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- Tasks: Provide high-quality legal advice on commercial and contract law for UKRI's innovative projects.
- Company: Join UKRI, a leading body driving research and innovation in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, flexible working, and a fantastic pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for continuous learning and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the public sector while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive with strong commercial experience.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 ÂŁ 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.
UKRI’s legal team are now seeking to appoint a Senior In‑house Lawyer (Commercial/Advisory). This post can be based in Swindon or Harwell. Periodic travel to other UKRI locations where the Legal Team and key clients are based may also be required according to business needs. UKRI operates flexible working policies which include the opportunity to work part of the week from home.
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.
Candidates invited to interview will be asked to provide specific examples to demonstrate how they meet the above criteria.
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) employer: UK Shared Business Services Ltd
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)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience with public sector roles. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential colleagues and learn more about UKRI's work.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of commercial and contract law, particularly in relation to public procurement and grant funding. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with UKRI’s mission and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your proactive approach! During interviews, share examples of how you've tackled complex legal issues in the past. Highlight your ability to adapt and learn quickly, as this is key for a role that evolves with policy changes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities and updates about UKRI there.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior In-house Lawyer (Commercial)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Senior In-house Lawyer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what UKRI is looking for.
Show Off Your Legal Skills: Don’t hold back on showcasing your legal expertise! Provide specific examples of your experience in commercial and contract law, especially in public sector contexts. This will help us see how you can contribute to our team.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We want to see your communication skills shine through, so keep it professional yet approachable.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there!
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.
✨Prepare Real Examples
During the interview, be ready to share specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your experience in providing pragmatic legal advice. Think about situations where you've navigated complex contracts or dealt with grant funding issues, as these are key areas for UKRI.
✨Show Your Communication Skills
UKRI values strong communication, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be prepared to discuss how you've influenced stakeholders in previous roles and how you can build relationships within the team and with clients.
✨Demonstrate Your Proactive Approach
Highlight your ability to manage a varied workload and prioritise effectively. Share examples of how you've taken initiative in past roles, especially when faced with tight deadlines or complex legal issues. This will align well with UKRI's need for a flexible and proactive lawyer.