At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the University’s legal function and provide high-quality legal advice.
- Company: King’s College London, a globally recognised institution known for excellence.
- Benefits: Opportunity to influence high-level decisions and work on complex legal matters.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and contribute to the University’s strategic ambitions.
- Why this job: Shape a modern legal service in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with significant post-qualification experience.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 117800 € per year.
King’s College London is one of the world’s leading universities, renowned for its excellence in research, education and impact. The Office of the Chairman and College Secretariat (OCCS) plays a critical role in supporting governance, assurance and strategic decision-making. Bringing together Governance, Legal Services, and Audit & Assurance, OCCS works closely with senior leadership, including the Chair of Council and the Vice-Chancellor & President, ensuring the University operates with integrity, accountability and compliance across an increasingly complex landscape.
This is an exciting opportunity to join as Deputy Director of Legal Services, working closely with the General Counsel and Director of Legal Services to lead and shape the University’s legal function. You will oversee the delivery of high-quality, risk-based legal advice across the institution, supporting senior management, faculties and professional services on a wide range of matters. Alongside managing a complex and varied caseload, you will play a key role in areas such as regulatory risk, dispute resolution and strategic negotiations, while also leading the in-house legal team and managing relationships with external legal advisers.
This role offers a unique platform to operate at the centre of a globally recognised institution, influencing high-level decision-making and contributing to the University’s strategic ambitions. It provides the opportunity to work on complex, high-profile legal matters within a collaborative and purpose-driven environment, while helping to shape a modern, responsive legal service that supports the University’s continued success.
The successful candidate will be a qualified solicitor or barrister in England and Wales, with significant post-qualification experience across a broad range of legal areas. You will bring experience of leading and developing teams, alongside excellent technical legal skills and the ability to provide clear, pragmatic advice to senior stakeholders. A proactive, adaptable approach and the confidence to navigate competing priorities and emerging challenges will be essential.
For further information, please visit the job description and for an informal conversation, please contact Matthew Granger or Jamie Surgenor within the King’s Search Team at kings-search@kcl.ac.uk. The closing date for applications is 12.00hrs on Tuesday 9th June with final interview in late June.
Deputy Director Legal Services employer: King’s College London
King’s College London is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work culture that fosters professional growth and development. As a Deputy Director of Legal Services, you will have the unique opportunity to influence high-level decision-making within a globally recognised institution, while receiving support for your career advancement in a purpose-driven environment. The role not only allows you to engage with complex legal matters but also to contribute to the University’s strategic ambitions, making it a truly rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Director Legal Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have ties to King’s College London. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the university's recent legal challenges and achievements. Show us that you’re not just a legal whiz but also genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience and how it aligns with the Deputy Director of Legal Services role. We want to hear how you can lead the team and tackle complex legal matters.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at King’s.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director Legal Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in legal services. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Deputy Director Legal Services, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a team, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. We’re looking for examples of how you’ve developed teams and managed complex legal matters, so be sure to include those in your application.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! We appreciate straightforward language that gets to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure your arguments are easy to follow.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining us at King’s College London.
How to prepare for a job interview at King’s College London
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key legal areas mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss your experience with regulatory risk, dispute resolution, and strategic negotiations. This shows you’re not just a qualified solicitor or barrister, but someone who understands the specific challenges faced by King’s College London.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading an in-house legal team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed and developed teams in the past. Highlight your ability to provide clear, pragmatic advice to senior stakeholders and how you’ve navigated competing priorities.
✨Understand the University’s Mission
Familiarise yourself with King’s College London’s strategic ambitions and how the legal function supports these goals. Being able to articulate how you can contribute to the university’s success will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the Office of the Chairman and College Secretariat and its role within the university. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
