At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a legal team providing top-notch support to an esteemed educational institution.
- Company: Highly regarded university with a commitment to excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, professional development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and networking in the higher education sector.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education through strategic legal guidance and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with 5+ years of experience in commercial law.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
A highly regarded educational institution.
This is a 6 month interim role for a Group Solicitor and Director of Legal Services starting in August 2026. You will be leading a team which provides a high-quality and professional legal service to the University and the Group. This is an important and strategic position and will advise the Group Executive and senior managers in each of the university, college or multi-academy trust on all matters of legal significance. The post-holder will provide in-house legal support and manage the relationships and arrangements with external lawyers where specific external expertise is required.
Typically, the caseload will include:
- Student and education matters
- Regulatory compliance (including consumer issues)
- Commercial contracts
- Research, enterprise & innovation agreements
- Procurement legal advice and contracts
- Academic collaboration agreements (national and international)
- Litigation
- Property
- Legal structures, governance and charity law
- Data protection and freedom of information
The post-holder will require excellent inter-personal skills and an ability to work effectively across organisational, international and professional boundaries.
THE CANDIDATE
Qualified as a solicitor or barrister in England & Wales with 5pqE+ including commercial contract law and dispute resolution. Ideally some of your experience will have been gained in the Higher Education sector, although this is not essential. Demonstrable experience in leading and motivating an effective legal team. Ability to interpret, draft and negotiate a wide variety of different contract documentation. Ability to advise on new areas of law or changes to the law and to make consequential changes to precedents/suites of legal documents/processes. Ability to communicate and present legal and commercial matters clearly to lay-people. Ability to deliver work of a consistently high quality across a wide variety of subject areas and specialisations, often to tight deadlines and to prioritise effectively. Credibility and good interpersonal skills, a natural team-player with a demonstrable record of forming flexible, collaborative professional relationships. Ability to deal politely and professionally with members of the board, executive and senior management and external contacts. Ability to recognise sensitive issues and maintain strict confidentiality. Able to demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, equality and diversity, and its practical application.
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