At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Legal Services team with litigation, projects, and commercial matters.
- Company: Birmingham City University, a diverse and inclusive learning community.
- Benefits: Generous leave, hybrid working, competitive pay, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a Disability Confident Employer committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape the future of the Legal team in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service, teamwork, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 35331 - 39002 £ per year.
Department: Legal Services and Compliance
Location: Joseph Priestley Building
Salary: £35,331 to £39,002 per annum
Post Type: Permanent, Full Time
Release Date: 12 August 2026
Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Wednesday 26 August 2026
Reference: G226005
About Birmingham City University:
At Birmingham City University, we are a diverse and inclusive learning community of over 31,400 students from more than 120 countries. We aim to become an exemplar anchor institution, creating and sharing knowledge for a better and more inclusive society. We are committed to providing a transformational educational experience, supporting world-class research, and fostering a collaborative and supportive working environment for our staff.
Role Summary:
We are seeking an experienced Senior Legal Assistant to support the Legal Services team in delivering a full legal service across the University. This includes day-to-day support with legal advice on a wide range of operational and strategic issues, primarily focused on litigation, projects and commercial matters. The Senior Legal Assistant will be responsible for attending and representing the legal team both at internal working groups and supporting with attendance at court/tribunal/hearings.
Main Activities and Responsibilities:
- Attending court/tribunal/hearings (in office requirement) to support external lawyers/counsel.
- Supporting to track litigation budgets expenses, disbursements, with the relevant team member/lawyer.
- Supporting internal stakeholders in relation to litigation tasks, such as disclosure (in office requirement may be required).
- Support the wider team to provide excellent service to the Legal Services Team and colleagues across the University when responding to any external request for advice.
- Support on wider legal projects and commercial work.
- Undertake various legal operational and administrative tasks.
Skills and Experience:
- Education to first degree level is desirable.
- A high level of literacy and numeracy.
- Reasonable level of IT skills including advanced knowledge of web based solution, word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software packages, preferably Microsoft Word, Excel, Docusign, Sharepoint and PowerPoint.
- Experience of providing high quality customer service in a complex environment.
- Experience of working successfully as part of a team.
- Ability to communicate clearly and in appropriate language with third parties, students and colleagues both orally and in writing.
- Ability to manage own time and workload.
- Ability to work to statutory deadlines.
Further Information:
If you are excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of the Legal team, we would love to hear from you. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Gary Dalton, Legal Services Director at Gary.Dalton@bcu.ac.uk.
Why work for us:
- Work–life balance– Generous leave and hybrid working (role dependent).
- Career development– Opportunities to grow, develop and progress your career.
- Reward and wellbeing– Competitive pay, pension, wellbeing support and staff benefits.
- Inclusive culture– A supportive, diverse environment where everyone belongs.
Use of AI in applications:
At BCU, we welcome applications that clearly demonstrate how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role. AI tools may be used to support you in preparing your application, but the information you provide must be accurate, authentic and based on your own experience. Applications that rely too heavily on AI, appear generic or do not provide specific evidence against the role criteria are less likely to progress to the next stage of the recruitment process.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to an environment that supports lawful free speech and academic freedom. We will continuously review and improve our policies, practices, and procedures to ensure that we are promoting these in all aspects of our operations.
Disability Confident Employer:
Birmingham City University is proud to be a Disability Confident Committed Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview.
Senior Legal Assistant in Birmingham employer: BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY
Birmingham City University is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional growth within the educational sector, all while contributing to meaningful initiatives that enhance learner analytics in a vibrant city like Birmingham.
Contact Details:
BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Assistant in Birmingham
✨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 BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY, 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 Senior Legal Assistant in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY, 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 BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY and the specific role of Senior Legal Assistant. 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 BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY
✨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 BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY.
✨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 BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY.
