Senior Legal Counsel - Data Centers

Overview

Our client is a fast-growing, global technology business operating at the cutting edge of AI infrastructure. Working with leading AI labs, enterprise customers and government bodies, the company designs and runs high-performance computing environments powering next-generation innovation.

With rapid international expansion underway, the organisation is seeking a senior lawyer to build and lead its legal risk and compliance function. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape legal strategy within a dynamic and highly technical environment.

The Role

The Senior Legal Counsel will act as the principal legal lead for major data-centre development projects and related real estate matters, supporting the organisation’s global infrastructure growth. You will oversee complex negotiations, partner with senior leadership, and ensure the business scales responsibly while remaining compliant with applicable laws and regulations.

This role is suited to someone who thrives in fast-moving settings, is comfortable working to tight deadlines, and produces thoughtful, precise legal output. You will be expected to combine strong independent judgement with collaborative leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Acting as legal lead for data-centre development and associated property transactions.
• Negotiating with developers, landlords, partners and counterparties, including oversight of leases and commercial agreements.
• Working closely with site-selection teams, developers and landlords to support project execution.
• Providing broad legal guidance across data-centre and real-estate issues.
• Coordinating with external counsel and advising senior management.
• Conducting legal research and delivering hands-on support to the business.
• Contributing to the establishment and leadership of the legal risk and compliance function.

About You

The ideal candidate will bring:

• A strong work ethic and high professional standards.
• Qualification as a lawyer in the UK, US or EU.
• Experience gained in-house or at a top-tier law firm.
• A proven track record of leading legal and compliance functions within a technology-driven organisation (AI, cloud, data or software preferred).
• Strong knowledge of data protection, technology regulation and international compliance regimes.
• The ability to balance risk management with commercial pragmatism.
• Excellent communication skills, with confidence influencing senior internal stakeholders and external regulators.
• Experience managing both internal teams and external legal advisers.

W&P Partners Recruitment is committed to equal opportunities and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.