At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal expertise and advice on contracts, compliance, and intellectual property.
- Company: Advance HE, a charity dedicated to improving higher education globally.
- Benefits: Generous pension, enhanced family leave, 31 days annual leave, and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on equality, diversity, and inclusion in education.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in higher education while developing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Legal qualification with 1-3 years of relevant experience in commercial law.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid work (nominal office in York)
Salary: The full-time salary for this role is £44,642 gross per annum. This role is full-time (35 hours).
Contract: Full Time, 3 Month FTC. This role is to start from 7th December 2026 until 31st March 2027.
Benefits:
- A generous pension plan with USS
- Enhanced family leave benefits
- 31 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays
- Flexible working hours
- Hybrid work (nominal office in York)
The Role: Advance HE is looking for an agile and proactive team player to join us in our strive to make higher education the best it can be. Your focus will be on providing professional technical legal expertise and advice across the organisation – so whether you’re working on supporting tenders and commercial contracts or providing advice on our trademark portfolio, you’ll be sure to make your mark at Advance HE.
What you'll be doing: As our Legal Adviser, you will minimise the organisation’s exposure to legal risks through proactively advising on legal compliance within both UK and international laws, regulations and standards. You will identify contractual risks within our commercial contracts and tenders, providing practical and solution-focused advice. Alongside this, you will manage the protection of the organisation’s Intellectual Property Rights portfolio and oversee copyright requests from third parties, including drafting copyright licences. Other responsibilities will include the review, development and implementation of legal policies and processes, collaborating with the Data Protection Officer (providing cover where required).
Job requirements: You will be an excellent communicator with the ability to translate complex legal matters into clear non-legal jargon to non-legal stakeholders, who has strong analytical skills in assessing legal implications and can provide well-reasoned legal advice. You will have a high attention to detail, with a legal qualification relevant to the level of post, with 1-3 years of PQE.
What you need:
- Legal Qualification relevant to the level of post (e.g. – Chartered Legal Executives or Qualified Solicitor) or equivalent
- Strong knowledge of UK and International Commercial Law and Intellectual Property
- 1-3 years of PQE or relevant, equivalent experience, which includes experience in both UK and international commercial law
- Ability to assess the legal/financial risk and apply strategic legal advice to support business operations and to minimise complexity
- Broad understanding of Data Protection (desirable)
Advance HE is a member-led, sector-owned charity that works with institutions and higher education across the world to improve higher education for staff, students and society. Our strategic goals to enhance confidence and trust in higher education, address systemic inequalities and advance education to meet the evolving needs of students and society, supports the work of our members and the sector. We are experts in higher education with a particular focus on enhancing teaching and learning, effective governance, leadership development and tackling inequalities through our equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) work. We deliver our support through professional development programmes and events, Fellowships, awards, student surveys, providing strategic change and consultancy services and through membership (including accreditation of teaching and learning, equality charters, research, knowledge and resources). Using our expertise and sharing best practice, we work with our network of global associates and partners, and with people, providers and systems around the world to understand contexts and challenges and deliver solutions. It is our people and the people we help that really make us who we are.
To apply: If you have the skills and experience required for this role, please click on Apply today to be taken to our site to complete your application. Advance HE is committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone regardless of their background. No agencies please.
Legal Adviser / In-House Commercial Lawyer in York employer: Advance HE Careers
Advance HE is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, where your contributions as a Commercial Business Partner will directly influence strategic decisions and drive meaningful change in higher education. With a generous benefits package including a robust pension plan, enhanced family leave, and flexible working arrangements, employees are supported in achieving a healthy work-life balance while pursuing professional growth opportunities. Located in York, this role offers the unique chance to engage with senior leaders and make a significant impact across the organisation, all within a member-led charity dedicated to improving educational excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Adviser / In-House Commercial Lawyer in York
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Advance HE Careers, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Adviser / In-House Commercial Lawyer in York
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Advance HE Careers, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Advance HE Careers and the specific role of Legal Adviser / In-House Commercial Lawyer. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Advance HE Careers’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Advance HE Careers
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Advance HE Careers.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Advance HE Careers.
