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- Tasks: Provide legal advice and manage a caseload for DMU's faculties and directorates.
- Company: Join De Montfort University, a vibrant hub of learning and innovation in Leicester.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, pension contributions, and discounts on gym memberships.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team that values your expertise and promotes a thriving work culture.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with 5+ years of relevant experience required.
- Other info: Part-time role with hybrid working; on-campus presence needed one day a week.
The predicted salary is between 57422 - 70000 £ per year.
Salary: £57,422 - £70,000* (FTE) (inclusive of a market supplement of up to £3,463).
De Montfort University (DMU) is an ambitious, globally-minded institution with a relentless focus on delivering quality teaching and learning, and a campus-wide focus on providing a sector-leading student experience. A culturally rich university with a palpable commitment to the public good, it strives to maintain a stimulating and inclusive environment where staff and students are able to thrive. DMU is a vibrant, multicultural hub of learning, creativity and innovation that never surrenders to convention. Our success is built on a fantastic student experience coupled with award-winning teaching and world-class facilities that help students develop the skills and attitudes employers demand.
As a Senior Legal Counsel at DMU you will be part of a supportive Legal Services team and provide advice to all faculties and directorates of DMU. The team currently comprises the Associate Director of Legal Services and General Counsel, three Senior Legal Counsels and administrative support.
This role will help support our legal needs for an average of 3 days (0.6FTE - 22.2 hours per week) of the week or as workload dictates. The role is on a part time basis. As a Senior Legal Counsel within our supportive Legal Services team, you will:
- be an integral part of the team servicing the legal requirements of DMU;
- provide a responsive, risk based and pragmatic legal service involving advice on a range of legal matters to DMU, protecting its interests, mitigating risk and facilitating its aims;
- have excellent communication skills and be able to effectively manage and run a heavy caseload of legal matters with minimal supervision working to tight deadlines.
The FTE salary for the role is £57,422 - £70,000* (inclusive of a market supplement of up to £3,463), depending on having relevant qualifications and industry experience. As the position is on a part time basis the salary will be pro-rated down to reflect the hours. The role can be carried out on a hybrid basis with the expectation of being on campus 1 day per week (usually a Thursday) however there does need to be some flexibility with this as business need demands.
The ideal candidate will be a qualified solicitor or barrister with significant post-qualification experience (ideally 5 years plus) in either private practice, public sector or in-house. You will be able to communicate effectively with team members, stakeholders as well as external lawyers. You must have significant experience in giving responsive and pragmatic commercial advice and of drafting contracts. You will also have the ability to manage your own workload with initiative and work to tight deadlines.
Benefits include:
- Local Government Pension Scheme with an employer contribution of 24.4%
- 23 days annual leave plus concessionary days and Bank Holidays
- Annual leave purchase of up to five days
- Free and confidential access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) that offers 24/7 support.
- Discounted gym membership at QEII Leisure Centre
- TOTUM card (formerly NUS discount card)
- Free library memberships
- Career progression
- Cycle to work scheme
Senior Legal Counsel employer: De Montfort University Leicester
Contact Detail:
De Montfort University Leicester Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with De Montfort University's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to quality teaching and a supportive environment will help you align your responses during interviews, showcasing how your legal expertise can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of DMU, especially those in the Legal Services team. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which you can leverage in your discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific legal challenges faced by universities today, such as compliance issues or contract negotiations. Demonstrating your awareness of these topics will highlight your proactive approach and readiness to tackle the role's responsibilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to manage a heavy caseload by preparing examples from your past experience where you successfully handled multiple legal matters under tight deadlines. This will illustrate your organisational skills and capacity to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant legal experience, particularly in providing commercial advice and drafting contracts. Emphasise your qualifications and any specific achievements that align with the role of Senior Legal Counsel.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that outlines your motivation for applying to DMU. Discuss your experience in managing a heavy caseload and your ability to work under tight deadlines, as these are key aspects of the role.
Highlight Communication Skills: In both your CV and cover letter, showcase your excellent communication skills. Provide examples of how you've effectively communicated with team members, stakeholders, and external lawyers in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread all documents. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your application is clear and professional, reflecting the high standards expected at DMU.
How to prepare for a job interview at De Montfort University Leicester
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
As a Senior Legal Counsel, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in legal matters. Brush up on relevant laws and regulations that pertain to the education sector, and be prepared to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully communicated complex legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders, ensuring they understand the implications and risks involved.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
The ideal candidate will have a pragmatic approach to legal issues. Prepare to discuss specific instances where you've navigated challenging legal situations, highlighting your ability to mitigate risks while facilitating organisational goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to handle real-life legal challenges. Think about potential issues DMU might face and how you would address them, showcasing your strategic thinking and risk management skills.
