At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide top-notch legal advice on commercial and contract law for innovative projects.
- Company: Join UKRI, a leading body driving research and innovation in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days of leave, flexible working, and a fantastic pension scheme.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of continuous learning and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while shaping the future of UK research.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with strong commercial experience and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
About UKRI
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is an independent, non‐departmental public body, bringing together the seven Research Councils, Innovate UK, and Research England. UKRI works to maximise value from the UK Government's investment in research and innovation, and its budget was £8bn in 2022. UKRI's mission is to lead the overall strategic direction of research and innovation funding in the UK, pushing the frontiers of human knowledge to deliver benefits for UK society and the economy through world‐class research and business‐led innovation.
About the UKRI Legal team
The UKRI Legal Team delivers high quality, pragmatic and commercially focused legal advice across a broad range of issues that support the effective operation and statutory functions of UKRI. The team's work is wide ranging and continues to grow in both scope and complexity. Our current commercial portfolio includes large‐scale projects and complex contracts, public procurement, intellectual property, property matters, company law, subsidy control, grant funding and research contracts. Lawyers working in UKRI Legal are expected to take a flexible and proactive approach, quickly developing expertise in new or unfamiliar legal areas as UKRI's remit evolves in response to organisational and policy developments.
Role and Responsibilities
You will be an experienced lawyer with strong commercial experience and understanding of public sector policy drivers, able to operate effectively within the statutory framework applicable to a non‐departmental public body, focusing on commercial and contract law and grants and research contracts. In particular you will have:
- Sound technical legal expertise and commercial awareness.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to influence and collaborate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
- A proactive, "can do" approach, with the ability to manage and prioritise a varied and demanding workload.
- Strong attention to detail with a proven track record of meeting deadlines and effectively prioritising and managing competing demands.
Personal Specification
Essential Academic Qualifications
- A minimum of a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, or demonstrable equivalent academic or professional achievement. This may include relevant experience and successful completion of the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL)/CPE, Legal Practice Course (LPC), Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC).
- Where an overseas degree qualification is held, this should be equivalent to a 2:1 degree.
Professional Qualifications
- Qualified to practise as a Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive in England and Wales.
- An understanding of public sector policy drivers and the statutory framework applicable to a non‐departmental public body.
Interview Criteria
- Strong experience of providing pragmatic, business‐focused legal advice, with a particular emphasis on commercial and contract law, including grant funding and research contracts with sound experience in one or more of: subsidy control, public procurement or public law preferred.
- Strong legal judgement and appreciation of legal risk.
- The ability to think strategically and creatively, see legal issues in their wider context and advise accordingly.
- Strong analytical skills, and the ability to deliver timely, proportionate, and considered advice based on sound legal research.
- The ability to build strong relationships with clients and champion the work of the Legal Team.
- A clear understanding of the role of lawyers in a governmental body and a strong appreciation of the implications of UKRI's status as a non‐departmental public body.
Benefits
We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package. We are committed to supporting employees' development and promote a culture of continuous learning!
A list of benefits below:
- An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.
- 30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent).
- Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.
- Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice.
- Flexible working options.
- Plus many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance!
UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.
Senior In-house Lawyer (Commercial) in London employer: UK Shared Business Services Ltd
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Swindon or Harwell where employees can thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working options, and a generous benefits package including a defined benefit pension scheme and 30 days of annual leave, UKRI fosters a culture of continuous learning and work-life balance, making it an ideal place for legal professionals seeking meaningful and impactful careers.
Contact Detail:
UK Shared Business Services Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior In-house Lawyer (Commercial) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience with public sector law. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on UKRI's mission and recent projects. Show us that you understand how your legal expertise can support their goals. Tailor your examples to highlight your commercial and contract law experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing the job. We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on any new opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior In-house Lawyer (Commercial) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior In-house Lawyer role. Highlight your commercial experience and understanding of public sector policy drivers, as these are key to what we're looking for.
Show Off Your Legal Skills:We want to see your strong technical legal expertise in action! Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate your ability to provide pragmatic, business-focused legal advice, especially in commercial and contract law.
Communicate Clearly:Your written communication skills are crucial for this role. Keep your application clear and concise, and make sure to convey your confidence in influencing and collaborating with stakeholders effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with UKRI.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Shared Business Services Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on commercial and contract law, especially in relation to public sector policy. Familiarise yourself with UKRI's mission and the specific legal challenges they face. This will show that you're not just a lawyer, but someone who understands the bigger picture.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to provide pragmatic, business-focused legal advice. Think about times when you've navigated complex contracts or grant funding issues, as these are key areas for this role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You’ll need to influence a range of stakeholders, so being able to convey complex legal concepts in simple terms is crucial. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your delivery.
✨Be Proactive and Flexible
UKRI values a proactive approach, so be ready to discuss how you've adapted to changing circumstances in your previous roles. Highlight your ability to manage competing demands and prioritise effectively, as this will resonate well with their expectations.
