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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal support for student welfare and property agreements while driving operational excellence.
- Company: Join Unite Students, the UK’s top provider of student accommodation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, and wellness perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment focused on innovation and inclusion.
- Qualifications: 2-4 years PQE in Real Estate or Commercial law, with a passion for collaboration.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to creating a thriving community.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced Legal Counsel to join our fantastic Legal team in Bristol. You will be a critical member of the Legal and Company Secretary team with responsibility for legal, regulatory and contractual matters in our operations business and our nominations portfolio. This means you will be working close to the heart of our business, focused on the success of:
- Our relationships with Universities
- Our student customers, helping ensure we provide a safe and secure home for the young people who live with us
- Our digital operating platform and operational excellence
- Our operating portfolio of property assets
Unite Students is the market leader in PBSA and our business, supported by the legal team, continues to innovate. This role helps us sustain and strengthen this market leading position, guiding the business to stay on point whilst being prepared to challenge the ordinary.
What You Will Be Doing
- Nominations agreements - leading on the drafting and negotiating of nomination agreements with our University partners
- Customer welfare and student tenant issues - providing legal support to our operational teams across the UK on a wide range of customer welfare and student tenant legal issues
- Utilisation Projects - supporting teams as we look to deliver more value from our operating assets
- Real Estate Support - understanding and being able to understand our property ownership structures and support on intragroup arrangements affecting this
- HMO Licensing - providing support to our local teams on the applicable HMO licensing regimes appropriate for their local council and monitoring incoming schemes
- Summer business - supporting our shorter stay relationships as some of our properties shift their focus to short term licences in the summer months
- Data Protection Support - assisting our data protection team with discrete queries to help ensure our continued data protection legislation compliance
- Legal and regulatory change - monitoring legal and regulatory change affecting our operating business and collaborating with the business to understand the impact of this change and help prepare for and manage this change
What We Are Looking for in You
- Real Estate, Commercial and (ideally) licensing experience gained within a leading law firm or in-house legal team (likely 2-4 years PQE).
- Previous in-house experience is not essential and this role may suit an individual looking to leave private practice for the first time
- Commercial acumen and someone who relishes working closely with an operating business and front-line teams
- Enjoys working in a fast paced, dynamic and innovative environment, with the freedom to make decisions and drive change
- Excellent attention to detail
What You Will Get in Return
- A discretionary annual bonus so you can share in the company’s success
- 25 days’ paid holiday and an annual holiday buying scheme, with 5 additional days awarded for long service
- A generous pension scheme - employer contributions between 5% and 11% depending on how much you save
- Various benefits to support your health and wellbeing including a Healthcare Cash Plan, an Employee Assistance Programme, a Wellbeing platform and a Gym benefit that you can share with your family and friends
- Enhanced Family Leave including 18 weeks full pay for birthing parents and 4 weeks for non-birthing parents
- Lots of other great benefits including an annual ShareSave scheme, Employee Life Assurance, a discounts portal and more!
About Unite Students
Founded in 1991, Unite Students is the UK’s leading provider of purpose-built student accommodation. You can find us in 23 leading university towns and cities, with 70,000 students calling us home! We are driven by our values, culture, and a commitment to develop diverse and inclusive teams, filled with positive energy and new ideas. Instinctive inclusion. We know that to create and maintain a happy healthy organisation, we have to work hard to ensure inclusion isn’t just what we do but who we are. People make Unite Students. Employees, students and neighbours all contribute to building environments where we can all thrive.
Room for Everyone. We are proud to be an employer that embraces individuality, and we are passionate about building inclusive teams. We focus on creating a collaborative culture where you can be you, where your voice is heard, and where you can truly belong. We take great pride in being rated Gold Investors in People and are constantly striving to provide the highest standard of learning and development opportunities and professional pathways for our people. Building a home for success, for both our employees and students, requires exceptional people with a passion for creating room for everyone, doing what’s right, keeping us safe, and raising the bar. Join us as we build better experiences for students that live with us.
Legal Counsel in Bristol employer: Unite Students
Contact Detail:
Unite Students Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who might have insights into the role of Legal Counsel. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential colleagues and learn more about the company culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding Unite Students' mission and values. Think about how your experience aligns with their focus on student welfare and operational excellence. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since you'll be drafting and negotiating agreements, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to handle discussions confidently. Role-play with a friend or mentor to sharpen your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Unite Students family.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Legal Counsel role. Highlight your relevant experience in real estate, commercial law, and any licensing knowledge you have. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Acumen: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate your commercial acumen! Share examples of how you've worked closely with operational teams or contributed to business success. We love seeing candidates who can think outside the box.
Attention to Detail is Key: As a Legal Counsel, attention to detail is crucial. Ensure your application is free from typos and errors. A polished application reflects your professionalism and commitment to excellence, which we value highly at StudySmarter.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our fantastic team at Unite Students!
How to prepare for a job interview at Unite Students
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of real estate, commercial law, and licensing. Be ready to discuss specific cases or experiences where you've successfully navigated legal challenges, especially in a fast-paced environment.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with Unite Students' operations and their relationship with universities. Show that you understand how legal matters impact their business model and be prepared to suggest ways you can add value to their team.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This role involves working closely with operational teams, so highlight your experience in collaboration. Share examples of how you've worked with different departments to solve problems or drive change, showcasing your ability to communicate effectively.
✨Be Ready for Change
Legal and regulatory changes are part of the job. Prepare to discuss how you've adapted to changes in the past and how you would approach monitoring and managing these changes at Unite Students. This shows you're proactive and ready to tackle challenges head-on.
