At the Wellcome Sanger Institute, the legal team plays a crucial behind-the-scenes role, supporting cutting-edge research and facilitating groundbreaking collaboration. Working within a dynamic environment, where no two days are the same, our legal team tackles a wide range of matters, providing legal guidance and support across the entire Institute. Katie Seymour and Lilly Barker, both Senior Legal Counsels at the Sanger Institute, offer insights into the unique responsibilities and impact of their roles.

The role and responsibilities of Legal Counsel 

The legal team at the Sanger Institute is integral to maintaining the smooth operation of its six research programmes. From drafting collaboration agreements, to advising on GDPR and procurement issues, the team is involved in every aspect of the Institute’s legal needs. Much of their work involves setting up research collaboration agreements with other institutions and drafting material transfer agreements to facilitate the reception of samples for genetic sequencing.

Beyond programme-specific work, the team also supports the Institute on issues including how scientific teams can operate, reviewing grant agreements, and drafting secondment and faculty contracts. This support ensures that research teams can focus on the science.

Legal support’s impact on groundbreaking research

One standout example of the legal team’s contribution to critical research is the support provided during the COVID-19 pandemic. The team worked swiftly to help establish contracts that allowed the Institute to receive samples and set up a sequencing pipeline, which was essential for advancing research into the virus. The team still continue to provide legal support for ongoing COVID sequencing efforts.

In addition, the legal team was instrumental in creating a framework agreement with Illumina, a vital supplier of the sequencing machines that power much of the Institute’s work. This demonstrates the indirect but vital role the legal team plays in supporting the Institute’s cutting-edge scientific research through collaborations like this.

A collaborative approach to genomics and research challenges

A unique aspect of being part of the legal team at Sanger is the close collaboration with scientists and researchers. While many legal team members may not have a scientific background, they work closely with programme research managers to navigate the legalities of their collaborations. The complex nature of our genomics research at Sanger means that legal agreements must be both flexible and robust enough to protect the Institute’s interests, whilst ensuring that we remain compliant.

Navigating legal challenges

The legal team at Sanger has successfully navigated several unforeseen challenges. For instance, they recently played a critical role in the transition of Sarah Teichmann’s lab from the Institute to Cambridge University. This complex process required collaboration with multiple teams across the Institute, navigating various legal and logistical challenges, whilst maintaining continuity of research.

The Institute’s increasingly international workforce also presents unique legal challenges. The team use their legal expertise to ensure compliance with UK regulations, particularly regarding HMRC and tax obligations, whilst maintaining our ability to attract world-class scientific talent.

Professional growth and development

The role of Legal Counsel at the Sanger Institute offers incredible opportunities for professional development. Legal professionals at Sanger are exposed to a diverse array of agreements and collaborations, working with top-tier research institutes, pharmaceutical companies, and funding organisations. The work is challenging and often involves complex negotiations.

The legal team at Sanger enjoys a high degree of independence in negotiating agreements but also benefits from a collaborative atmosphere where team members can share ideas and insights. Working at the Institute allows legal professionals to engage with financial and strategic considerations that they might not encounter in a more traditional legal firm setting.

What is unique about working in the legal team at Sanger Institute?

One of the most unique aspects of working as a Legal Counsel at the Sanger Institute is the opportunity to be a part of the Institute’s groundbreaking research. While the legal team operates behind the scenes, they play a pivotal role in facilitating collaborations that lead to scientific breakthroughs. Reading through project descriptions while drafting agreements is often inspiring; it can be hard to find a similar sense of purpose and excitement elsewhere.

The supportive team environment, coupled with the opportunity to contribute to impactful scientific discoveries, makes working at the Sanger Institute an extraordinary experience. For legal professionals looking to be part of a mission-driven organisation while navigating exciting, complex legal challenges, the Sanger Institute offers a truly unique career path.