Senior Legal Counsel

Cambridge, UK | Full-time | Permanent | Hybrid

About us

Riverlane’s mission is to master quantum error correction (QEC) and unlock a new age of human progress. From advances in material and climate science, to complex chemistry simulation for new drug design, quantum computers will help humanity solve some of its most important challenges. But without QEC, the industry’s defining technical challenge, such breakthroughs can never be achieved. Riverlane is the world leader in QEC technology. QEC is a complex problem that requires a range of skills, talent and passion.

Having raised more than $125M in funding to date to accelerate our cutting-edge R&D in quantum error correction (QEC), Riverlane partners with many of the world’s leading quantum hardware providers and government agencies to make fault-tolerant quantum computing a reality. We’re making remarkable progress and growing fast.

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced, commercially minded lawyer to take on a senior, strategic role in our legal function. We're looking for a self-starter who is confident leading on complex high value matters and able to shape the legal frameworks that support our continued growth, whilst operating as part of a close-knit team.

As Senior Legal Counsel, you will act as a trusted advisor to the General Counsel and senior leadership, owning significant transactions, managing high-risk legal issues, and driving strategic legal projects across the business. You’ll work directly with senior stakeholders in R&D, Operations, Commercial, and HR, helping to balance legal risk with commercial opportunity in a fast-moving, science-led environment.

You will also play a key role in building the future of our legal operations – designing scalable processes, developing risk frameworks, and introducing tools and training that empower teams to handle day-to-day matters more efficiently.

The role will suit a confident and pragmatic solicitor with significant experience in commercial contracts and cross-functional advisory work, who thrives working in a team and is comfortable making judgement calls at speed. You’ll combine excellent legal knowledge and technical skills with strong business acumen and have the credibility to influence decision-making at the highest levels.

What you will do

• Lead negotiation and risk allocation on complex, high-value commercial agreements, including strategic partnerships, Government funded projects, IP licensing, and enterprise-level customer/supplier contracts.
• Devise bespoke arrangements tailored to the evolving quantum ecosystem, utilising your knowledge of black letter law to draft contracts and templates from scratch where required.
• Develop the business’s legal risk & prioritisation framework.
• Design the legal intake & self-serve model, including strategic oversight of template suites and contract automation tools, to reduce dependency on General Counsel.
• Monitor legal and regulatory trends, translating them into actionable strategies for the business.
• Devise and deliver internal training programs to upskill the business and to manage legal and regulatory risks.
• Lead complex, strategic cross-functional initiatives with internal R&D, Operations, Commercial, and HR teams.
• Lead high-impact legal and operational projects aligned with business growth and risk appetite.
• Own complex, high-value transactions end-to-end, negotiating directly with senior counterparts.
• Lead compliance initiatives, for example data, export control & AI governance projects.

What we need

• 6+ years’ post-qualification experience (PQE) as a solicitor (England & Wales or equivalent), with significant experience in-house.
• A proven track record of leading high-value, complex commercial transactions and strategic legal projects from inception to completion.
• Deep expertise in commercial contract law.
• Strong business acumen, with the ability to balance legal risk against commercial objectives and influence decision-making at senior levels.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the capability to present to and advise senior-level stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring skills, including uplifting capability in junior legal team members and non-legal colleagues.
• Highly organised and self-sufficient, with the ability to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced, scaling environment without close supervision.
• The ability to act as a trusted advisor, with the confidence to build relationships with executives, regulators, and external counsel.
• A proactive and solutions-oriented approach, with a track record of driving process improvements and legal innovation.

Even better if you have…

• You have worked in a science, technology, or research-led organisation.
• You’ve supported internal compliance or training initiatives.
• You’re familiar with legal processes and issues in R&D-heavy or IP-sensitive environments.

What can you expect from us

• A comprehensive benefits package that includes an annual bonus plan, private medical insurance, life insurance, and a contributory pension scheme

• Equity, so that our team can share in the long-term success of Riverlane

• 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and enhanced family leave

• A diverse work environment that brings together experts in many fields (including software and hardware development, quantum information theory, physics and maths) and over 20 different nationalities

• A learning environment that encourages individual, team and company growth and development, including a regular programme of learning events and training and conference budgets

How to apply

Please upload a CV and covering letter by clicking 'Apply'. Your covering letter should explain why you are applying for the job and what skills and experience you can bring to the role.

We review CVs as we receive them and interview as soon as we have applications that look like a good match. We do not use closing dates. So, please apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this role.

If you have any queries, please contact jobs@riverlane.com.

Everyone is welcome at Riverlane. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from eligible and suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender reassignment, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity/paternity.

Women and other underrepresented groups may be less likely to apply for a role unless they meet all or nearly all of the requirements. If this applies to you, we still encourage you to apply - you may be a great fit, even if you don’t meet every single qualification. We’d love to hear from you.

If you need any adjustments made to the application or selection process so you can do your best, please let us know. We will be happy to help.

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