At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal guidance for the University, ensuring compliance and managing risk.
- Company: Join the University of Bath, a top-ranked institution with a vibrant community of over 20,000 students.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like free counselling, discounts, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Relocation allowance and visa reimbursement available; we celebrate diversity and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with experience in leading legal teams and clear communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Head of Legal Services (AS13002) - Bath, BA2 7AY
Head of legal services
With a proud history spanning over 50 years, the University of Bath has grown significantly in both scale and reputation, now home to a vibrant community of over 20,000 students from 153 countries. Renowned for its excellence in teaching and research, the University consistently ranks among the UK’s top five in the Complete University Guide 2024 and is placed 132nd globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Named \'University of the Year\' and ranked 8th in the UK by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025, Bath is celebrated for its outstanding student experience and teaching quality. Its three Faculties - Engineering & Design, Science, and Humanities & Social Sciences - alongside the School of Management, develop a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and global impact.
Role
The Head of Legal Services leads the delivery of legal guidance across the University’s academic and commercial operations. The role includes ensuring legal compliance, managing risk, and leading all aspects of the legal and Freedom of Information teams. Responsibilities include tracking legislative changes, briefing leadership, and handling legal matters with discretion. The position reports to the Director of Legal, Governance & Compliance and includes managing relationships with external legal counsel. The role involves making decisions, adapting to change, and working within a regulatory framework.
- Provide legal advice to senior leadership on legislation and compliance.
- Lead legal input into governance, contracts, property transactions, and dispute resolution.
- Oversee engagement with external legal counsel and manage contract negotiations.
- Support legal processes in student and staff casework, including appeals and grievances.
- Advise on Freedom of Information (FOI) processes and responses.
- Work with Risk & Compliance to meet reporting requirements.
- Create legal templates, toolkits, and training materials to support compliance.
- Maintain the University’s central contracts repository.
- Conduct legal due diligence and raise unresolved risks.
- Direct the Legal and FOI teams, set goals, and coordinate training.
- Supervise legal staff and manage the legal services budget.
- Maintain solicitor registration and participate in legal networks.
- Provide legal advice to the Vice-Chancellor on institutional matters.
About You
This is an exciting opportunity to join the University of Bath as a highly experienced legal professional. As a qualified solicitor or barrister eligible to practise in England and Wales, you bring experience in leading legal teams across areas such as employment law, contracts, litigation, and compliance. You are able to explain legal issues clearly to non-legal audiences and manage Freedom of Information processes and consumer protection matters. You guide and support teams, make decisions under pressure, and stay informed about legal developments and sector requirements. With a practical approach, you contribute to decision-making and help maintain legal standards across the institution. The role involves working with others across the University and engaging with external legal networks.
What we can offer you:
We\'re continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:
- Free counselling services through Health Assured
- Cycle to work scheme
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
- Staff discount at Team Bath gym
- Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
- Staff discount on language courses
- Generous employer contributory pension schemes
- Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
- A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more
- Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
- Local discounts and more
- A family-friendly workplace
- An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
- Relocation allowance
- Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses
Find out more about our benefits and watch the video to hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work as well as following us X and LinkedIn .
Travel to Bath
Bath, known for its Georgian architecture and natural hot springs, has been a desirable place to live since Roman times. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it holds legal protection for its cultural significance. Residents appreciate the green surroundings, parks, hills, and independent shops alongside the iconic Georgian landscape. The city hosts various cultural events like the Bath Literature, Music, and Comedy Festivals, \"Bath in Fashion\" Week, and the annual Bath Digital Festival, providing entertainment for residents. Find essential travel advice at Travel advice (bath.ac.uk) .
Equal Opportunity
We aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students, so we encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on our teams.
We are very proud to be an autism-friendly university and are an accredited Disability Confident Leader; committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.
Closing Date: 01 Oct 2025
Department: Management, Specialist and Administration
Head of Legal Services (AS13002) - Bath, BA2 7AY employer: University of Bath
The University of Bath is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises inclusivity and professional growth. With a generous benefits package including flexible working arrangements, extensive development opportunities, and a supportive environment for diverse backgrounds, employees thrive in a community renowned for its academic excellence and commitment to employee well-being. Located in the picturesque city of Bath, staff enjoy a rich cultural experience alongside their professional journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Legal Services (AS13002) - Bath, BA2 7AY
✨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 University of Bath, 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 Head of Legal Services (AS13002) - Bath, BA2 7AY
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at University of Bath, 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 University of Bath and the specific role of Head of Legal Services (AS13002) - Bath, BA2 7AY. 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 University of Bath’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bath
✨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 University of Bath.
✨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 University of Bath.
