At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal advice on complex regulatory matters affecting higher education.
- Company: Join the Office for Students, shaping the future of education in England.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a chance to broaden your expertise.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' futures while working in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with experience in public law or regulation.
The predicted salary is between 68720 - 72004 € per year.
£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
- 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.
Senior Legal Advisor 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 generous benefits including a Civil Service pension, flexible working arrangements, and the chance to engage with complex legal issues that have a direct impact on students and universities, this role provides significant professional growth and influence. Join us in making a meaningful difference in the regulatory landscape of higher education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Advisor 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 even doing mock interviews with friends. Show them you’re not just a legal whiz, but also someone who can think on their feet!
✨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 suggest bringing examples of past work or case studies that demonstrate your skills and how they relate to the role. This will set you apart from the competition!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website for the best chance at landing the role! We’ve made it super easy for you to submit your application and showcase your qualifications. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our mission to shape higher education in England.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Advisor in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in public law and regulatory matters. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant skills!
Showcase Your Expertise:When detailing your experience, focus on specific examples where you've tackled complex legal issues or provided strategic advice. We love seeing how you’ve made an impact in previous roles, so let us know about those high-profile cases!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to legal matters. Use bullet points where possible to make your achievements stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Office for Students
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on 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 depth of knowledge and how you can apply it in a practical setting.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
This role is all about working with senior stakeholders and being part of a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past, especially in high-pressure situations. Highlight your ability to influence and lead discussions.
✨Prepare for Complex Scenarios
Expect questions that test your judgement and decision-making skills in complex legal scenarios. Think through potential regulatory challenges and how you would approach them. This will demonstrate your analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions that show your interest in the organisation's mission and future challenges. Inquire about their current legal initiatives or how they handle politically sensitive issues. This shows you're engaged and forward-thinking.
