Legal Contracts Officer

Legal Contracts Officer

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Queen Mary University of London

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Draft and negotiate contracts for research and commercial partnerships.
  • Company: Join Queen Mary, a leading university committed to diversity and inclusion.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 30 days leave, and flexible working arrangements.
  • Other info: Great opportunities for personal and professional development in a supportive environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in legal support for innovative research projects.
  • Qualifications: Legal qualification or relevant experience in contract drafting and negotiation.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

The post holder will provide contract administration, legal, quality assurance and contractual expertise in support of Queen Mary's research and commercial partnership activities. The post holder will lead and collaborate with the legal contracts manager on a range of contractual, legal and administrative services, including drafting, negotiation and preparation of contracts for research, collaborations, consultancies, material transfers, services and studentship arrangements, and will offer advice on legal risks and perform quality assurance checks on contracts. The post holder will work closely with commercial partners, providing a high level of client service to support and develop research contracts including the negotiation of commercial, regulatory, intellectual property, data protection and university policy terms.

Responsibilities

  • Draft, negotiate, and prepare contracts for research collaborations, consultancies, material transfers, services, and studentships.
  • Provide legal advice on risks, intellectual property, data protection, regulatory and university policy terms.
  • Perform quality assurance checks on all contracts and ensure uniformity of practice and standards with regard to authorisations, sign‑off and template usage.
  • Maintain and update standard contract templates, report and manage contract lifecycle.
  • Work with the Business Development team to deliver high‑quality legal support for industry engagement and partnerships.
  • Provide specialist contract support, advice and feasibility management on projects involving industry and other external organisations.

Qualifications

  • Legal qualification or relevant experience in contract drafting and negotiation.
  • In‑depth knowledge of contract types, risks and associated legal issues in research and commercial contexts.
  • Strong understanding of intellectual property, data protection, regulatory and university policy requirements.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.

Benefits

  • Competitive salary, pension scheme, 30 days leave per annum (pro‑rata for part‑time/fixed‑term), season ticket loan scheme and a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities.
  • Flexible working arrangements and family‑friendly, inclusive employment policies.
  • Queen Mary's commitment to diversity and equality.
  • Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for candidates with a disability.
  • We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.

Legal Contracts Officer employer: Queen Mary University of London

Queen Mary offers an exceptional work environment for a Legal Contracts Officer, characterised by a commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and professional development. With competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive culture, employees are empowered to thrive while contributing to impactful research and commercial partnerships in a vibrant academic setting. The opportunity to engage with a variety of stakeholders and develop expertise in contract law makes this role both meaningful and rewarding.

Queen Mary University of London

Contact Details:

Queen Mary University of London Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Legal Contracts Officer

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 Queen Mary University of London, 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 Contracts Officer

Contract Drafting
Contract Negotiation
Legal Expertise
Quality Assurance
Risk Assessment
Intellectual Property Knowledge
Data Protection Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Queen Mary University of London, 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 Queen Mary University of London and the specific role of Legal Contracts Officer. 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 Queen Mary University of London’s culture!

How to prepare for a job interview at Queen Mary University of London

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 Queen Mary University of London.

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 Queen Mary University of London.