At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal advice on public law and regulatory matters impacting higher education.
- Company: Join the Office for Students, shaping the future of English higher education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for career growth and influence.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while tackling complex legal challenges.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with experience in public law or regulation.
The predicted salary is between 68720 - 72004 € per year.
Senior Legal Adviser £68,720 – £72,004 + £7,500 allowance + London weighting (£3,566 where applicable) Bristol or London | 12 Month Fixed-Term Contract | Generous Civil Service pension
The chance to shape regulation at the heart of English higher education. The Office for Students is looking for an experienced public law or regulatory lawyer to join its legal team as a Senior Legal Adviser. This is a rare opportunity to work on complex, high-profile legal issues that directly affect students, universities, and the future of higher education in England.
You’ll operate at senior level across a fast-moving regulatory environment, advising on matters that are politically sensitive, legally complex, and nationally significant. Whether your background comes from a regulator, central or local government, private practice, or another public body, this role offers the opportunity to apply your expertise in a genuinely influential setting.
The Role
You’ll lead on the provision of legal advice across a broad range of regulatory and public law matters, working closely with senior stakeholders across the organisation. This is a role for someone comfortable operating with autonomy, judgement, and influence. The work is varied, intellectually demanding, and highly collaborative. You’ll advise on areas including:
- Public law and statutory interpretation
- Regulatory enforcement and investigations
- Consumer protection law
- Human rights and equalities law
- Judicial review and litigation management
- Information law, including GDPR and FOI
- Regulatory frameworks and registration conditions
Alongside delivering complex legal advice, you’ll also help shape the wider legal function by:
- Supporting the leadership and development of the legal team
- Managing relationships with external counsel and legal providers
- Delivering training and guidance across the organisation
- Contributing to strategic and operational legal initiatives
About You
Qualified Solicitor with experience in public law, regulation, or a comparable environment. You do not need higher education sector experience, but you will bring transferable expertise. You’ll likely have experience in at least two of the following: Public law, Regulatory enforcement or investigations, Consumer protection law, Interpretation of regulatory rules or licence conditions or Advising on sector-specific legislation within a regulated environment.
Why Join the OfS?
The OfS plays a critical role in protecting students’ interests and ensuring quality and accountability across higher education in England. You’ll join an organisation where legal advice sits close to decision-making and where your work will have visible impact. The environment is collaborative, thoughtful, and mission-driven, with scope to broaden your expertise across a uniquely varied regulatory landscape.
Flexible and hybrid working is actively supported, with teams typically attending the office two days per week. Part-time working, job share arrangements, and secondment enquiries are also welcomed.
If you’re looking for a role combining complex public law work, strategic influence, and meaningful public impact, this is well worth exploring.
Legal Adviser or Policy Adviser in Bristol employer: Office for Students
The Office for Students is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of higher education in England while working in a collaborative and mission-driven environment. With a focus on employee growth, flexible working arrangements, and a generous Civil Service pension, you will find a supportive culture that values your expertise and contributions. Join us in making a meaningful impact on students' lives and the regulatory landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Adviser or Policy Adviser in Bristol
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the legal field! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help land that dream job.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching the organisation and understanding their current challenges in higher education regulation. We recommend practising common interview questions and formulating your own questions to show your interest. Remember, it’s a two-way street!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in public law and regulatory matters. We want to see how your skills can directly impact their work. Bring examples of past successes to the table!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website for the best chance at landing the role! We streamline the application process and ensure your CV gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission-driven team.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Adviser or Policy Adviser in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the role. Highlight your experience in public law and regulatory matters, and show how your skills align with the job description. We want to see how you can make a difference!
Showcase Your Expertise:Don’t hold back on sharing your knowledge! Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your experience in areas like judicial review or consumer protection law. This is your chance to shine and show us what you’ve got.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can communicate complex legal issues effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Office for Students
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Brush up on your knowledge of public law, regulatory enforcement, and consumer protection law. Be ready to discuss specific cases or legislation that relate to the role, as this will show your expertise and understanding of the legal landscape.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
This role involves working closely with senior stakeholders and external counsel. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated in previous roles, highlighting your ability to influence and lead discussions in a team setting.
✨Prepare for Complex Scenarios
Expect questions that test your judgement and decision-making skills in politically sensitive situations. Think of scenarios where you had to navigate complex legal issues and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Higher Education
The Office for Students is all about protecting students' interests. Show your enthusiasm for the sector by discussing why you want to work in higher education and how your legal expertise can contribute to meaningful change.
