions, with scope for progression within the team.

5 Core Capabilities

• Construction and commercial contracts: Review, negotiate and advise on non-contentious construction contracts, professional appointments, consultancy agreements, framework agreements and industry-standard forms.
• Legal risk and commercial advice: Identify and communicate legal and commercial risks, providing tailored, proportionate advice that supports business objectives and corporate risk policies.
• Tender and project support: Advise on prospective projects and tender submissions, support project managers with challenging negotiations and contribute to business decision-making.
• Stakeholder communication and training: Explain complex legal issues clearly to project managers, senior management and wider business teams, while delivering practical contractual training.
• Team contribution and innovation: Work collaboratively within a small, busy legal team, support the solicitor apprentice’s development and contribute to exploring innovative legal technology, including AI solutions.

Training, Qualifications & Experience

You will ideally have at least four years’ PQE in non-contentious construction law, or equivalent in-house experience, with strong knowledge of professional appointments. Candidates with fewer years’ PQE, relevant commercial contracts experience and a genuine interest in construction law will also be considered. Strong analytical, organisational, communication, prioritisation and problem-solving skills are essential, alongside a proactive, commercially focused approach. An interest in legal AI is desirable but not essential.

Working Environment

Ideally based within commuting distance of Leeds city centre, you will be expected to work in the office at least two days per week. Hybrid and flexible working arrangements are available, subject to business and team requirements.